2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Review: Don’t Sleep on This SUV
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV review:
- 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: $39,845 – $49,995
- Family Geen Car of the Year – Car Journal
- Pros: Very efficient, comfortable ride, off-roading capabilities
- Cons: Loud at highway speeds, tiny third-row seats, limited quick charging stations
- MotorBiscuit score: 8.1 out of 10
The brand-new 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has enough comfort, speed, and efficiency to put Mitsubishi back on the map. This compact plug-in hybrid SUV offers the best of both electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) worlds.
You get a smooth power delivery and fuel savings all in one attractive, practical package with surprising comfort amenities and light off-roading capabilities. The 38 miles of all-electric range is a nice perk, but the DC fast charging requires an older receptacle that’s being phased out.
The interior is impressive, attractive, and upscale but could use better sound insulation. The third row is pretty small, but you can make the extra seats disappear. They easily fold flat into the floor.
Rivals such as the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Hyundai Tuscon PHEV might be a little more efficient, but the Outlander PHEV makes up for the difference with sporty handling and a long list of standard features.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander: What’s new?
The Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid powertrain is new for 2023. It features the Mitsubishi Super All-Wheel Control (all-wheel drive) system. Plus, it’s a step toward Mitsubishi’s goal of reducing carbon emissions by 40% by 2030.
Also, the Mitsubishi Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition dropped, and it’s fully loaded with a bronze roof, a chrome hood emblem, and unique badging.
Which 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV trim is best?
- Mitsubishi Outlander ES – $39,845
- Mitsubishi Outlander SE – $41,145
- Mitsubishi Outlander Ralliart – $44,145
- Mitsubishi Outlander SEL – $45,445
- Mitsubishi Outlander 40th Anniversary Edition – $49,995
You can’t go wrong with the entry-level Outlander ES model. It has hybrid power, standard, AWD, and all of the basics. You get an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry, and more.
But spending a little more with the ES model provides synthetic leather upholstery, a power liftgate, and a wireless charging pad. The available panoramic sunroof and head-up display complete the package.
How does the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV drive?
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a blast to drive around town and on longer road trips. We used it to zip around Asheville, NC, and to take two 2 1/12 road trips from Rock Hill, SC, to Asheville and back.
We’re impressed by the fast and efficient powertrain. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine is paired with two electric motors and a 20-kWh lithium battery pack to generate 248 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque.
It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 6.7 seconds, while the gas-powered model takes 9.7 seconds to reach 60 mph. It provides smooth transmission shifts with responsive steering and corners well. It’s not as sporty as the Mazda CX-5, but it’s an excellent contender.
The brakes could be a little more confident, but they’re easy to master. Plus, it has a tight and convenient turning radius in crowded/tight areas.
How many MPG does the 2023 Outlander PHEV get?
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 38 miles on a single charge. It can achieve up to 64 MPGe, and once the electric charge is depleted, it gets about 26 mpg. Rivals get nearly 35 mpg without an electric charge.
It has a range of 420 miles between fill-ups, but we feel as if our model could’ve gone even further. We drove it for hundreds of miles, and the regenerative brakes kept replenishing electric energy to burn.
It takes about 6.5 hours to fully recharge the batteries with a Level 2 charging system. It has DC fast charging capabilities but uses the older CHAdeMO setup, which is falling by the wayside.
Can the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV go off-roading?
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is surprisingly capable. It has a ground clearance of up to 8.3 inches, which is a good start. Also, we would like to see it gain some chunkier off-roading tires and protective cladding.
But the Super All-Wheel Control AWD system is very effective. Both axles have an electric motor for independent power. There are off-roading modes for mud, snow, and gravel. The gravel setting was best for our needs.
The Outlander PHEV feels well-composed and in control on slippery trails. It has more than enough torque to power through mud and ruts. It can also handle steep inclines pretty well. But the brakes could be more responsive.
If you’re in a bind, the hill start assist feature comes in handy. There’s also downhill assist control for slippery conditions.
Is the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander comfortable?
Yes, the Mitsubishi Outlander is very comfortable for drivers and passengers in the font. The seats are well-padded and spacious. They don’t feel stiff or flat after hours on the road. Plus, the suspension easily glides over larger impacts in the pavement.
