2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Seats and Seat Belt Setup Guide

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a well-thought-out interior that puts comfort and safety first. This is especially clear in the way the seats and belts are set up. The Outlander PHEV is designed to be useful in a variety of situations. It has well-made seats that are supportive for both short and long trips. The layout of the interior is designed to be both roomy and comfortable for the driver and guests, making the ride more enjoyable for everyone. The seats are stylish and useful, with a variety of changes so that everyone can find the right fit. Mitsubishi has also added cutting-edge seat belt technology to the Outlander PHEV to make it safer for people who are riding in it. Mitsubishi’s commitment to making driving safe and fun is shown by the way the seat belts are set up to safely restrain passengers in the event of sudden stops or accidents. The 2023 Outlander PHEV is a hybrid SUV that hits a good balance between being safe, comfortable, and good for the environment. This makes it a great choice for people who want to drive in a modern and environmentally friendly way.

SEATS

WARNING

• Do not place objects under the seats. This could prevent the seat from locking securely, and it could lead to an accident. It may also cause damage to the seat or other parts.
• Do not ride in a moving vehicle when the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident, you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries.
• For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back and upright in the seat with both feet on the floor and adjust the seat properly. See “Precautions on seat belt
• After adjustment, gently rock in the seat to make sure it is securely locked.
• Be sure to adjust the seat before driving. Adjusting a seat while driving may lead to an unexpected accident.
• Do not leave children unattended inside the vehicle. They could unknowingly activate switches or controls. Unattended children could become involved in serious accidents.
• To help avoid the risk of injury or death through unintended operation of the vehicle and/or its systems, do not leave children, people who require the assistance of others, or pets unattended in your vehicle. Additionally, the temperature inside a closed vehicle on a warm day can quickly become high enough to cause a significant risk of injury or death to people and pets.
• Do not adjust the driver’s seat while driving so full attention may be given to vehicle operation. The seat may move suddenly and could cause a loss of control of the vehicle.
• The seatback should not be reclined any more than needed for comfort. Seat belts are most effective when the passenger sits well back and straight up in the seat. If the seatback is reclined, the risk of sliding under the lap belt and being injured is increased.

CAUTION

• When adjusting the seat positions, be sure not to contact any moving parts to avoid possible injuries and/or damage.
• The seat adjustment must be performed by an adult. If a child adjusts a seat, it may cause an unexpected accident.

FRONT SEATS

Front manual seat adjustment Forward and backward:

1. Pull up the adjusting lever.
2. Slide the seat to the desired position.
3. Release the adjusting lever to lock the seat in position.

Reclining:

1. Pull up the adjusting lever.
2. Tilt the seat back to the desired position.
3. Release the adjusting lever to lock the seatback in position.

The reclining feature allows the adjustment of the seatback for occupants of different sizes to help obtain the proper seat belt fit. (See “Seat belts” (P.3-18).) The seatback may be reclined to allow occupants to rest when the vehicle is parked.

Seat lifter (Driver’s seat only):
Pull up or push down the adjusting lever to adjust the seat height until the desired position is achieved.

Lumbar support (Driver’s seat only):
The lumbar support feature provides lower back support to the driver.
Push the switch as shown to adjust the seat lumbar area until the desired position is achieved.

Front power seat adjustment Operating tips:

• The power seat motor has an auto-reset overload protection circuit. If the motor stops during the seat adjustment, wait 30 seconds, then reactivate the switch.
• To avoid discharge of the battery, do not operate the power seats for a long period when the Plug-in Hybrid EV system is not running.

See “Driver and front passenger memory settings” (P.5-40) for the seat position memory function (if so equipped).

Forward and backwards:
Move forward or backwards the adjusting switch to the desired position.

Reclining: 
Move forward or backwards the adjusting switch 2 to the desired position. The reclining feature allows the adjustment of the seatback for occupants of different sizes to help obtain the proper seat belt fit. (See “Seat belts” (P.3-18).) The seatback may be reclined to allow occupants to rest when the vehicle is parked.

