History/Overview
Back in 2018, Mitsubishi entered the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) marketplace with the Outlander PHEV, based on what was the then-aging third-generation Outlander design. It quickly became a big seller thanks to its high-value pricing, but it offered limited electric driving range and wasn’t very interesting to look at or drive.
What’s New/Key Changes From Last Year
Enter the 2023 Outlander PHEV, which has been redesigned into its second generation for 2023 based on the same platform as the fourth-gen gas-powered Outlander (covered in its own buyer’s guide entry). It’s got bolder looks, more power, and, most importantly, a new PHEV drive system that can go further on electric power.
Available Trims
Mitsu offers the Outlander PHEV in ES, LE, SEL, and GT trim levels. All are powered by a 2.4L four-cylinder engine that teams up with two electric motors (one front, one rear) that provide electric drive and all-wheel traction.
Standard Features
ES trim comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off LED headlights with washers, heated side-view mirrors, a front wiper de-icer, and LED taillights. Inside, there are heated front seats, dual-zone A/C, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, six-speaker audio, and digital gauges. Outlander PHEV’s standard safety suite comprises rear parking sensors, lane departure warning, lane change assist, rear automatic braking, forward collision mitigation, driver attention alert, blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control.
LE trim brings surround-view cameras, LED fog lights, a panoramic roof, faux-suede upholstery, a power driver’s seat, three-zone A/C, a heated steering wheel, navigation, a 9.0-inch touchscreen, a power tailgate, and passive keyless entry.
SEL gains 20-inch wheels, heated rear seats, driver’s seat memory, quilted leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, reverse-tilt mirrors, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.
Finally, GT trim gets auto-levelling headlights, active blind spot assist, a head-up display, nine-speaker audio, rear side sunshades, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise with stop/go, traffic sign recognition, wireless phone charging, and a two-tone roof. A GT Premium package adds massaging front seats and semi-aniline leather upholstery.
Fuel Economy
Mitsubishi’s fuel consumption estimates for the Outlander PHEV are 9.2/8.7 L/100 km (city/highway) when running as a gas-electric hybrid, and 3.6 Le/100 km in electric mode.
Competition
The Outlander PHEV’s most direct competitors are the Ford Escape PHEV, the Toyota RAV4 Prime, Kia Sportage PHEV, and Hyundai Tucson PHEV.