The second row is also comfortable. The seats are well padded with a relaxed backrest angle, but passengers in the second row would benefit from a little more legroom. The third row is reserved for very tiny children and doesn’t offer much back support.
You rarely have to adjust the climate control system. It’s strong and effective. Our biggest drawback includes how loud the interior gets at highway speeds. The SUV has such a premium feel, so it’s unexpected. The engine is quiet, and the electric motors are nearly silent though.
How is the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV interior?
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV interior provides a premium, luxurious feeling with a simple yet elegant design. Soft-touch materials cover the dashboard and sides of the doors with metal brushed accents and glossy trim pieces.
Pops of orange upholstery attract the eye without being too bold or brash. Orange accent stitching pairs well with the black upholstery, and the front seats have an embroidered diamond pattern. The vibrant yellow LED ambient lighting spices things up as well.
The available panoramic sunroof is massive, with the right amount of tint to keep bright UV rays at bay. The front shield is wide and provides tons of visibility, but the rear window is a bit small. Also, the doors open wide for easy access. But you may struggle to climb in the third row.
How is the tech in the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The tech in the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is adequate. The optional 9.0-inch touchscreen works quickly but has a bit of a learning curve. Also, the infotainment screen and cameras could have a better resolution.
We found the 12.3-inch digital guage cluster to be helpful and easy to customize with different stats for the driver. The head-up display also provides crucial driver information. Wireless Apple CarPlay is available, but it’s easier to connect phones with a cord.
The built-in navigation system and voice commands are fast and responsive. The nine-speaker premium Bose audio system is a nice perk, but it didn’t provide the best sound quality.
Plus, the safety features, such as the automatic high beams and blind-spot warning system, work without seeming too loud or intrusive.
How much cargo space does the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV have?
You can access up to 11.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, but you can fold them flat for more space. With them completely folded into the floor, you get up to 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row.
You can access up to 79.7 cubic feet overall, which is more space than rivals have to offer. There is plenty of storage for smaller items thanks to useful cubbies and trays.
The center console is generous, and the glove box is tight. The door pockets are limited, and the cupholders are small. The Mitsubishi Outlander isn’t built for towing much but can haul up to 1,500 lbs. It’s capable of pulling small trailers.
How safe is the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a pretty safe SUV. In fact, it’s an Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick. Improvements were made to the driver’s side torso airbag and the passenger-side door interior trim.
The Outlander received a ‘Good’ rating in most safety crash tests, which is the highest score possible. It earned two ‘Acceptable’ scores for its ability to protect the driver in the updated side crash test.
Plus, the Outlander received a Superior score for the ability to avoid collisions and pedestrians at speeds of 12 and 25 mph. During the 37 mph test, a warning was issued 2.7 seconds before impact.
Standard safety features include:
- Forward collision mitigation
- Forward collision warning
- Blind spot warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Trailer sway control
- Automatic high beams
How reliable is the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV doesn’t have an official reliability rating yet, but the regular gas-powered model earned a score of 72 out of 100 from J.D.Power. That puts it in the average category.
Scores between 70 and 80 are average, while anything between 81 and 90 is above average. The best ratings are between 91 and 100. Rivals like the Toyota RAV4 are in the above-average category.
The average Outlander model should last between 200,000 to 250,000 miles, which is pretty good. Making it to 300,000 miles would be more impressive, but proper care and regular maintenance are key to survival. They can provide between 13 to 17 years of service.
It costs about $519 to maintain the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV regularly. This is cheaper than the average cost of about $650 to maintain a new SUV.
MotorBiscuit awards the 2023 Mitsubishi PHEV with a score of 8.1 out of 10
The experts at MotorBiscuit have awarded the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV with an official rating of 8.1 out of 10. While this is a fuel-efficient SUV, it’s not as efficient as a few popular rivals like the Toyota RAV4 Prime.
You get a ton of value with its price, including a spacious and attractive interior. However, the tech is a little lacking, and the fast-charging capability has dated components. But it can do everything you need it to.
It has a smooth, comfortable ride with an athletic nature and surprising off-roading capabilities. However, for an SUV with near-luxury qualities, it’s a bit loud at highway speeds. It’s a well-rounded force to be reckoned with, and we would like to see how the 40th Anniversary Edition compares.
