We feel like the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV could be the SUV that puts Mitsubishi back on the map. It’s a comfortable, affordable, and capable vehicle that offers more value than you think. But it’s not perfect. See the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV pros and cons to consider. 

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Phev pros and cons 

First, we would like to clarify that some critics ding the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for lacking cargo space. However, they may not know that the third-row seats disappear. They can be folded down in the cargo hold to create a level loading floor. 

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV provides 11.7 cubes of cargo space behind the third row, but folding the seats down expands access to 33.5 cubic feet of cargo space. It features up to 78.5 cubes overall, which is more space than the 2023 Toyota RAV4 has to offer. Plus, there are seven trim levels to choose from so shoppers have plenty of options.

1. PRO: Driving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is fun 

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is athletic and comfortable, making it an engaging daily driver. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 6.5 seconds, giving you ample time to zoom around traffic. 

Use Tarmac mode for the sportiest experience with confident braking, smooth acceleration shifts, and responsive handling. The Mitsubishi Outlander feels well-planted, intelligent, and safe to give you peace of mind. 

Plus, it’s convenient with a tight turning radius and tons of visibility. The safety features are helpful without being too loud or aggressive. We’re impressed by the highway driving assist feature with adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. 

All you must do is keep your hands on the wheel after a long day unless you want to kick things up a notch. 

2. PRO: The 2023 Outlander PHEV has near-luxury quality 

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander feels like a high-quality SUV with supportive leather seats, plush carpeting, vibrant accent stitching, ambient lighting, a wireless charging pad, two-tone upholstery, and a loaded suite of safety features. 

The interior is a simple yet elegant layout with everything you need placed within reach. The cabin is pretty good at keeping wind and road noise at bay for a peaceful experience. Plus, it provides a smooth ride over rough sections of pavement. 

You’ll find that the second row is just as comfortable, with plenty of space for two adults. The seat sits at a relaxed backrest angle with an excellent view of the panoramic moonroof. There are rear vents to keep guests comfortable and plenty of USB ports as well. 

3. PRO: The Outlander PHEV is surprisingly capable and efficient 

Did you know that the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV can go off-roading? It won’t keep up with a Jeep Wrangler, but it feels better than the Subaru Crosstrek in the wild. The standard Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system includes modes for snow, mud, and gravel. 

The system improves stability and handling while continuously monitoring and controlling vehicle movement while accelerating, cornering, and braking. An electric motor is placed on each axle to change torque distribution as needed. 

Also, the Outlander PHEV is efficient, with an EPA-estimated all-electric range of 38 miles. The average driver stays under 30 miles a day, so this is enough power for going to work, school, practices, and more without plugging in or stopping at the gas station. 

It gets 64 MPGe with hybrid power and gas. The regenerative brakes are very strong and seamless. In rivals, you may notice that aggressive regeneration modes make the vehicle feel slow and heavy. 

1. CON: The 2023 Mistusbishi Outlander PHEV is loud 

While the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is mostly quiet on the roads, it can get a little loud sometimes. Under hard acceleration or while using electric power, you can hear the electric motors whirl and whine. 

It has a robotic, high-pitched tendency that can be a little distracting as it interrupts your music or podcast. However, a few of our passengers laughed at the wheeze and didn’t mind it at all. It lasts for about five to 10 seconds at a time. 

Though the brand took care to make big improvements to the latest model, there are still some areas that need work.

2. CON: The Outlander PHEV has tight third-row seats 

The third-row seats in the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are impossible for adults or smaller teens to enjoy. Only smaller kids can fit back there. It seems like only kids who need their car seats can fit back there, and there’s no way you’re installing anything in the third row. 

Access is limited, be prepared to climb over the second row to get back there. They cut into cargo space and aren’t the easiest to put away. But they are handy if you need space for extra tiny passengers in a pinch. 

The third row comes standard, but we wonder if it would be cheaper to add them as an optional feature. That way, those who don’t need the third row can save. 

Stay tuned as MotorBiscuit continues judging every aspect of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV for our full-length review.