Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (2013-2021) interior & comfort
The Mitsubishi is roomy and comfortable, but the interior looks drab and the perceived quality isn’t up to the standard you’d hope given the price
The Outlander is appealingly cushy and easy to relax in, which is what you want from a big SUV. There’s plenty of adjustability and the lofty driving position gives you a good view down the road.
For all that, the conventional-looking dashboard is a bit underwhelming in its appearance, as is the material quality for a car that in top-spec trim costs the same as the vastly more expensive-feeling BMW 530e. The large door mirrors and wide pillars cause blind spots, but nothing unusual for a big SUV, and even the cheapest model gets a reversing camera.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV dashboard
The Mitsubishi Outlander has a conventional interior with a straightforward layout and chunky switchgear, which ambient strip lighting does little to jazz up. Nevertheless, while the interior is functional and easy to use, it doesn't look as special as you feel it should given the technology under the metal and the price in the brochure; A mid-range Skoda Kodiaq is much nicer inside.
All Outlander PHEVs come with a 4.2-inch colour LCD screen between the dials to display hybrid functions such as energy flow, driving range, energy usage and regenerative braking.
Equipment, options & accessories
The range kicks off with the entry-level Verve specification, which includes DAB radio, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless operation, rear parking sensors, a rear spoiler, cruise control, power-folding door mirrors and LED daytime running lights. Headlamp washers, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a programmable climate control system, which can warm or cool the car in advance of a journey, complete the suite of standard kit.
Next up is the Design trim, which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, an eight-inch Smartphone Line Display Audio (SDA) infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration and an integrated reversing camera display. The Dynamic brings leather upholstery, an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, black headlining, blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert.
At the top of the range is the Outlander PHEV Exceed, which boasts integrated TomTom sat nav, diamond-quilted leather, LED headlights with LED high-beams, LED front foglights, a 360-degree camera, a heated steering wheel, a powered tailgate and twin rear USB sockets. There are also 'Safety' variants of the Dynamic and Exceed, which add a plethora of active safety systems, including forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and automatic high-beam headlights, plus front and rear parking sensors.
Infotainment, apps & sat nav
The Mitsubishi comes with a eight-inch colour touchscreen system dubbed ‘Smartphone Link Display Audio’, or SDA. You only get factory-fit sat nav with that on the top trim level, but you do get Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth audio streaming and a hands-free function, plus six speakers through which to enjoy it. Thanks to the functionality offered through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – the official apps that allow a car’s system to display your phone’s music, contacts, phone history, maps and other relevant apps – you also get voice control.
