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Mastering two universes
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Mastering two universes

Ronald Rey M. delos Reyes

Since time immemorial, Mitsubishi has been thriving in its internal combustion engines with its inline-three, inline-four, and V6 gasoline and diesel power plants. The Japanese carmaker even won the “Best Internal Combustion Engine” category at Indonesia’s FORWOT Car of the Year Awards recently with the Destinator’s 1.5-liter MIVEC turbocharged gasoline engine.

More than just the world of ICE, another haymaker in the competition is its plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) contender–the Outlander.

The acclaimed PHEV has built a strong global reputation as one practical, bestselling plug-in hybrid electric choice.

In Japan, for one, Mitsubishi Motors sold 7,794 units of the Outlander PHEV last year, successfully defending its top-spot position it claimed in 2024.

And if the legendary Deadpool can claim himself as the “Marvel Jesus”, the all-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can be the messiah of the brand in the cutthroat local market of electrified vehicles.

“This is a true Mitsubishi SUV,” said Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation president and CEO Ritsu Imaeda during the unveiling ceremony in Quezon City several months ago.

“It is built not only for efficient everyday driving, but also to conquer the world of rugged, unpredictable terrains with confidence,” he added.

According to Imaeda, the Outlander PHEV brings the company’s track record in SUVs to the electrified market.

Mitsubishi has always been renowned for producing durable, rugged, and practical SUVs, heavily praised for value, off-road heritage, and strong four-wheel-drive systems.

Today, the all-new Outlander PHEV serves as MMPC’s flagship model, representing the culmination of the brand’s expertise in SUV engineering, bringing together its renowned Super all-wheel control (S-AWC) system and advanced PHEV technology to deliver “The Power of Both Worlds.”

PHEV powerhouse

The vehicle brings to the table advanced PHEV technology.

Powered by a 2.4L gasoline engine with MIVEC, paired with front and rear electric motors, the sport-ute intelligently switches between electric and gasoline power to deliver exceptional performance while maximizing efficiency. Together, the system produces a combined system output of 303 hp maximum power and 450 N-m of torque. This pushes for a responsive and smooth acceleration, and a combined driving range of almost 1,000 kilometers, along with 100 kilometers of pure electric range.

Also, the driver can intelligently switch multiple EV drive modes: Normal, Save, Charge, and EV Priority in a cinch.

Moreover, the vehicle supports AC Type 2 charging protocol, making it compatible with the local EV charging infrastructure.

A legend in its DNA

Topping this off is that this Outlander carries the same engineering as those Mitsubishis used during its own 12 overall victories at the Paris-Dakar Rally.

The renowned super all-wheel control (S-AWC)—a fully integrated system that brings together the twin-motor 4WD, active yaw control (AYC), anti-lock braking system (ABS), active stability control (ASC), and traction control system (TCS).

What’s good about S-AWC is that it continuously optimizes traction, stability, and handling— giving drivers greater confidence and control across various terrains.

Complementing the technology are seven selectable drive modes, grouped according to driver preference and road conditions. These are Normal, Eco, Power, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud modes.

Other safety features that Mitsubishi Motors Safety Sensing include are forward collision mitigation, blind spot warning, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, automatic high beam, and driver attention alert.

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Signature looks

If the competition prides itself with modern-day sleek designs, this Outlander stands even taller with its rich and long heritage, along with its renowned popularity in the market.

This sport-ute was built to embody the brand’s heritage while showcasing a modern and sophisticated presence, reflecting a legacy brand that is an ever-evolving design language. Wide proportions, muscular stance, and sculpted body surfaces exude confidence from every angle. Its signature Dynamic Shield concept front fascia right of the bat makes it a recognizable standout on the road. This athletic bold profile is further accentuated by sleek full-LED lighting fixtures and striking 20-inch machine-finished and black two-tone alloy wheels.

Premium insides

Inside is a premium cabin rich in refined interior, intricately crafted materials that offer luxury, comfort and advanced technology. While premium light gray leather-trimmed seats and meticulously finished soft-touch materials create a sophisticated cabin atmosphere that elevates the vehicle’s flagship status.

This premium interior is further elevated by a panoramic sunroof.

Other creature comforts consist of a 12.3-inch smartphone-link display audio (SDA) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired to an immersive eight-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system.

Plus, it is equipped with a smart rear view mirror, as well as heads-up display to show relevant information directly onto the windshield in the driver’s front field of view. Comfort is further enhanced by the triple-zone automatic climate control system and eight-way power adjustable seats for driver and front passenger with lumbar support, memory functions, along with heating and ventilation.

The vehicle comes in three premium exterior colors: White Diamond, Black Diamond, and Red Diamond.

The all-new Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can be had at P 2,848,000.

Truly, by the looks of it, this PHEV powerhouse can be a master of both worlds.

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