Let’s get the looks out of the way first. The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a bit… different. It’s not necessarily ugly, but it won’t win any car beauty pageants either. Inside, it’s a different story. The interior is elegant, with seating for up to seven people. The Outlander is also packed with technology, including a novel all-wheel drive system that uses electric motors and has no less than seven drive modes. 

Taken as a whole package, you’d be surprised to learn that the Outlander is based on the Nissan Rogue and shares a lot of its content. However, while the Rogue looks more mainstream, the Outlander is distinctly different. So, how much does a fully loaded 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV model as distinct as this cost?

How much is the base Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV? 

The base ES trim level Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $39,845. For that money, you get the seven-passenger seating, a 12-inch full digital driver display, 120V/240V charging with fast charge capability, and safety features like Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with Pedestrian Detection. Other standard features include smartphone integration, remote start with keyless entry, an 8-inch infotainment screen, and dual-zone climate control.  

The drivetrain includes a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and a 20 kWh lithium-ion battery. The all-wheel drive system features Mitsubishi’s Twin Motor S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control) and a drive mode selector with modes for Normal, Power, Eco, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud.   

How much does a fully loaded 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV cost?

The top-line Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV SEL starts at $45,445. In addition to the standard equipment on the ES, you get a larger 9-inch touchscreen, heated front and rear leather seats, and power front seats for both the driver and passenger. You also get features like a hands-free power liftgate, wireless charging, and driver assists such as adaptive cruise and lane-keeping assist.   

2023 Outlander PHEV Packages

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV ES trim level does not include any optional packages, so you’d have to step into the SE model to get the SE Tech package which consists of a nine-speaker Bose audio system, panoramic sunroof, and auto-dimming rearview mirror. 

The SEL level has the Touring package and the Premium package. The SEL Touring package adds a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, heads-up display, and nine-speaker Bose premium audio. Add the Premium package, and you get everything in the Touring package in addition to upgraded trimming and upgraded leather upholstery. 

Is the Outlander PHEV a good SUV? 

Car and Driver wasn’t keen on the looks of the Mitsubishi Outlander but said, “The 2023 Outlander is an immense improvement over the last generation, but its powertrain is still behind the competition in both power and efficiency.” 

U.S. News found a lot to like about it, saying, “The revamped 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid offers a good amount of cargo space, an impressive cabin, and decent acceleration. However, third-row space is limited, and its handling is only adequate.” However, it ranked the Outlander at No. 12 out of a field of 14 hybrid SUVs and also said, “It doesn’t top the class in any area. For a hybrid vehicle, its fuel economy estimates aren’t very impressive, and its handling is a bit dull.” 

Other hybrid and plug-in hybrid SUVs in this class include the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4, and Ford Escape. All of them ranked higher than the Outlander PHEV, but that’s not to say the Outlander is a bad plug-in hybrid option. In the past, Mitsubishi was known for styling that was a bit different while offering vehicles loaded with technology. If anything, the Outlander returns to that tradition. So, if you like your cars loaded with technology, it may just be your cup of tea.