First Impressions

So you’re in the market for a new SUV, perhaps a hybrid, or smarter yet, a plug-in hybrid. But there are just so many choices to choose from. However, there is one brand that you probably haven’t considered; Mitsubishi. But, you should. So let’s hop in the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and take a first drive through the beautiful country backroads of Franklin, Tennessee. 

Since we recently tested the new generation Outlander, and had the previous PHEV in our long term fleet, the all-new plug-in felt both familiar and different, both in very good ways. Of course the main thing is the powertrain.

Under this all-wheel drive PHEV’s hood lies a 2.4 liter Atkinson cycle 4-cylinder. It’s aided by two electric motors, one front and a larger one at the rear. Total power output is 248 horsepower and 332 pound feet of torque, a significant increase over the previous generation.

The lithium-ion battery pack has a capacity of 20.0 kilowatt-hours, up from 13.8 of the previous gen, which now allows a electric driving range of 38 miles, that is 14 miles more than the outgoing plug-in. Total gas-electric driving range is a very good 420 miles. 

The most aggressive regenerative braking mode is called ‘Innovative Pedal.’ It worked very well slowing us down rapidly. But the driver still has to bring the vehicle to a complete stop. So no true “one pedal drive” mode. We did, however, see very decent recharge results, about 8 miles of range added on roughly a 30 mile stretch of road.

"So Mitsubishi really wanted the new Outlander PHEV to do a lot of things very well, and one of those things that stands out to me is overall balance. This vehicle weighs about 440 pounds more than its internal combustion counterpart, and cruising through these country Tennessee backroads, you can feel that there is much better grip, and less body roll. There is one thing I wish there was more of, and this is more steering weight."

On the outside, the Outlander PHEV looks just like your typical Outlander, PHEV badging and the additional cap for the charger are the main distinctions compared to its internal combustion sibling.

The Outlander impresses on its top trim comforts. A digital gauge cluster is standard across all trims, and if you enjoy a massage on your commutes, you have to go electric, as massaging front seats are exclusive to the PHEV.

We cannot forget to mention that DC fast charging is available on the PHEV, a charge from 0-80 percent can be achieved in 38 minutes.

Pricing for the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Hybrid starts at just under $40,000 for ES trim, and SEL Premium’s can sticker just over $50,000. There is also a 40th Anniversary Edition available!

And you can bet we will have much more to talk about in a future road test of the all-new Outlander PHEV, So stayed plugged in with us, right here on MotorWeek.