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mein-auto-blog has been running the 2017 plug-in hybrid variant of the Mitsubishi Outlander in the long-term test for a few months now and we have a top model again and also the driver assistance package. A “full hut” and yet, there are things that drive us too. There is Mitsubishi's equipment policy, which leaves little room for the customer. Numerous comments reflect the displeasure of customers and in the corresponding web forums you can read from PHEv interested parties who would like more variability in the equipment details. In addition, there always seems to be gaps in Mitsubishi sellers as to which details now belong to which equipment line.
The most important equipment differences of the PHEV-Outlander variants
There are basically three equipment lines: Basic, Plus and Top. Since the 2017 model year, the Plus and Top variants also have the option of ordering a “driver assistance package” variant. The current special model generation “Edition 100” is not available for the Plug-in Hybrid Outlander.
Typically Japanese: all inclusive
The Lack of configuration of the Mitsubishi Outlander is not a Mitsubishi business alone. It is a typical feature of Japanese vehicles. The long transport by ship, low prices and still good quality require compromises in the possibility of equipping vehicles very individually. All the more gratifying the possibility of being able to choose individual equipment lines and thus receive a price gradation for your own individual requirements. However, this also leads to decisions that one might personally make differently.
Example 1: Android car and Apple CarPlay or the Mitsubishi multimedia system
The “Smartphone Link Display Audio” system for the integration of ANDROID smartphones and APPLE CarPlay is only available for the Plus equipment line. But that in turn also means that your own navigation solution is no longer on board and you also have to do without the 710 watt Rockford-Fosgate premium sound system. If you choose the Plus version “with driver assistance package”, you still have to do without the parking assistant (RCTA). And there is no parking aid either, just the 360 ° camera.
Example 2: glass sliding roof only for top models
If you also want to use the glass sunroof in addition to the air conditioning system, you automatically have to resort to the TOP variant. An optional retrofit for the base or plus version is not possible.
Example 3: No blind spot assist despite driver assistance package
Even those who choose the plus version “with driver assistance package” still have to do without the blind spot assistant. This is also only available in the TOP version. But then also there without having to order the “driver assistance package”. Isn't a blind spot warning system a classic driver assistance system?
Example 4: Fabric seats do not exist
If you choose the basic version, you will receive seat covers in a microfiber / synthetic leather version, but no seat heating. It is not necessary to order no “replica leather” at all. So you have to go directly to the Plus version, because the two-stage seat heating is included in the scope of delivery. And the heated leather steering wheel at the same time.
The basic equipment is also only available without the electric hot water heater. The Plug-In Hybrid Outlander loses its appeal in winter. The gasoline engine has to work much more often, the electric range decreases, the comfort plus of pre-heating is not available.
Important to know: The basic version has no LED headlights. However, even with the top-of-the-range models, this only applies to the dimmed headlights, because even the highest-quality PHEV Outlander has only installed halogen bulbs for high beam.
And finally ...
There remains room for improvement in the plug-in Hybrid Outlander, and just the coupling of individual trim levels to trim lines can lead to frustration on the buyer side. Apple Car Play only without Aussparkassistent and Totwinkelwarner? Strange!