Tag Archives: Outlander
2019 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Now Has More Capabilities
The current-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has received very good reviews from critics and car enthusiasts alike. It was efficient, functional, fun to drive, and a relatively affordable plug-in hybrid, midsize, crossover option. For the 2019 model-year, on its home market in Japan, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is receiving a slew of updates—more electric power, a bigger gas engine, a bigger battery, better suspension, two new drive modes, and a number of design tweaks.
The car’s battery capacity has been increased to 13.8 kWh from 12 kWh. That will allow the car’s electric driving range to power to 40.4 miles from the regular 37.8 miles. There is also a boost in power coming from the rear electric motor/generator, and the gas engines increase its displacement from 2.0 liter to 2.4 liters.
There are new driving modes for this model—the Sport and Snow modes. Its 4WD Lock has also been adjusted to enable the better handling of poor road surfaces. This means the midsize crossover will be more than capable to handle off-road conditions.
To do this, the Japanese automaker must fit the Outlander PHEV with larger front and rear dampers with a new type of damper valve. For better steering feel and response, it will also come packed with a faster steering ratio and retuned electric power steering control.
For the exterior, the Outlander PHEV is now fitted with full LED headlights, an updated grille in front, and a new rear spoiler that improves aerodynamics and gives the midsize crossover a sportier look.
The cabin’s seats get leather wrapping with a diamond-quilt pattern. The door trim follows the same design. The front seats have been reshaped for added support.
These updates will likely make Mitsubishi’s midsize crossover more attractive for those looking for functionality and design. These updates are being offered to its Japanese market for now, but we think it’s more than likely we’ll see them in US soil.
3 Key Features of the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
For an estimated starting price of $21,000, is the 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross worth every penny?
1. Design
Just when we thought that the Eclipse moniker is already dead after its production ended in 2011, Mitsubishi just revived the name for its new crossover utility vehicle (CUV). According to CarAndDriver, the company’s reason for carrying the name for their new product is its sloping roofline that is one of the key distinguishing features of the Eclipse coupe.
The Eclipse Cross sits between the Outlander Sport and the Outlander models in the hierarchy of Mitsubishi vehicles. The Eclipse Cross shares the same wheelbase measurement with the mentioned models at 105.1 inches.
The reviewer complained that the Eclipse Cross adopted too many styling factors from the Outlander and the Outlander Sport. The CUV only had a few design elements that set it apart from the two. In addition, the front grille of the auto bears a striking resemblance with the shape of the Lexus NX’s radiator grille.
2. Engine
The Eclipse Cross carries a 1.5-liter inline-four engine. The European model of the unit churns 161 hp at 5,500 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. The company hadn’t released information yet about the configuration of the model bound to the U.S. but expect it to possess a boost in power.
The speed of the Mitsubishi CUV is delivered by a six-speed manual gearbox to the front wheels. The one in the U.S. market will likely come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and an all-wheel version of the auto is also possible.
3. Interior
The cockpit of the Eclipse Cross is a notch up compared to the Outlander. Then again, it was criticized for its heavy use of hard plastic and poor visibility of some of its controls. Despite that, the improved 7.0-inch touchscreen, head-up display, 360-degree camera, touchpad controller and adaptive cruise control make up for the issues.
The infotainment system of the CUV can be integrated with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. However, it lacks a native navigation system.