Skip to main content

When Mitsubishi launched its first-generation plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander, not many expected it to become the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid SUV. But, the company sold thousands of the last generation of Outlander despite its shortcomings, like a short range and sub-par materials. Though that model has been discontinued, Mitsubishi is now launching the second generation of the Outlander PHEV, and it has big hopes this new plug-in hybrid will also become a best seller.

The company just launched the latest version and finally released details about the new 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.

The new Outlander PHEV is a rare plug-in three-row SUV

The new Outlander PHEV is one of the few three-row SUVs that offers a plug-in hybrid version. The Outlander PHEV combines two electric motors, for all-wheel drive ability, as well as a small 132-horsepower four-cylinder gas engine to make a combined 248 horsepower. It has an electric range of 38 miles and a total range of 420 miles on a full tank of gas and with a topped-off battery, for a total of 63 MPGe.

Mitsubishi based the new Outlander PHEV on the new-for-2021 Outlander, which took giant leaps to be a better SUV than its predecessor. While most people bought the previous Outlander PHEV because it was cheap, they will likely be attracted to the new one because of its stylish cabin.

What is a PHEV SUV?

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV promises more than 400 miles of toral gas and EV range.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander | Mitsubishi

Plug-in hybrid SUVs blend the best of both worlds of EVs and Hybrids. However, the new Mitsubishi has one trick up its sleeve that not every PHEV has, it can use the gas motor to completely charge the battery. The company says that after 90 minutes of normal driving, the battery can be completely recharged. It also has regenerative braking, to charge the battery, as well as a the ability to connect to a fast charger.

In less than 40 minutes, you can fill 80% of the battery at a DC fast charger for about 30 miles of range. Also, unlike other PHEVs, the Outlander can become a 1,500-watt mobile generator than cab power a campsite or your home for a few hours during a power outage.

The Outlander can be controlled with a shout of, “Hey, Google”

2022 Mitsubishi Outlander interior
Interior of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander | Mitsubishi

Say, “Hey Google,” and you can control many of the Outlander PHEV’s functions from you phone, such as turning on the headlights so you can find it in a dark parking lot. Other options include heated, massaging, seats, a 12.3-inch digital driver display that can show your drive modes and shows navigation in front of the driver. That’s in addition to the touchscreen on the center stack.

It also comes with Mitsubishi’s MI-PILOT Assist, which is the company’s suite of driver’s assistance features.

The first generation of the Outlander PHEV was a surprise hit

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ready to charge
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Mitsubishi

The first generation of the Outlander PHEV went on to become the world’s best-selling plug-in hybrid SUV, according to Mitsubishi . Which was a surprise. It had some, let’s say, questionable interior pieces and didn’t look like a groundbreaking SUV from the outside. But, it did offer the ability to go a total of 17 miles on electric power.

While it wasn’t super impressive, in Europe and Asia the first generation of the Outlander PHEV proved popular. It came to the US in 2018, and while it didn’t light up the sales charts, it did set the stage for the new version.  

Related

What’s Making the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander Fly Off the Lot?

Best in Trucks & SUVs
Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.