The Mitsubishi Outlander is available in two forms, one with the standard gas-powered powertrain or one with a hybrid powertrain that transforms the mid-sized SUV.
It debuted at the start of the 21st century in Japan and since then has grown in all senses of the word into the capable vehicle it is today – in 2022 it has a few tricks up it sleeves to help it stand out in a sea of similar SUVs.
Mitsubishi hopes that its Outlander can be the perfect all-rounder in a competitive segment – we check out this interesting Japanese alternative to the usual suspects to see if it really is the answer to most people’s questions and the solution to their needs.
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Is A Capable Vehicle
It’s worth distinguishing the PHEV powertrain (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle) from the regular Mitsubishi Outlander as it uses completely different components.
With the standard (non-electric) Outlander, it’s Nissan’s 2.5-liter, atmospheric 4-cylinder with around 180 hp and 180 lb-ft and a CVT transmission, while the PHEV has an updated hybrid powertrain with more power and more range over the last generation.
The hybrid setup uses a different unit combustion engine, Mitsubishi’s familiar 2.4-liter inline-four gasoline motor that can drive the front wheels, act as a generator or work in tandem with the electric motors.
There are three motors in the Outlander PHEV, two at the front and one at the rear, allowing for AWD if the system is running as a gasoline-front, electric-rear or purely electric or all the systems operating together at the same time.
Power is now up to a total maximum 248 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, great figures considering that many mid-sized non-hybrid SUVs make less power and substantially less torque – the mechanically-similar Nissan Rogue only makes do with 200 hp and 225 lb-ft (although the PHEV will weigh substantially more).
Mitsubishi’s Outlander Features A Useful Electric Hybrid System For Range And Power
Electric-only range for the 80 kWh battery system is now up around an official 38-miles, while the fuel tank is an expanded “14.8-gallon fuel tank, the vehicle features a 64 MPGe (miles-per-gallon equivalent) rating and will offer up to 420 miles of combined electric-gasoline range on a single charge and single tank of fuel” according to Mitsubishi’s press release on the upcoming Outlander PHEV.
As the Japanese automaker puts it: “The 2023 Outlander PHEV (has a rating of) 38 miles of all-electric range from a 350-volt, 20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack mounted below the floor and between the wheels for a low center of gravity, but minimal loss of ground clearance. This is a 40% improvement in range over the previous model. Making use of the onboard DC fast charger, the pack can get filled to 80% capacity in approximately 38 minutes…”
The range doesn’t sound exciting compared to today’s fully electric vehicles, but as a range-extender and with the possibility of providing extra power and torque for when you need it, the PHEV certainly has appeal.
Inside The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander’s Cabin
Mitsubishi has made efforts to raise the cabin quality levels too with the new model, so the design and quality of the materials used make it look if not as good as premium rivals, at least in the same ballpark.
In fact, from the photos, it looks smart and cohesive especially with the perforated material on the steering wheel, the seat upholstery, the chunky gear selector and the tan-brown accents.
A 12.3” digital gauge cluster and the infotainment system are also present that also includes Apple Car Play and Android Auto.
Seven seats, including a sliding and reclining second row make this a comfortable cruiser although most reviews cite the rear-most seats as tiny – for kids or very occasional usage though they add a little versatility to the Outlander.
We can expect a long list of standard safety and convenience features on this SUV and comfort features like heated seats are standard while there are optional niceties like a heated steering wheel too.
Sometimes A Plug-In Hybrid Makes More Sense
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has historically been a little bit of a left-field kind of buy, but its plug-in powertrain and capable off-road-friendly underpinnings have found many fans.
Arguably its additional power and torque is offset by its increased weight comparative to its non-hybrid rivals, but it should still offer an upgrade over direct rivals like the 200 hp Nissan Rogue.
It can also travel up to the stated 420 miles based on a combination of electricity and gasoline, while people in areas that require quiet or pollution-free driving will appreciate its electric-only range which could be enough for 99% of commutes, making it cheaper to run, too.
That 38-mile range is extremely competitive, putting it at the top among the Toyota RAV4 Prime and Ford Escape PHEVs, and its roomy front cabin and quirky style ensure that it stands out as an option when buyers are considering an efficient SUV.