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2023 Mitsubishi Outlander brings big upgrades to its standard safety and technology. We look at powertrain options and more in our review.
What’s New for the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander?
A new PHEV version of the Outlander makes its debut. It gets Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) as standard too. Otherwise, this is basically the same crossover that it was when it debuted as all-new in 2022. That includes the same four-cylinder base engine, a third row, and a huge improvement in terms of technology and safety over the previous generation.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander – mitsubishicars.com | Shop 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander on Carsforsale.com
The Breakdown
Great PHEV powertrain
Refined cabin materials
Comfortable seating
Tight third row
Weak base engine
Low towing capacity
A big step forward for Mitsubishi
2023 Mitsubishi Specs
- 181 horsepower from base engine
- 181 lb-ft of torque from base engine
- 5 available trims
- 11.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity
- 79.7 cu-ft of cargo capacity with seats down
- Great digital gauge cluster
- IIHS Top Safety Pick+
- 10-Year powertrain warranty coverage
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Powertrain
Every Outlander comes with the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. It develops 181 horsepower and the same amount of torque. It sends that power to either the front or all four wheels via a CVT unless you go for the optional plug-in hybrid powertrain. It leverages a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine along with a huge 20 kWh battery pack and a pair of electric motors to make a combined 248 hp. It’s by far the better of the two to drive and that’s in part due to its direct-drive layout that ditches the CVT.
The rear wheels on the PHEV are powered solely by the electric motors and they’re always at work. The PHEV Outlander is a true all-time AWD crossover. It’s worth noting that the ride quality is far better than the outgoing car but it’s still not right to call this a very sharp or fun car to drive. The cabin can get a little loud too. Nevertheless, we think it’s such a big step forward that a few blemishes don’t spoil it too much for us.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Fuel Economy & MPG
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander gets up to 24 mpg in the city and 31 on the highway according to the EPA. Those who go for the PHEV version can achieve up to 63 MPGe combined and enjoy up to 38 miles of electric-only range. That’s more than enough for many peoples’ daily commutes. With that in mind, Mitsubishi has a reminder in the PHEV Outlander to cycle through a tank of gas regularly just in case owners manage their whole trip in electric mode most days.
Interior, Comfort, & Cargo Space
While the outside of the Outlander might look a little different from its previous generation, the interior is dramatically different. In fact, we’d say it’s a dramatic improvement too. The dash, for example, is sleek, stylish, and cleanly designed. The combination of materials is above average and on the top two trims it’s nearly what we’d call premium. The visibility and comfort level is good too, especially in the front seats.
The second row is also good with a standard 40/20/40 split which makes for a lot better configurability than a 60/40 split. We like the cushioning level and the adjustability of the seating as well. If there’s any knock on the Outlander it’s the diminutive third row which exists really only for kids or for hauling adults on very short trips in a pinch. The third row also features one of the strangest-looking headrests we’ve ever seen.
Behind that third row is under 12 cubic feet of cargo space. Thankfully, the third-row folds and stows away leaving behind a flat floor and a lot more space. When cargo area is all that matters, the rear two rows can fold down to offer almost 80 cubic feet.
Entertainment & Technology
The base infotainment system inside of the Outlander is made up of an 8-inch screen and a digital instrument cluster. Those who are familiar with the package found in many Nissans will feel right at home as the Outlander shares some of those same components. The menu layout is decent but a few operations are oddly placed in our view.
At the same time, we really appreciate the inclusion of physical knobs for volume and tuner. In addition, Mitsubishi also offers a 9-inch infotainment system along with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Wireless Apple CarPlay is available throughout the lineup while Android Auto users will need to make do with a wired connection only.
Safety Features
The NHTSA gave the Outlander a four-star crash-test rating but beyond that, everything looks pretty good for this crossover. It’s an IIHS Top Safety Pick + and comes with an impressive suite of safety aids. Mitsubishi includes forward collision mitigation, blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, and more on every Outlander. The automaker also offers Mi-Pilot which serves as its semi-autonomous driving package complete with lane-following tech and adaptive cruise control.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Trims & Pricing
Mitsubishi sells the Outlander in five main trim levels. All but the Black Edition are available with either the gas-only powertrain or the PHEV powertrain, the latter of which costs about $11,000 extra. Notably, the 40th Anniversary Edition with the PHEV powertrain appears to be sold out already. Gas-only Outlanders all come with FWD as standard (Aside from the 40th Anniversary Edition), but AWD is available across the range for $1,800.
ES – $29,315
The base-level Outlander starts with 18-inch wheels, push-button start, dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights, keyless entry, cloth upholstery, an 8-inch infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, two USB power points, and six speakers.
The PHEV version also gets a digital gauge cluster, remote monitoring, and selectable drive modes. Safety technology includes lane-departure warning, forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, rear automatic braking, a driver attention warning, and a rear-seat reminder. PHEV-equipped Outlander ES’ also get a trailer stability control feature.
SE – $32,365
Buyers of the SE trim get 20-inch wheels, a 9-inch infotainment system, a hands-free liftgate, LED fog lights, silver exterior trim, automatic wipers, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, faux leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, a wireless charging pad, rear USB ports, front parking sensors, a surround-view camera system, and Mi-Pilot Assist. The PHEV gets power-folding and heated mirrors.
Black Edition – $33,565
This aptly named trim gets blacked-out exterior trim, a panoramic sunroof, a black headliner, and black 20-inch wheels.
SEL – $35,865
This upper-end trim gets a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, leather upholstery, roof rails, power-folding mirrors, faux-leather-covered door cards, heated rear seats, driver’s seat memory settings, a power-adjustable front passenger seat, tri-zone automatic climate control, ambient interior lighting, and upgraded interior trim. PHEV-equipped models add DC fast-charging capability, rear seat sunshades, and two household-style power outlets.
40th Anniversary Edition – $41,715
This single model year trim gets only one paint color, Black Diamond with a Bronze roof. It also gets unique badging, semi-aniline leather upholstery, and an illuminated console tray.
Warranties
Mitsubishi is one of the very few manufacturers that match Kia and Hyundai’s excellent combo of a five-year or 60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty. It’s unbeatable in the industry as of this writing.
What we think
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander – mitsubishicars.com | Shop 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander on Carsforsale.com
Mitsubishi has had a rough go of it lately and that’s mostly been its own fault. We’re happy to say that the 2023 Outlander is one of its best products in years. Last year we said it was a no-brainer over a used Outlander and that remains true today. Sure, there are other crossovers out there worthy of consideration but combine the Outlander’s features and potential new car incentives and it becomes a very attractive SUV for buyers who prioritize value for the dollar over anything else.
