For 2022, Mitsubishi introduced an all-new Outlander brimming with aggressive styling inside and out, new technology, and a third-row-seat option. Now, Mitsubishi is providing further details about the 2023 Outlander PHEV, a plug-in hybrid version of the compact crossover SUV that provides a much more fuel-efficient ride.
While Mitsubishi has yet to release full particulars on this gas-sipping people hauler, such as pricing or final EPA fuel-economy figures, we know that it will be released in Japan early next year and in the United States in the latter part of 2022.
Aside from badging, Mitsubishi has not outlined visual differentiation of the Outlander PHEV compared to the internal combustion engine (ICE) Outlander, which received personality-filled styling for its 2022 redesign.
Compared to the outgoing Outlander PHEV that it replaces, the 2023 version is much more muscular, with pronounced lighting elements in the front fascia and squared-off styling. In addition, we are pleased to see that Mitsubishi is abandoning the ubiquitous grey side cladding that mucks up the appearance of so many crossovers.
Inside, you’ll find more premium materials compared to the previous model, along with improved passenger space. Unlike many compact SUVs, the Outlander offers a third row; while it’s tight, it provides 7-passenger seating in a pinch.
Motivating the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is the same 2.4-liter inline 4-cylinder engine as the prior year’s model but with updates including new electric motors in the front and rear. While Mitsubishi did not provide final output numbers, it is sure to best the 221 horsepower of the 2022 model.
Mitsubishi boasts of a 40-percent increase in the output of the front and rear motors and the battery combined. Thanks to a large-capacity drive battery with 20 kWh at its disposal—a significant increase from the current 13.8 kWh—Mitsubishi expects the new Outlander PHEV to provide a range of about 54 miles on electric power alone. However, this figure is preliminary, as Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) testing diverges from WLTC (Worldwide harmonized Light Vehicles Test Cycles) testing.
Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control AWD (all-wheel-drive) system comes standard on the 2023 Outlander PHEV, with enhanced yaw control for greater traction, according to Mitsubishi. It also has seven drive modes for different powertrain responses to maximize traction on various surfaces.
Mitsubishi has not provided specific EPA numbers for fuel economy.
As a part of the Mi-Pilot suite of advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS), Mitsubishi adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and speed-limit detectors. The TJA feature has stop-and-go capability and can automatically re-engage after 30 seconds of stopping in traffic. Other ADAS include automatic front and rear emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot warning.
In the Outlander PHEV, drivers can check the remaining range of the drive battery as well as set charging times and reminder alerts. Otherwise, Mitsubishi did not call out additional infotainment features, so we can deduce it has similar features to the ICE Outlander, which features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone projection and a wireless charging pad.
Competitors to the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV include plug-in hybrid versions of the Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento, and the Toyota RAV4 Prime.
Mitsubishi is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of October 28, 2021, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
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