2023 Mitsubish Outland Phev

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absolutely AUTO REVIEW | By Steve Kursar –

2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a three-row crossover powered by a plug-in hybrid engine giving the vehicle the ability to operate in all-electric mode for a short range. It’s an ideal com­ promise for a family that wants an electric vehicle for daily driving while giving them the ability to drive longer ranges whenever road calls. This just might be the vehicle that attracts new car buyers to the Mitsubishi family.

The history of Mitsubishi Motors dates back to I 917 when the company introduced its first car. But, in recent decades, the com­pany’s ownership has bounced around between larger automotive companies that robbed Mitsubishi the ability to set a distinctive identity. Currently, it is one-third owned by Nissan and is part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. The introduction of the Outlander PHEV is a hopeful indication that Mitsubishi is on a positive track to regaining needed market share.

A base 2023 Outlander PHEV comes with an MSRP price tag of $39,845 and is powered by a 248 hp, 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine paired with dual electric motors, one for the front wheels and a second for the rear. There’s a 20-kWh lithium-ion battery that powers the electric motor and gives the Outlander a range of up to 38 miles on a single charge. EPA estimated fuel economy for the gasoline engine is a less-than-stellar 25 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway.

The interior is roomy with textured and padded touch-points providing the Outlander an upscale feel. The center console fea­ tures a large touch screen and the instrumental panel is easily configured. As in most third-row crossovers, that back row is suit­ able only for small children. It’s notable that the Outlander delivers a near-luxury interior that rivals competitors but without a similar high price tag.

An outstanding feature of the new Outlander is the MI-PILOT single-lane driver assistance technology for highways which in­ tegrates 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 au­ tomatically adjusts the set speed accordingly. The MI-PILOT with Navi-link technology is designed to alleviate driver fatigue while driving in highway traffic by utilizing map data to automatically ad­ just vehicle speed as needed according to curves, forks and other circumstances on expressways.

The newest Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV delivers with a stylish, technology crossover that is sure to entice buyers with an afford­ able price tag.