Sleeper cars are the hidden badasses of the automotive world. If you’re acquainted with what this term means, then you’ll know what we’re talking about. If not, a sleeper car is a vehicle that looks unassuming but is actually packing a lot of horsepower.
To provide more detail, sleeper cars are vehicles that look simple and stock on the outside but were modified and tuned for power only. So, no overt exterior mods, no hyper-aggressive designs, and definitely no big wings and spoilers. That said, outright sports cars are excluded from this classification. Stock or otherwise.
Pre-facelift Mitsubishi Outlander (2007)
But did you know that some cars are considered sleepers right from the factory?
One example of this is the second-generation Mitsubishi Outlander, which was sold locally from 2007 to 2010. Why in the blazes is the Outlander, a practical and family-friendly crossover, considered a sleeper?
Mitsubishi Outlander: Evo X on stilts
For starters, the 2.4 GLS and GLX variants are both powered by the 4B12 inline-4 DOHC engine. This particular four-banger stems from the same engine series that powers the 2007-2016 Lancer Evolution X. Sure, the one aboard the Evo X is the 4B11, but the 4B12 only has slight deviations from the latter.
The Outlander’s 4B12 can make up to 170 horsepower and 226 Nm of torque. For the GLX, power is sent to the front wheels. Its sportier brother, the GLS, has an all-wheel-drive (AWD).
There’s also the fact that the second-gen Outlander rides on the same platform as the Lancer. It is taller though, so body roll is a thing. But still, many who have driven Outlander will still say that the sprightly, agile qualities of the Lancer can be felt on the Mitsubishi-made crossover.
Mitsubishi Outlander, first-facelift
Apart from the 2.4 variants, Mitsubishi Philippines also released the 3.0-liter 6B31 V6 versions locally. These variants also had all-wheel-drive, and they made even more power. At the most, both the 3.0 GLS and GLS Sport can produce up to 220 horsepower and 277 Nm of torque. That’s nothing to scoff at especially on the highway.
Regrettably, the 2.4 versions were only available with a continuously variable transmission. In turn, the 3.0 versions did come with a more robust six-speed automatic gearbox.
Despite this, the second-gen Outlander was fast on straight lines (at least for a crossover). There’s also the fact that the 2.4-liter, even with AWD, only weighed in at 1,599 kg. It isn’t a lightweight by any means, but it sure is lighter than many crossovers and even midsize sedans during that period.
>>> Related: 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander: Expectations and what we know so far
The Outlander's very powerful 3.0-liter 6B31 V6
All in all, the 2007 to 2010 Outlander was practically an Evo X on stilts. Mitsubishi at that time was also aware of this fact. This was of course made even more evident when the Japanese company introduced the Outlander Ralliart concept. The said one-off concept car used a supercharged version of the 6B31 V6, plus improvements to its suspension and brake components.
Later on, in 2009, Mitsubishi made a second Outlander concept car called the Outlander GT Prototype. It even bore the same front grille as the Lancer Evo X.
>>> Related: You may now buy a Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in the Philippines
Mitsubishi Outlander, the second facelift and the last version of the 2nd-gen model
Mitsubishi Outlander: I want one, so what now?
Currently, the Outlander that was sold from 2007 to 2010 has a used price of somewhere around Php 180,000 to Php 300,000. This depends on the condition and its specs. Of course, newer versions will command a higher price. You can check out our Mitsubishi Outlander car for sale section.
Do you think that the Outlander is indeed a sleeper, or do you consider it as just another early 2000s crossover?
For more car news, car reviews, and car buying tips, keep it here on Philkotse.com.
Know more about Mitsubishi Outlander 2024
The Outlander PHEV 2024 is the latest entry of the three-diamond brand Mitsubishi into the Philippines market's crossover segment. It is offered in the local market with two variants only and the Mitsubishi Outlander 2024 price Philippines rangers from Php 2,998,000. Under the hood of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV lies a naturally aspirated 2.4L inline-4 MIVEC gasoline engine that generates 128 horsepower and 199 Newton-meter of torque. This is paired with a hybrid system, with the electric motors delivering up to 70 hp and 195 Newton-meter of torque. Another powertrain feature is the Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) 4WD System.
Dimensions-wise, the Outlander PHEV is 4,695 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,710 mm tall. It also gets a ground clearance and wheelbase rated at 190 mm and 2,670 mm, respectively. This Mitsubishi model is almost on a segment of its own as not a lot of compact crossovers in the country such as the Honda CR-V and Subaru Forester utilize a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) system.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: A Great Intro to Plugging In | Philkotse Reviews
>>> New and used Mitsubishi Outlander 2024 for sale in the Philippines
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Launch
Mitsubishi Philippines launched the Outlander PHEV in September 2020 with only a single variant option. The Outlander PHEV's only variant is powered by a naturally-aspirated 2.4L gasoline engine combined with a hybrid system. Combining these powerplants generates 128 hp and 199 Nm of torque delivered via an all-wheel-drive system coming from two electric motors. It allows the Japanese crossover to send power to the front and rear separately.