Seat lifter:
Move the switch as shown to adjust the angle of the front portion or height of the seat.

Lumbar support:
The lumbar support feature provides lower back support to the driver.
Push the switch as shown to adjust the seat lumbar area until the desired position is achieved.

Massage function (if so equipped):
Push the switch as shown to start the lumbar massage function. An “Adjust” key will display on the upper side of the Smartphone-link Display Audio [SDA] screen. Touch the key on the screen to show the massage settings display. To stop the function, push the switch again.

SECOND ROW SEATS Forward and backward
Pull up the adjusting lever and slide the seat to the desired position. Release the adjusting lever to lock the seat position.

Reclining
Pull the reclining lever and position the seatback at the desired angle. Release the reclining lever after positioning the seat at the desired angle. The center seat is reclined with the left side seat reclining lever.
To return the seatback, pull the lever.
The reclining feature allows adjustment of the seatback for occupants of different sizes to help obtain proper seat belt fit. (See “Precautions on booster seats” (P.3-45).) The seatback may also be reclined to allow occupants to rest when the vehicle is parked.

WARNING

• Do not ride in a moving vehicle when the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident, you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries.
• For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back and upright in the seat with both feet on the floor and adjust the seat belt properly. See “Precautions on booster seats” (P.3-45).
• After adjustment, check to be sure the seat is securely locked.
• Be sure to adjust the seat before driving. Adjusting a seat while driving may lead to an unexpected accident.
• When a person is sitting in the middle seating position of the second-row seats, the two sides of the second seats must have the same forward/backward position and the same seatback angle.

CAUTION

• When adjusting the seat position, be careful not to touch moving parts to prevent injury or damage.
• The seat adjustment must be performed by an adult. If a child adjusts a seat, it may cause an unexpected accident.

Folding
Before folding the second-row seats

• Store the armrest.
• Secure the outer seat belt on the belt clip.
• If the second-row seats are equipped with head restraints, slide the front seat forward and the second seat rearward position to make enough room behind the seat so that the second-row seatback can be folded flat.
• Remove drink containers from the rear cup holder.
• Lower the center head restraint of the second seat to the lowest position.

To fold down the seatback Perform either of the following operations to fold down the seatback:

• Pull the strap on the side of the outboard seats.
• Fold the third-row seat (see “Third-row seats” (P.3-11)) and pull the one-touch second-row seat folding lever located on the side of the cargo area.

To return the seatback
To return to the second-row seatback, pull the strap or fold the third-row seat (see “Third-row seats” (P.3-11)) pull the lever and raise the seatback until it latches. When returning the seatback, make sure that the seat belt is not interfering with the seatback latch mechanism.

WARNING

• Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo area or on the second-row seats when they are in the fold-down position. Use of these areas by passengers without proper restraints could result in serious injury in an accident or sudden stop.
• Do not fold down the second-row seats when occupants are in the second-row seat area or third-row seat, or any cargo is on the second-row seats.
• Properly secure all cargo to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks.
• When returning the seatbacks to the upright position, be certain they are completely secured in the latched position. If they are not completely secured, passengers may be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

Walk-in mechanism
The second-row seats can tilt and slide for easy entry/exit to/from the third-row seats.

WARNING
After operating the walk-in mechanism, be sure to return the seat to the proper position, taking care of the third-row seat passengers, and then tilt up the seatback until it latches.

CAUTION

• Before operating the walk-in mechanism, store the second-row seat armrest.
• When operating the walk-in mechanism, push and hold the seatback and operate slowly. If the seatback is tilted down quickly and then allowed to slide, there is a risk that it could contact your face or other parts of your body, or pinch your hand or foot, causing injury.
• When operating the walk-in mechanism, be sure not to contact any moving parts to avoid possible injuries and/or damage.
• When operating the walk-in mechanism, be sure that the second-row seats are not occupied by passengers and/or any objects to avoid possible injuries and/or damage.
• Do not operate the walk-in mechanism with objects, drinks, etc. on the seat. This may cause objects to break or cause the passenger room to be soiled.

