7 Reasons to Love the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL (And a Few Things You Might Not)

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL is one of those cars that makes you go "Hey that's kinda cool." This plug-in hybrid SUV brings a lot to the table – a comfortable ride good fuel economy and a dash of electrification that makes it an attractive choice for families and commuters alike. While the Outlander PHEV SEL offers a compelling package of features and benefits it’s not without its quirks (you’ll see what I mean). But overall there are 7 reasons why you might just fall for this 2024 Outlander – and I'll throw in a couple of its lovable flaws for balance too.

Design That Makes a Statement

The first thing you’ll notice about the 2024 Outlander PHEV SEL is its bold new look. It has a more sophisticated front grille sporty LED headlights and the signature "Dynamic Shield" design that Mitsubishi’s been raving about. This SUV isn't trying to blend into the sea of crossovers – it wants to stand out in the crowd.

Sleek Yet Rugged Styling

Unlike the previous generations of Outlander (which were, let's say, a bit more conservative), this new version has a more rugged but modern exterior. The sculpted lines and chunky body give it that “I can go off-road but I probably won’t” kind of vibe – which let’s face it is exactly what a lot of us are looking for in an SUV.

"Mitsubishi has really gone all out on the design of the 2024 Outlander," says Alex Collantes a long-time Mitsubishi enthusiast. "It feels premium without losing that adventurous touch that makes you want to drive it all the way to the mountains."

Interior Comfort & Tech

If you spend a lot of time driving (or just sitting in traffic sigh), the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL is going to keep you comfy. The interior is designed to feel both premium and practical – with soft-touch materials leather-appointed seats and an intuitive infotainment system. Let's break it down a bit.

Spacious Seating for Everyone

This SUV can comfortably seat up to seven passengers which is no small feat. The three-row configuration is perfect for families and you even get some versatility with the second row's sliding and reclining functionality. Though let's be real that third row is a bit of a tight squeeze for adults (you might want to save those seats for the kids).

Easy-to-Use Tech & Infotainment

Mitsubishi didn't go too crazy with complicated tech in the 2024 Outlander PHEV SEL. You get an 8-inch touchscreen display (upgradable to 9 inches if you opt for higher trims), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a heads-up display that makes you feel like you’re driving into the future. There’s also wireless charging and multiple USB ports so your devices stay juiced up.

Driving Experience – Smooth & Efficient

So how does this bad boy drive? Well let’s just say Mitsubishi’s done a good job balancing efficiency and performance. Under the hood the Outlander PHEV SEL pairs a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine with two electric motors – one on each axle – giving it an all-wheel-drive setup that works seamlessly whether you’re on pavement or gravel.

All-Electric Range

One of the highlights of the Outlander PHEV is its all-electric driving capability. The 20 kWh battery pack allows you to drive up to around 38 miles on electric power alone – perfect for short commutes or trips around town. This makes it ideal for those who want to cut down on fuel usage and emissions but aren't ready to go full electric just yet.

Smooth Hybrid Transitions

A cool thing about the 2024 Outlander PHEV SEL is how seamlessly it switches between electric and gas power. You won’t notice any clunky transitions – it’s smooth and effortless which is exactly what you want in a plug-in hybrid. And with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) technology the car feels more planted on the road providing good grip even in wet conditions.

Fuel Economy & Efficiency

For an SUV the fuel economy on this model is worth talking about. With an estimated 64 MPGe (Miles Per Gallon Equivalent) in combined driving the Outlander PHEV is more efficient than a lot of its competition. And even when you run out of battery juice it still gives you decent fuel economy on gas-only mode – around 26 mpg combined.

Practical Features & Cargo Space

If you’re a fan of versatile cargo space then this SUV has got your back. The rear seats fold flat to provide a surprising amount of cargo room – up to 66.6 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded down. You might be a little disappointed if you’re trying to fit a full-sized dresser in there but for groceries camping gear or the occasional Ikea run it's plenty.

Safety First – Advanced Driver Assistance Systems

Mitsubishi takes safety seriously in the 2024 Outlander PHEV SEL. It's packed with an array of standard safety features to make you feel more secure on the road.

Standard Safety Suite

The Mitsubishi Safety Suite includes:

• Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM)
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Blind Spot Warning (BSW)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)

These features make it easier to navigate busy highways city streets and tight parking spaces.

Advanced Safety Package (Available on Higher Trims)

If you’re willing to splurge a bit there’s an available MI-PILOT Assist which adds more semi-autonomous driving features like Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).

Potential Drawbacks – And Why You'll Love Them Anyway

Okay so the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL isn't perfect (spoiler: no car is). But let’s be real – some of its quirks are what make it a lovable underdog in the world of SUVs. Here are a couple of things you might want to keep in mind – with a touch of humor so you don’t take them too seriously.

1. Tight Third Row

Yes I mentioned the third row before but it’s worth reiterating – it’s tight. Like “hope you enjoy sitting with your knees up to your chest” tight. So if you're planning on transporting full-grown adults in the back regularly you might want to invest in a shoehorn or consider a bigger SUV.

2. EV Range Limitations

The 38-mile all-electric range is decent but if you're expecting to drive across state lines on electric power alone, you might be in for a surprise. You'll definitely need to plan ahead if you’re going for long trips – but hey at least you can always switch over to the gas engine.

3. Road Noise

The Outlander is generally a quiet ride but under harder acceleration, the engine can get a little loud. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means but don't expect to whisper sweet nothings to your passenger at highway speeds without raising your voice a bit.

4. Infotainment System – Not the Fastest

While the touchscreen is user-friendly, it’s not exactly what you’d call lightning-fast. If you’re used to smartphones that respond the second you tap them you might notice a little lag here and there. But let’s be real – it gives you a chance to practice a bit of patience in this fast-paced world right?

The Verdict – Is the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL for You?

If you’re looking for a stylish practical SUV that’s got a bit of eco-friendliness the 2024 Outlander PHEV SEL is definitely worth considering. Its design is modern and eye-catching the interior is spacious and comfortable and it comes loaded with a decent amount of tech and safety features. And let's not forget its plug-in hybrid capability – offering you the best of both worlds.

"The Outlander PHEV SEL has a unique charm to it," says Alex Collantes. "Sure it's not perfect but that's part of what makes it fun to drive. You feel like you're driving something that's just a little bit different from the norm."

Pros & Cons – Quick Summary

Pros

• Bold exterior design that stands out
• Efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain with up to 38 miles of electric range
• Smooth driving experience with S-AWC for all-weather confidence
• Comfortable interior with seating for seven (mostly kids in the third row)
• Generous cargo space when rear seats are folded
• Loaded safety features to keep you and your family secure

Cons

• Tight third row (unless you're a child or a contortionist)
• Limited all-electric range compared to some other PHEVs
• Engine noise can get loud on hard acceleration
• Infotainment lag – not a deal-breaker but noticeable

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL offers a lot of value for those who want an SUV that's fuel-efficient stylish and packed with tech. It’s not without its quirks but that’s what makes it fun. Whether you're an adventurous soul looking for a weekend getaway car or just someone who wants to save a few bucks on gas this plug-in hybrid has a lot to offer.

If you can embrace its imperfections and have a sense of humor about its occasional shortcomings then the Outlander PHEV SEL could be a perfect match for your next road trip or daily commute.

References

(Note: Although I cannot cite exact sources here as this content is unique and synthesized without direct copying please refer to reliable automotive sites like Edmunds MotorTrend or Car and Driver for additional reviews and specifications on the 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL.)