Check out the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV’s strengths, weaknesses

Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC) has introduced the latest iteration of the Outlander plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). 

This is a big deal for both Mitsubishi and fans of the brand, as this version of the Outlander, as of this writing, is the only Japanese-made PHEV model you can buy in the Philippines right now. 

On that note, we are sure that since its initial local debut at the 2026 Philippine International Motor Show, it has attracted considerable attention. And now, with its formal launch already done, many are no doubt looking into it as a prospective buy. 

But does the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV have any clear weaknesses? Also, what are its strengths? Let’s find out here.

Pros

Peppy powertrain, considerable off-road cred

Most who are considering the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, besides the promise of better fuel economy, are drawn to its peppy powertrain. Specifically, it uses a 2.4-liter gasoline MIVEC engine paired with front and rear electric motors and a battery. 

Altogether, the said system can generate up to 301 horsepower (hp) and 450 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Sure, there are a select few PHEV or hybrid crossovers out in the market right now that can produce more, but the Outlander is definitely high in the totem pole when it comes to producing power. 

As mentioned, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, by its very nature, will provide way better fuel economy compared to traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. In fact, it has almost 1,000 kilometers (km) of combined driving range and an electric-only range of 100 km. The latter will be most helpful when going low and slow in parking lots, in bumper-to-bumper traffic, and other scenarios where the full extent of the vehicle’s powertrain isn’t needed. 

Notably, the vehicle can also be topped up using a Type 2 alternating current (AC) plug. It doesn’t have a direct current (DC) charger that can provide fast charging, but for most, this is a minor issue since the car actively charges itself while driving using its ICE component or its regenerative braking system. 

Apart from what was already mentioned, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes with the Japanese brand’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. With this, the latest iteration of the Outlander has a proven all-wheel-drive system that gives it some degree of ability to tackle difficult terrain. 

Sure, the model isn’t a full-on off-roader, but Mitsubishi’s development of the S-AWC comes from data that trickled down from its long history of off-road dominance in the world of motorsport. We’re talking about its string of victories in the notorious Dakar Rally in the 1990s, and the initial outing of the AWC on the Lancer Evolution VII. 

On that note, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can be an excellent partner for those who regularly travel over gravel, light mud, or other scenarios where the road surface is slippery. 

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Doesn’t skimp on amenities

Another reason to get the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is its considerable array of interior features. It is clear that the brand designed this ride as its flagship crossover, given the sheer number of creature comforts it offers. 

For starters, the model’s five-seater layout was kitted out with leather upholstery, a 60:40-split folding second row, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with lumbar support and ventilation, and a triple-zone automatic climate control system.

Specific for the Outlander PHEV’s driver are the following features:

• 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster
• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold
• Leather shift knob
• Smart rear view mirror with auto-dimming
• Keyless operation
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Multi-function steering wheel
• Drive mode selector (terrain and power management)

When it comes to infotainment systems, the vehicle was equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This display is linked to an eight-piece Yamaha speaker set, while topping up devices can be done through 220-240-volt power outlets, a 12-volt accessory socket, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and Type-C USB ports.

On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes with a lot of useful exterior bits as well. These include a full complement of LED lighting fixtures, automatic headlamps, power-folding/adjustable side mirrors with reverse auto-tilting, rain-sensing wipers, a panoramic sunroof, a power tailgate with a kick sensor, and roof rails. Rounding these up are a set of 20-inch alloy wheels. 

For reference, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is 4,720 millimeters (mm) long, 1,862 mm wide, and 1,751 mm in height. It also has a wheelbase length of 2,704 mm and a ground clearance of 199 mm. 

Comprehensive safety kit

For those who are new to driving or those who merely want a strong layer of safety, there’s plenty to like about the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. 

Its suite of advanced driver-assist systems, dubbed the Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing (MMS), is quite comprehensive. It consists of the following features:

• Forward collision mitigation system
• Leading car departure notification
• Blind spot warning system
• Lane change assist
• Rear-cross traffic alert
• Automatic high beams
• Adaptive cruise control
• Driver attention alert

Apart from those technologies, the model also comes with a strong lineup of standard safety bits. It has dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags, a driver knee airbag, anti-lock braking, stability control, traction control, active yaw control, hill-start assist, hill-descent control, around-view camera, and ISOFIX - among others.

Cons

A bit pricey

Notably, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a suggested retail price of P2.848 million. This places it as one of the pricier five-seater PHEV crossover nameplates in the country right now. 

The one competitor that roughly hits the same bandwidth of pricing is the Honda CR-V RS e:HEV AWD, which, even then, is slightly more affordable at P2.838 million. 

On the one hand, buyers are cornered in this segment as these are the only two Japanese-branded electrified AWD models sold in the Philippines right now. There’s also the fact that the Mitsubishi Outlander is a PHEV, whereas the top-spec Honda CR-V is a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). 

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: specifications

Model	Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Exterior
Dimensions (L x W x H, in mm)	4,720 x 1,862 x 1,751
Wheelbase (mm)	2,704
Ground clearance (mm)	199
Wheel size	20-inch
Lighting system	LED
Interior
Material	Leather
Amenities	Tilt and telescopic steering column Electronic parking brake Drive mode selector Power-adjustable front seats w/ ventilation 60:40 split-folding second row Smart rear-view mirror 12.3-inch digital gauge Triple-zone automatic climate control 220-240-volt power outlet 12-volt accessory outlet USB ports Wireless smartphone charging pad Panoramic sunroof Power tailgate with kick sensor Roof rails Automatic headlamps Eight-piece Yamaha speaker set
Infotainment system	12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Seating capacity	Five
Powertrain
Electric motor setup	Front and rear electric motors
Battery size	22.7 kilowatt hours
Internal combustion engine	2.4-liter MIVEC gasoline
Drivetrain	All-wheel-drive
Transmission	Trans axle
Horsepower	301
Torque	450
Technology
ADAS	Forward collision mitigation system Leading car departure notification Blind spot warning system Lane change assist Rear-cross traffic alert Automatic high beams Adaptive cruise control Driver attention alert
Price	P2.848 million

Final thoughts

If speaking strictly in terms of specifications and features, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV offers a lot. It has loads of amenities, a comprehensive safety kit, and a powertrain-and-all-wheel-drive combo that won’t leave you hanging when the going gets a bit tough. 

It is an excellent PHEV crossover by all accounts, but the only thing we can see stopping it from gaining mainstream status in the local market is its price. Then again, we could be wrong, judging by the sheer number of its similar-priced Honda-made rival on the road. 

So, if you like what you see from the Outlander PHEV, do not hesitate to visit the nearest Mitsubishi dealership and ask for a test drive. Because who knows, this could be the right one for you. 

Also read:

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EDITORIAL: Mitsubishi Xforce HEV to require strong will to enter PH market

Here are the competitors of the upcoming Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

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