1. Pull the lever to tilt down the seatback.
2. Slide the seat forward.
3. When returning the seat to its original position, tilt the seatback up, slide the seat backward where sufficient space for the third-row seat foot area remains, and then secure it in place.

Armrest
Pull the strap and down the armrest as shown.

CAUTION
Never sit on an armrest. Doing so could damage the armrest.

THIRD ROW SEATS

Reclining
Pull the strap on the back side of the seat and position the seatback at the desired angle. Release the strap after positioning the seat at the desired angle.
The reclining feature allows adjustment of the seatback for occupants of different sizes to help obtain proper seat belt fit. The seatback may also be reclined to allow occupants to rest when the vehicle is parked.

WARNING

• The third-row seats are intended for use by no more than two belted occupants, each of which does not exceed 63 inches (160cm) in height. Exceeding these limitations can result in an increased risk of personal injury or death in the event of an accident.
• Do not ride in a moving vehicle when the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident, you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries.
• For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back and upright in the seat with both feet on the floor and adjust the seat belt properly.
• After adjustment, check to be sure the seat is securely locked.
• Be sure to adjust the seat before driving. Adjusting a seat while driving may lead to an unexpected accident.

CAUTION

• When adjusting the seat position, be careful not to touch moving parts to prevent injury or damage.
• The seat adjustment must be performed by an adult. If a child adjusts a seat, it may cause an unexpected accident.

Folding and returning

1. Fold down the seat belt and buckle forward.
2. Push the lever and fold the head restraints.
3. Pull the strap and fold the seat back forward.
4. Pull the strap under the seat cushion to unlock the third-row seats, then pull the strap to rotate the entire third-row seat backward for storage.
5. Secure the third-row seats with a strap
   NOTE:
   After stowing the seats, secure it with the strap located on the left side of the rear end trim. Failure to do so may result in noise when driving.
6. To return the third-row seats, grip the handle and rotate the entire third-row seats forward. Then pull the strap to pull up the seatback fix it, and set the head restraints in the original position.

WARNING

• Never allow anyone to ride in the cargo area or on the third-row seat when it is in the folded-down position. Use of these areas by passengers without proper restraints could result in serious injury in an accident or sudden stop.
• Properly secure all cargo with ropes or straps to help prevent it from sliding or shifting. Do not place cargo higher than the seatbacks. In a sudden stop or collision, unsecured cargo could cause personal injury.
• After adjustment, check to be sure the seat is securely locked.

HEAD RESTRAINTS

WARNING
Head restraints supplement the other vehicle safety systems. They may provide additional protection against injury in certain rear-end collisions. Adjustable head restraints must be adjusted properly, as specified in this section. Check the adjustment after someone else uses the seat. Do not attach anything to the head restraint stalks or remove the head restraint. Do not use the seat if the head restraint has been removed. If the head restraint was removed, reinstall and properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position. Failure to follow these instructions can reduce the effectiveness of the head restraint. This may increase the risk of serious injury or death in a collision.

Indicates the seating position is equipped with a head restraint.

• Your vehicle is equipped with a head restraint that may be integrated, adjustable, or non-adjustable.
• Adjustable head restraints have multiple notches along the stalk to lock them in a desired adjustment position.
• The non-adjustable head restraints have a single locking notch to secure them to the seat frame.
• The head restraints of the second-row seats and third-row seats are non-adjustable.
• Proper Adjustment:
  • For the adjustable type, align the head restraint so the center of your ear is approximately level with the center of the head restraint.
  • If your ear position is still higher than the recommended alignment, place the head restraint at the highest position.
• If the head restraint has been removed, ensure that it is reinstalled and locked in place before riding in that designated seating position.

ADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS

1. Removable head restraint
2. Multiple notches
3. Lock knob
4. Stalks
5. 

NON-ADJUSTABLE HEAD RESTRAINT COMPONENTS

1. Removable head restraint
2. Single notch
3. Lock knob
4. Stalks

REMOVE
Use the following procedure to remove the head restraint.

