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It's been quite awhile coming, but the key details of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV are finally here: electric range, horsepower and pricing. And they're all increases over the old model, mostly in good ways. Like before, the Outlander PHEV runs mainly as a series hybrid, with forward propulsion coming from a pair of electric motors (one front, one rear). The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder mainly acts as a generator, though it can provide direct power in certain circumstances. Overall output is 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Supplying electric power is a 20-kWh battery pack, a touch more than 6-kWh greater than the old pack. The bigger battery boosts electric range to 38 miles. Interestingly, Mitsubishi continues to also offer the ability to charge at a DC fast charger. At 38 minutes to charge to 80%, it's not especially fast compared with many modern electric cars, but it's a neat option that few plug-in hybrids offer. Overall fuel economy is rated at 64 mpg-e, which is actually worse than the outgoing model that got 74 mpg-e. We're not entirely sure what resulted in the lower overall number, since fuel economy when running on a depleted battery wasn't given. We would expect numbers close to the regular Outlander, which gets 26 to 27 mpg in combined driving depending on configuration. The price also goes up. At $41,190, it's $2,690 more than the old model. But that seems fairly reasonable considering the additional electric range and power, not to mention the fact that the powertrain is packaged in the vastly improved new Outlander chassis with its more attractive styling and nicer interior. It also finds itself priced carefully between the slightly more expensive RAV4 Prime (which has a bit more electric range and more power) and the Ford Escape Plug-in Hybrid (which is front-drive only and just one mile less range). Both those options are more efficient overall, as is the most affordable Tucson PHEV, though it's only available in select states and has the lowest range at 33 miles. It does offer a bit more power than the Mitsubishi, though. The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV goes on sale first in select states around November, but will be offered nationwide a little later. Related video: You Might Also Like
Japanese automaker Mitsubishi has taken significant steps over the past few years to resurface brand credibility in the U.S. after floundering in the early 2000s. The brand, which offers only five offerings—Outlander, Outlander PHEV, Outlander Sport, Mirage, Mirage G4 and Eclipse Cross—now seems well-positioned to again become a successful player in the U.S. market. Forbes Wheels was in a pre-production model of the all-new, seven-passenger 2023 Outlander PHEV in Mitsubishi’s U.S. home base of Franklin, Tennessee. Outlander was the first plug-In hybrid (PHEV) SUV back in 2013 and it was the first sold in the U.S. in 2018. Now its third generation presents the first full redesign of the Outlander in nearly nine years. I-Fu-Do-DoThe Japanese saying “I-Fu-Do-Do” means authentic and majestic, and was the project mantra for the new Outlander—everything from the platform to the body, engine, chassis and interior revamped for the new model. The Outlander PHEV has been given significant upgrades, including:
Dynamic Road MannersThe S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system is based on a twin-motor four-wheel drive system with one drive motor in front and another in the rear and features a new brake Active Yaw Control function for the rear wheels. This allows the system to distribute the driving force to the front and rear wheels according to road and driving conditions. Torque vectoring is achieved by controlling the brakes on the left and right wheels and/or the front and rear wheels. According to Mitsubishi, this makes it possible to extract the maximum performance from all four tires in a more balanced manner, delivering handling true to the driver’s intention and high operating stability. Drivers can select from seven drive modes depending on road surface conditions and driving style. Normal (paved roads), Tarmac (performance driving on dry roads), Gravel (unpaved or wet roads), Snow (snowy and slippery roads), Mud (muddy roads and deep snow), Power (enhanced acceleration) and Eco (fuel saving). PHEV Drivetrain, Range and ChargingOutlander’s PHEV system was extensively updated and revised to allow the vehicle to operate in EV mode more often and with increased EV driving range. There are five main components to the new system:
With an increase of around 40% in the output of the front and rear motors and drive battery, the new Outlander PHEV minimizes starting the internal combustion engine in as many scenarios as possible. That includes when accelerating hard while merging and passing on the expressway and in other city or suburban driving scenarios. The change to a large capacity Drive battery with total capacity of 20 kWh (up from the previous model’s 13.8 kWh) has raised the equivalent all-electric range to 38 miles, with sufficient driving range even when using heavy battery-draw functions like the air conditioner. Gas tank capacity is also increased, giving the Outlander extended total combined range of 420 miles. MPG numbers are 25 city, 27 mpg highway and 26 mpg combined. The vehicle’s ICE/EV rating is 64 MPGe. Normal home charging via a 240-volt circuit takes 6.5 hours. Quick charging (105 amps or higher) achieves an 80% charge in about 38 minutes. Charging via the built-in generator yields an 80% charge in about 94 minutes (when the car is stationary). The Outlander PHEV can even serve as an emergency source of power (max output 1500 watts) to power small appliances like a toaster oven, hair dryer and coffee maker via second and third-row AC outlets. Lighter, Stronger StructureThe Outlander features a new generation platform developed through the corporate Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. A “cyclic” structure increases front body rigidity and vehicle torsional rigidity over the previous model and enhances driving stability. Overall weight reduction comes through an aluminum engine hood and plastic front fenders, both of which