Used 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV

The Mitsubishi Outlander was fully redesigned in 2022 and the plug-in hybrid variant gets a similar update for 2023. The Outlander PHEV enters a new generation, now with available 3-row seating, which you couldn’t get in the previous model. Other updates include a thoroughly revised interior and exterior, an all-electric range of up to 38 miles, and DC fast charging capability. This is a value choice in plug-in hybrid SUVs, competing with the Toyota RAV4 Prime and the plug-in hybrid variants of the Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson, and Ford Escape.

Our first drive of the new 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV left us impressed. Power delivery and braking feel are both well-sorted — a challenge for any hybrid — and it can deliver greater acceleration in electric mode than most of its competitors. Beyond that, it’s about as comfortable and quiet as most compact SUVs.

Mitsubishi calls its AWD system “Super All Wheel Control,” a branded name for a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. It works well and makes the Outlander PHEV agile around corners on top of giving it better all-season traction.

Like many PHEVs, there are four powertrain settings. Normal mode leaves it in hybrid mode, drawing on both electric and gas power. EV mode prioritizes electric operation, while Save mode prioritizes gas power to save electric range for later use. Charge mode uses the gas engine like a generator to charge the EV system.

The Mitsubishi Innovative Pedal works like one-pedal driving, but it can’t bring the SUV to a complete stop.

The interior of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is more upscale than you might expect for a Mitsubishi. This cabin reminds us of what we’ve seen from Hyundai and Kia in recent years, which is a good thing. The interior design looks nice, and we’re impressed with the quality of the materials, especially in the upper trims. We found the driving position and ride height to be just right for an SUV this size.

The most exceptional thing about this interior is its 3-row seating. That third row is snug and best reserved for children, but it’s impressive that seating for seven comes standard in this compact plug-in hybrid SUV. Also, you won’t hear any complaints from passengers in the roomy second row. If you fold down that third row, you get generous cargo space, but the cargo room is tight with all the seats in place.

The all-new 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV looks essentially the same as the non-hybrid Outlander that was redesigned in 2022. It has a more powerful presence than the outgoing model, with a boxy profile and a flat snout somewhat reminiscent of off-road all-stars from Mitsubishi’s past. However, it’s a thoroughly modern look that’s anything but retro.

As for the size, the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is on the bigger side of the compact SUV class. It’s about the same size as the Kia Sportage and Nissan Rogue, and a bit bigger than the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, and Ford Escape.

38-mile electric range
The Outlander PHEV is capable of up to 38 miles of all-electric range with a full charge. That means you can run errands around town without burning any gas.

3-row seating
Standard 3-row seating for up to seven makes the Outlander PHEV the most affordable plug-in hybrid 3-row SUV on the market.

DC fast charging
DC fast charging is hard to find in a PHEV in this price range, and we’re glad to see it as an option on the Outlander PHEV. Mitsubishi claims it can charge up to 80% in just 38 minutes.

S-AWC with Active Yaw Control
The Super All Wheel Control AWD system is standard on the Outlander PHEV and helps with all-weather traction and grip on dry pavement. It also has an Active Yaw Control feature increasing cornering and traction performance.

MI-PILOT Assist
The available MI-PILOT Assist semi-autonomous driving system integrates lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, and embedded navigation to lighten the driver’s load in highway driving.

Smartphone connectivity
Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard on the Outlander PHEV, and wireless CarPlay is optional. You also get a high-tech 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s entirely different from the non-hybrid Outlander engine. It’s a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine mated to two electric motors — one at the front axle and one in the back. Juice for the electric motors comes from a 20 kW lithium-ion battery pack.

The Outlander PHEV can travel up to 38 miles on electricity alone before the gas engine needs to kick in. It gets a combined fuel economy rating of 27 mpg when running in gas-electric hybrid mode, which trails most of its competitors rather significantly.

A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) delivers power to all four wheels via Mitsubishi’s S-AWC AWD system.

Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain
2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine
Two electric motors
20 kWh lithium-ion battery pack
Total horsepower: 248 hp
Total torque: 332 lb-ft
All-electric range: 38 miles
EPA combined city/highway fuel economy: 64 MPGe (gas & electric), 27 mpg (gas)

5-Year/60,000-Mile Warranty

The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV boasts a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty. That matches the warranties of the PHEV versions of the Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, and Hyundai Tucson.