Why should we bring Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 in the Philippines? (A petition)

In the road full of X-trails, Subarus, and Tucsons, there is a small voice of gearheads silently but resoundingly groaning for a demand that may seem more popular than they think.

Bring back Mitsubishi Outlander.

And now that in the U.S and other parts of the world, the 2018 variant is available in the markets, we cannot help but really sour grape and wonder when the heck the Japanese brand would release the masterpiece of a crossover to the Philippines. It has been quite some time since our roads were graced by the CUV.

>>> Latest update: 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander: Expectations and what we know so far

If Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 should be available in the Philippines, what can we expect from the crossover?

The car looks better in profile than when you look at its upfront

Mitsu’s fanboys, girls and everyone else in between love the idea of choosing a 7-seater unibody- while we have ASX, the added benefit of an extra option is always nice. That is if we can handle the added consequences of an added option.

That added consequence means thinking if our roads can really handle the demand of Hybrids. The Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) - which simply means that the vehicle is capable of having its battery be recharged from an external source, apart from its built-in engine and generator. This is very good considering that Hybrids are exempted from the horrendous increase of car prices due to the excise tax. Good option to have - if only we can handle PHEVs, but we digress.

>>> Find more updates of the Outlander:

• Fresh reports: All-new Mitsubishi Outlander 2020/2021 to be built in France
• Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 launched in India to compete with Toyota Fortuner

Video: 2018 Mitsubishi Outlander | Exclusive First Drive Review |

With all that said, if 2018 Outlander should be available in the Philippines, what can we expect from the crossover?

Looking at the exterior’s styling, the model leaves much to be desired. Unlike its other Mitsu cousins like Xpander, the Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 seems to lack cohesiveness in design - especially when looking at its cladding. The Dynamic shield design presents itself as an upscale feel, but for some reason, the design, along with the overall lines of the vehicle ended up almost looking like fangs. The car looks better in profile than when you look at it upfront.

But you know, style is not what the reason why we are buying a CUV anyway.

What to expect is an upgraded cabin with a 7-inch infotainment screen that has Bluetooth connectivity

We can appreciate its interiors, updated with visually appealing materials and updated leather upholstery. You can also expect an upgraded cabin with a 7-inch infotainment screen that has Bluetooth connectivity. Other features include a rearview camera, a nicely leather-wrapped steering wheel, keyless ignition, dual-zone climate control and USB port. The seven-seater space is a plus, though the third row is understandably for kids only with its limited legroom.

On the downside, the outdated powertrains of the PHEV may be its greatest liability. According to the latest auto updates, the crossover is at 3,500 pounds - a rather difficult task for its four wheel drive and its engine to push forward. The 2.4-liter inline-4 that dishes out a rather underwhelming 166HP can be a challenge in highway situations.

We can appreciate its interiors, updated with visually appealing materials and updated leather upholstery

The Mitsubishi Outlander’s name is quite an irony - as the PHEV is perfect for short city driving and not the outlandish terrains of off-roads and highways. Nevertheless, the growing demand for hybrids in the Philippines makes us really want to appeal to Mitsu.

We want the Mitsubishi Outlander 2018 in the Philippines. Hopefully very, very soon. Latest updates on upcoming Mitsubishi cars can be found in our Complete guide to the Mitsubishi Philippines' local lineup.