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2024 boasts a 5-star NCAP rating, making it one of the safest crossovers on sale locally. The Japanese crossover has a Php 2,998,000 price tag.
Mitsubishi Outlander Exterior
Mitsubishi built the Outlander PHEV 2024 for road trips, families, utility, versatility, and everything in between. The style is not compromised, as seen on its revised fascia and sleek, angular two-slat front grille exuding confidence. It also provides the vehicle with smooth curves for a practical and stylish drive. With a length of 4695 mm, a width of 1800 mm, and a height of 1710 mm, the Mitsubishi Outlander can comfortably accommodate five occupants.
Mitsubishi Philippines offers the Outlander PHEV in six color options: Ruby Black Pearl, Quartz Brown, Rally Red, Pearl White Alloy, Mercury Grey, and Alloy Silver.
Mitsubishi Outlander Interior
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Philippines offers a comfortable cabin with the introduction of redesigned rear seats and power driver lumbar support. With these features, the driver and passengers can maintain positive posture and ride comfort even during longer rides.
The seats of the Japanese crossover also have flexible seat configurations to maximize cargo space. Folding the second row of seats can provide a maximum cargo space of 1602 liters. Entertainment is also not a problem because this vehicle comes with an 8-inch Smartphone-Link Display Audio system. It allows the occupants to connect their smartphones or mobile devices via Bluetooth. The SDA system is also Android Auto compatible.
Technology & Safety Features
The Japanese crossover is packed with tech and safety features that make its price tag reasonable. First on the list is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment unit with smartphone compatibility. Occupants can seamlessly switch between maps, music, and contacts through voice control and touchscreen with Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay.
The Outlander PHEV 2024 also comes with adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane-keep assist, multiple airbags, traction control, blind-spot monitoring, redesigned second-row seats, and lumbar support on the driver seat. Additional safety features include forward collision mitigation with a pedestrian detection system and automatic high beams.
Mitsubishi Outlander Platform & Chassis
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2024 is a five-door crossover with a 4695 mm width, a width of 1800 mm, a height of 1710 mm, a wheelbase of 2670 mm, and a ground clearance of 190 mm. The Japanese crossover has five seating capacities. It is equipped with MacPherson struts with coil springs and stabilizers at the front suspension and multi-link with stabilizers at the rear.
The braking power of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV comes from the front ventilated discs and rear solid discs. It also comes with an electric switch-type parking brake along with a Brake Auto Hold and Hill Start Assist.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Outlander PHEV 2024 is a fuel-efficient family hauler. The Japanese crossover is built with a naturally aspirated 2.4L gasoline engine designed to maximize fuel economy and efficiency. It boasts an impressive highway rating of 30 MPG. The powerplant generates 128 horsepower and 199 Newton-meter.
The gasoline engine is paired with an electric motor, which alone can generate 137 Newton-meter of torque – sufficient energy to keep the eco-friendly SUV going. The vehicle's electric motor and battery pack provide the Japanese crossover an excellent fuel efficiency.
The combination of these powerplants generates 190 hp and 332 Nm of torque that is delivered via an all-wheel-drive system coming from two electric motors. It allows the Japanese crossover to send power to the front and rear separately.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2024 Price List
| Variants | Price |
|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2.4 AWD AT | ₱2,998,000 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2.4 AWD AT (Ruby Black) | ₱3,013,000 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2.4 AWD AT (White Pearl) | ₱3,013,000 |
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2.4 AWD AT (Red Diamond) | ₱3,020,000 |
Mitsubishi Outlander FAQs
1. What problems do the Mitsubishi Outlander have?
The most common Mitsubishi Outlander issues that have been reported are: Premature Brake Wear, Automatic, Transmission Failure, Paint Chipping, Resistor and/or Fan Motor Failure, AC Pressure Switch Failure.
2. Are Outlanders good cars?
No doubt, it is. In general, the Mitsubishi Outlander 2024 is a bright choice in the segment when it has an attractive starting price and a wide price range. In addition, 5 + 2 seats structure, flexible operation, smoothness, fuel economy and especially high safety are also plus points of this automobile.
3. Is there Mitsubishi Outlander in Philippines?
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has been officially available in the Philippines since 2020 September.
4. What is the lifespan of a Mitsubishi Outlander?
On average, a Mitsubishi Outlander can last 200.000 - 250.000 miles until it breaks down. If you drive it 15.000 miles per year, then this SUV can be used up to 13-17 years.
5. Is the Mitsubishi Outlander 7-seater?
No, it’s not. The Mitsubishi Outlander is an SUV with 5 seats.
₱ 2,998,000
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