had previously been made of steel. In addition, ultra-high tensile strength steel is used in key body/chassis areas, increasing passenger cabin collision safety. But it can still pull (some of) its weight. Towing capacity is up to 2,000 pounds. Safety FirstMyriad standard safety features also come from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi goodie bag. The all-new Outlander PHEV is equipped with evolved MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology, which integrates Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist to assist the driver in maintaining distance between vehicles while keeping in the center of the lane. It also detects speed limit signs and automatically adjusts the set speed accordingly. MI-PILOT with Navi-link utilizes map data to automatically adjust vehicle speed as needed according to curves, forks, and other circumstances on expressways. Outlander’s standard Active Safety System includes Forward Collision Mitigation, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, rear collision and lane departure systems. It also includes Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication,a system that can sense if you stomp the wrong pedal by accident. Mitsubishi’s “Connect” app offers drivers the ability to access emergency assistance, check the range of the drive battery, set charging times and alerts to avoid forgetting to charge, and display the positioning of the parked vehicle on smartphone app maps to see where it is located. Mitsubishi Connect also has a parental control function that sends notifications of vehicle driving status. Outlander PHEV Styling and InteriorOutlander styling is progressive or aggressive, depending on the viewing angle. At first glance from the front it looks like a Lunar Landing Vehicle, with assorted lights and styling cues arrayed in a slightly unnatural manner. The color you choose also plays a role in the appeal of the front end, with darker colors like Black Diamond bringing out the best of the design, while lighter shades look less impressive. But overall styling, with a long roofline with rear spoiler and deeply sculpted side panels highlighted by 20-inch wheels, along with well-integrated tail lamps, make the Outlander handsome and rugged. The interior suggests a much higher MSRP than Outlander PHEV demands, rarely the case for Mitsubishis past. The horizontally sculpted instrument panel and door panel trim are covered with high-quality stitched soft padding. Real metal and wood, and semi-aniline leather are standard or available, further extending the surprisingly luxurious cabin. The front seats are optimized for reducing fatigue during long-haul driving, while front and middle rows offer seat heaters. Third-row seats are rare in PHEV vehicles, due to the combined ICE/EV components. Mitsubishi integrated the rear motor control into the rear motor, creating additional space for a reasonably roomy third row. Second-row seats fold into the floor with a single action, while third-row seats fold flat without removing the headrests. The result is 49 cubic-feet of cargo carrying capacity with both rows folded. Driving the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEVImpressive, unexpected and quiet. Those three words sum up this pre-production model. It’s impressive in the sense that all of the aforementioned safety and driveline systems work flawlessly to contribute to the overall excellent road manners. S-AWC is the real deal, as I was able to carve up some stretches of road like I was driving a Mitsubishi Evo rally car. An innovative one-pedal drive system allowed me to not touch the brakes until I shifted into park after my test run. Unexpected in the sense that this was a brand on the ropes, folks. It came out swinging for the fences like it was in a chase for the MLB home run record. The standard luxury and convenience features include a premium Bose audio system, leather, wood and metal trim, a 12.3-inch digital driver’s cluster, a 9-inch infotainment and navigation screen and a head-up display. These are the types of features you find in vehicles that cost double Outlander’s tab. And it’s quiet. The rigid body and chassis, coupled with well-placed sound-deadening material render the Outlander’s interior nearly silent. Transitions between ICE and EV power are seamless and relatively mute. Road noise is kept at bay. Mitsubishi really did their homework on overall control of “Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH).” How Much Will the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Cost? When Will it be Available?2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV pricing will start from $39,845. U.S. sales are set to begin in November. It made its global debut on Wednesday. Mitsubishi provided lodging, meals and travel to enable us to bring you this first-person report. Although Forbes Wheels sometimes participates in manufacturer-hosted events, our coverage is independent, unbiased and aimed at offering consumers an objective view of every vehicle we test. Where is Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV made?Since 2022, the plug-in hybrid version of the Mitsubishi Outlander has been built at the Okazaki Plant in Okazaki, Aichi, Japan. Over 300,000 units of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV manufactured at the Okazaki Plant have been sold worldwide in 2022, according to JATO Dynamics.
Will there be a 2022 Outlander PHEV?The 2022 Outlander PHEV combines hybrid power and performance with incredible fuel economy. Stretch your dollars and leave a smaller footprint with a range of up to 24 city miles on a full charge.
Are new Mitsubishi cars available in the UK?Explore the Mitsubishi range
The Mitsubishi UK car range offers something for everyone, whatever you're looking for. Browse models to find your perfect car: whether you're looking for an SUV, a compact city car, a plug-in hybrid or a pickup truck.
When did the Outlander PHEV come out?The plug-in hybrid variant of the all-new, fourth-gen Mitsubishi Outlander will start arriving at Mitsubishi dealers in the U.S. in November 2022. Here's our preview of the plug-in hybrid SUV, which will replace the first-gen model that arrived in the U.S. in 2016. 9.1.
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