1. Pull the head restraint up to the highest position.
2. Push and hold the lock knob.
3. Remove the head restraint from the seat by pulling the head restraint up.
4. Store the head restraint properly in a secure place so it is not loose in the vehicle.
5. Reinstall and properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position.

INSTALL

1. Align the head restraint stalks with the holes in the seat. Make sure that the head restraint is facing the correct direction. The stalk with the adjustment notch must be installed in the hole with the lock knob.
2. Push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.
3. Properly adjust the head restraint before an occupant uses the seating position.

ADJUST
For adjustable head restraint
Adjust the head restraint so the center is level with the center of your ears. If your ear position is still higher than the recommended alignment, place the head restraint at the highest position.

For non-adjustable head restraint
Make sure the head restraint is positioned so the lock knob is engaged in the notch before riding in that designated seating position.

Raise
To raise the head restraint, pull it up.
Make sure the head restraint is positioned so the lock knob is engaged in the notch before riding in that designated seating position.

Lower
To lower, push and hold the lock knob and push the head restraint down.
Make sure the head restraint is positioned so the lock knob is engaged in the notch before riding in that designated seating position.

WARNING
When a person sits in the second center seating position, pull up the head restraint to a height at which it locks in position. Be sure to make this adjustment before starting to drive. Serious injuries could otherwise be suffered as a result of an impact.

Third-row seats
Push the lever and fold the head restraints. To put it back to its original position, pull up the head restraints.

SEAT BELTS

PRECAUTIONS ON SEAT BELT USAGE

If you are wearing your seat belt properly adjusted, and you are sitting upright and well back in your seat with both feet on the floor, your chances of being injured or killed in an accident and/or the severity of injury may be greatly reduced. Mitsubishi Motors strongly encourages you and all of your passengers to buckle up every time you drive, even if your seating position includes an airbag.
Most U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories specify that seat belts be worn at all times when a vehicle is being driven.

WARNING

• Every person who drives or rides in this vehicle should use a seat belt at all times. Children should be properly restrained in the rear seat whenever possible. If one must be used in the front passenger seat, move the seat to the most rearward position and make sure the child stays in the child restraint system, properly restrained. Failure to follow these instructions could result in serious injury or death to the child.
• The seat belt should be properly adjusted to a snug fit. Failure to do so may reduce the effectiveness of the entire restraint system and increase the chance or severity of injury in an accident. Serious injury or death can occur if the seat belt is not worn properly.
• Always route the shoulder belt over your shoulder and across your chest. Never put the belt behind your back, under your arm, or across your neck. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off your shoulder.
• Position the lap belt as low and snug as possible AROUND THE HIPS, NOT THE WAIST. A lap belt worn too high could increase the risk of internal injuries in an accident.
• Be sure the seat belt tongue is securely fastened to the proper buckle.
• Do not wear the seat belt inside out or twisted. Doing so may reduce its effectiveness.
• Do not allow more than one person to use the same seat belt.
• Never carry more people in the vehicle than there are seat belts.
• If the seat belt warning light glows continuously while the power switch is turned ON with all doors closed and all seat belts fastened, it may indicate a malfunction in the system. Have the system checked. It is recommended you visit a certified Mitsubishi EV dealer for this service.
• No changes should be made to the seat belt system. For example, do not modify the seat belt, add material, or install devices that may change the seat belt routing or tension. Doing so may affect the operation of the seat belt system. Modifying or tampering with the seat belt system may result in serious personal injury.
• Never insert any foreign object, such as a piece of plastic, paper clip, button, or coin, into the seat belt buckle.
• Once a seat belt pre-tensioner has activated, it cannot be reused and must be replaced together with the retractor. It is recommended you visit a certified Mitsubishi EV dealer for this service.
• All seat belt assemblies, including retractors and attaching hardware, should be inspected after any collision. It is recommended you visit a certified Mitsubishi EV dealer for this service. Mitsubishi Motors recommends that all seat belt assemblies in use during a collision be replaced unless the collision is minor and the belts show no damage and continue to operate properly. Seat belt assemblies not in use during a collision should also be inspected and replaced if either damage or improper operation is noted.
• All child restraints and attaching hardware should be inspected after any collision. Always follow the restraint manufacturer’s inspection instructions and replacement recommendations. The child restraints should be replaced if they are damaged.

SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT AND CHIME

The driver and front passenger seats are equipped with an enhanced seat belt reminder function. A visual and audible alert will operate if a driver or front passenger seat belt is unbuckled at speeds of approximately 10 MPH (15 km/h) or more under the following conditions:

• If the driver seat belt is not fastened.
• The front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened and the seat is occupied by a passenger for 7 seconds after the power switch is placed in the ON position.
• The front passenger’s seat belt is not fastened and objects or external force on the passenger seat change the seat belt reminder classification to “occupied”.

The seat belt warning light will flash under the conditions shown above until the necessary seat belt is securely fastened.
A warning chime will sound for approximately 95 seconds or until one of the following conditions is met:

• The unbuckled front passenger’s seat belt is securely fastened.
• The seat belt reminder function in the front passenger seat no longer detects that the front passenger seat is occupied.
• The power switch is turned off.

The below situations could result in the seat belt warning light being illuminated and the chime sounding, even with no occupant present in the passenger seat:

• Heavy objects are placed on the seat.
• Someone pushing or pulling on the front passenger seat.
• An object was placed under the front passenger seat.
• An object placed between the seat cushion and center console or between the seat cushion and the door.
• An object hanging on the seat or placed in any of the seatback pockets.
• A child restraint or other object pressing against the rear of the seatback.

The rear seats are equipped with a seat belt warning in the multi-information display. (See “Seat belt warning light and chime” (P.4-16) and “9. Rear seat belt warning” (P.4-37).)

PREGNANT WOMEN
Mitsubishi Motors recommends that pregnant women use seat belts. The seat belt should be worn snugly, and always position the lap belt as low as possible around the hips, not the waist. Place the shoulder belt over your shoulder and across your chest. Never put the lap/shoulder belt over your abdominal area. Contact your doctor for specific recommendations.

INJURED PERSONS
Mitsubishi Motors recommends that injured persons use seat belts, depending on the injury. Check with your doctor for specific recommendations.

THREE-POINT TYPE SEAT BELT WITH RETRACTOR

WARNING

• Every person who drives or rides in this vehicle should use a seat belt at all times. Children should be in the rear seats and an appropriate restraint.
• Do not ride in a moving vehicle when the seatback is reclined. This can be dangerous. The shoulder belt will not be against your body. In an accident, you could be thrown into it and receive neck or other serious injuries. You could also slide under the lap belt and receive serious internal injuries.
• For the most effective protection when the vehicle is in motion, the seat should be upright. Always sit well back and upright in the seat with both feet on the floor and adjust the seat belt properly.
• Do not allow children to play with the seat belts. Most seating positions are equipped with Automatic Locking Retractor [ALR] mode seat belts. If the seat belt becomes wrapped around a child’s neck with the ALR mode activated, the child can be seriously injured or killed if the seat belt retracts and becomes tight. This can occur even if the vehicle is parked. Unbuckle the seat belt to release the child. If the seat belt cannot be unbuckled or is already unbuckled, release the child by cutting the seat belt with a suitable tool (such as a knife or scissors) to release the seat belt.

Fastening the seat belts

1. Adjust the seat. (See “Seats” (P.3-2).)
2. Slowly pull the seat belt out of the retractor and insert the tongue into the buckle until you hear and feel the latch engage.
   1. The retractor is designed to lock during a sudden stop or on impact. A slow pulling motion permits the belt to move and allows you some freedom of movement in the seat.
   2. If the seat belt cannot be pulled from its fully retracted position, firmly pull the belt and release it. Then smoothly pull the belt out of the retractor.
3. Position the lap belt portion low and snug on the hips as shown.
4. Pull the shoulder belt portion toward the retractor to take up extra slack. Be sure the shoulder belt is routed over your shoulder and across your chest.

