Is the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV a Good SUV? 4 pluses and 4 minuses
Prior to its 2022 redesign, the Mitsubishi Outlander was a contender in the premium SUV segment, trailing many rivals in key areas such as performance,
comfort and refinement. The 2022 update changed everything, making the Outlander a worthy choice with plenty of appeal.
For 2023, Mitsubishi is spreading the love to its Outlander hybrid, which gets the same upgrades and better fuel economy.
Related: 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Review: Faster, Heavier, More Expensive
Much of the credit for the upgraded Outlander goes to Mitsubishi’s partnership with Nissan and Renault; The Outlander shares its platform with the Nissan Rogue. The Outlander PHEV has the same bold styling and premium interior as the gas-only sedan. It also has three rows of seats, making it a unique beauty in a crowded field. The result is an overall attractive package.
Cars.com’s Brian Normile recently had a chance to drive the 2023 Outlander PHEV and was very impressed. But the newest Outlander isn’t without its downfalls, and the plug-in model has its flaws. Click the link above to read Normile’s expert opinion. For a quick look, here are four things we like about the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and four things we don’t.
The things we love
1. work to do
As a petrol-only model, the Outlander PHEV boasts a well-designed interior that’s comfortable and roomy, even for everyone except the third passenger.
The controls and tools are simple and easy to use, with many thumbs and physical buttons. A beautiful hand is a front seat massager, something not often seen in the classroom.
2. Energy efficiency improvements
The 2023 Outlander PHEV is equipped with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine,
front-mounted electric motors and two electric motors.
The SUV gets an overall power boost: 27 horsepower over the previous generation model and even more than 67 horsepower over the current gas-only model.
This makes the PHEV powertrain the best choice around, with faster acceleration and more fuel economy.
3. Many mods
Mitsubishi offers Outlander PHEV drivers a wide range of drive options to choose from.
There are four specific PHEV options: all-electric (EV), gas only to save the battery (Save), which allows the motor to charge the battery (Charge), and a fourth that lets the car decide what’s best.
Other models listen to the power response and steering for specific conditions – including dry pavement, gravel, snow or mud – plus other options for increasing economy or power.
4. Improved electrical independence
The redesigned Outlander PHEV can go 14 miles longer than the electric-only model it replaces, for a claimed total of 38 miles.
While that may not be enough for long trips, it’s enough for those who -travel to get to the main job without waking up the gas engine.
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1. Second class in third row
Although a unique feature in a compact SUV, the third series makes the Outlander PHEV stand out.
However, it is so small that its use is limited.
There is no room for adults there, even in the second row forward, and tall children will not be comfortable.
Another downside is that the head restraints in the third row block much of the rear view. Most owners would rather leave the third row folded.
2. Average MPG
Mitsubishi puts the Outlander PHEV’s fuel economy at a good 64 mpg.
When running on gasoline alone, the manufacturer claims ratings of 25/27/26 mpg city/highway/combined.
While that means overall better fuel economy than the conventional-engined Outlander, the Ford Escape PHEV and Toyota RAV4 Prime both beat it with estimates of 105 mpg-e and 94 mpg-e respectively. . by the EPA. To be fair, the Escape PHEV is only available with front-wheel drive, but the RAV4 Prime has all-wheel drive and an excellent electric-only 42-mile range.
3. Terrible brakes
The One-Pedal Drive Mode function increases the level of adaptive braking, reducing the PHEV Outlander’s power consumption. But that won’t stop the car,
forcing the driver to press the brake pedal to finish the job. Worse, the brakes often seize up when the pedal is depressed, making it more difficult to operate properly.
Even when the one-pedal function is off, the brakes feel limp.
4. solid charger
The Outlander PHEV has two ports, one for normal charging and the second for DC fast charging.
Although two ports are a unique option, choosing the CHAdeMO port for fast charging is more desirable.
CHAdeMO is the standard in Japan, but the charging system has become standard in the US and is easy to use.