The three-point seat belts in the front passenger seat and the rear seating positions have two modes of operation:

• Emergency Locking Retractor [ELR]
• Automatic Locking Retractor [ALR]

The Emergency Locking Retractor [ELR] mode allows the seat belt to extend and retract to allow the driver and passengers some freedom of movement in the seat. The ELR locks the seat belt when the vehicle slows down rapidly or during certain impacts.
The Automatic Locking Retractor [ALR] mode (child restraint mode) locks the seat belt for child restraint installation.
When ALR mode is activated the seat belt cannot be extended again until the seat belt tongue is detached from the buckle and fully retracted. The seat belt returns to the ELR mode after the seat belt fully retracts. For additional information, see “Child restraints” (P.3-29).
The ALR mode should be used only for child restraint installation. During normal seat belt use by an occupant, the ALR mode should not be activated. If it is activated, it may cause uncomfortable seat belt tension.

WARNING
When fastening the seat belts, be certain that seatbacks are completely secured in the latched position. If they are not completely secured, passengers may be injured in an accident or sudden stop.

Unfastening the seat belts
To unfasten the seat belt, push the button on the buckle. The seat belt automatically retracts.

Checking seat belt operation
Seat belt retractors are designed to lock seat belt movement by two separate methods:

• When the belt is pulled quickly from the retractor.
• When the vehicle slows down rapidly.

To increase your confidence in the seat belts, check the operation as follows:

• Grasp the shoulder belt and pull forward quickly. The retractor should lock and restrict further belt movement.

If the retractor does not lock during this check, get the system checked. It is recommended you visit a certified Mitsubishi EV dealer for this service, or to learn more about seat belt operation.

Shoulder belt height adjustment (for front seats)
The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to the position best for you. (See “Precautions on seat belt usage” (P.3-18).)
To adjust, pull the adjustment button, and then move the shoulder belt anchor to the desired position so that the belt passes over the center of the shoulder. The belt should be away from your face and neck, but not falling off of your shoulder. Release the adjustment button to lock the shoulder belt anchor into position.
The range of height adjustment of the shoulder belt may vary depending on the model.

WARNING

• After adjustment, release the adjustment button and try to move the shoulder belt anchor up and down to make sure it is securely fixed in position.
• The shoulder belt anchor height should be adjusted to the position best for you. Failure to do so may reduce the effectiveness of the entire restraint system and increase the chance or severity of injury in an accident.

Seat belt clip
When the seat belt is not in use and when folding down the second-row or third-row seats, clip the second-row or third-row outer seat belts on the seat belt clips.
Be sure not to clip the seat belt tongue to the clip.

WARNING
Before folding up the second-row or third-row seats, ensure the seat belts are not obstructing the seatback latches to avoid damage to the seat belt webbing.

SEAT BELT EXTENDERS
If your seat belt, even when fully extended, is not long enough, a seat belt extender must be obtained. The extender may be used for either of the front seats.

WARNING

• The extender should only be used if the existing belt is not long enough. Anyone who can use the standard seat belt should not use an extender. Unnecessary use of an extender can adversely affect seat belt performance in an accident.
• When not required, the extender must be removed and stowed.
• Never use seat belt extenders to install child restraints. If the child restraint is not secured properly, the child could be seriously injured or killed in a collision or a sudden stop.

SEAT BELT MAINTENANCE

• To clean the seat belt webbing, apply a mild soap solution or any solution recommended for cleaning upholstery or carpets. Then wipe with a cloth and allow the seat belts to dry in the shade. Do not allow the seat belts to retract until they are completely dry.
• If dirt builds up in the shoulder belt guide of the seat belt anchors, the seat belts may retract slowly. Wipe the shoulder belt guide with a clean, dry cloth.
• Periodically check to see that the seat belt and the metal components, such as buckles, tongues, retractors, flexible wires, and anchors, work properly. If loose parts, deterioration, cuts, or other damage on the webbing is found, the entire seat belt assembly should be replaced.

FAQs

Useful Link

View Full PDF: 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Owners Manual | Auto User Guide

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