2023 Mitsubishi Outlander and 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: Which one is right for you? April 26 2023, The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander is more of a jack of all trades than ever before. With standard three rows of seating, standard AWD and the availability of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, the Outlander has a skillset equalled by few others in the three-row utility marketplace. There’s a lot to consider when it comes to deciding on which Outlander is best suited for you – so let’s get into it. Powertrain Choice The standard Outlander comes equipped with a single engine choice: a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder unit good for 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. Mitsubishi Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) comes standard across all eight trims, starting at $32,698: ES S-AWC, SE S-AWC, LE S-AWC, Noir S-AWC, LE Premium S-AWC, SEL S-AWC, GT S-AWC and GT Premium S-AWC. That means that no matter the Outlander you choose, you get the predictive and intelligent S-AWC system that monitors a number of data points to help you stay safe on the road, as well as controlling body pitch and roll to keep occupants inside more comfortable. The PHEV version is available across five trims – more than what’s offered by any other manufacturers that offer a PHEV SUV-- starting at $46,538: ES S-AWC, LE S-AWC, SEL S-AWC, GT S-AWC and GT Premium S-AWC. Power for the PHEV version also comes courtesy of a naturally-aspirated four, but one that is slightly smaller than that which is found in the Outlander. That size difference is negated by the PHEV’s dual electric motors: an 85 kW motor on the front axle, and a 100 kW motor on the rear combine with the gas engine to provide 258 hp and a hearty 332 lb-ft of torque, both figures that eclipse the Outlander’s 2.5 by quite a margin. What those dual EV motors also do, of course, is allow for gas-free full-EV driving to the tune of over 60 km, which is a big jump over the 39 km the previous Outlander PHEV was capable of. If you can charge at home and live in the city – and learn how to get the most out of a charge by manipulating the six regen levels available – your Outlander PHEV could very well become an Outlander EV. Interior Space and Features All Outlanders come standard with seating for seven occupants and even though the PHEV model does require the fitting of EV motors and a 20 kW battery, you have the same amount of cargo room there as you do in the standard Outlander. Indeed, the only aspect of the interior really affected by the PHEV’s running gear is a slight decrease in third-row headroom. Add the fact that both models can tow up to 680 kg (1,500 pounds) depending on spec, and you can see how the decision to select from between these two models is a tough one. Standard features for all Outlander and Outlander PHEV trims include a blind spot monitor, seating for seven, cruise control, lane departure warning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, automatic multi-zone climate control, heated front seats and alloy wheels. Which 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander is for You? While the Outlander PHEV does start at a higher price than does the standard Outlander, you will of course gain some of that back at the pump. At under 10 L/100 km in the combined cycle the Outlander’s fuel economy is certainly not bad for a three-row crossover, but you will sip less fuel in the PHEV, especially if you’re spending a lot of your time in EV mode in the city. Having said that, though, there is a pretty significant price gap there and that may spell curtains for the PHEV for some buyers. There are also more trim choices for the standard Outlander including the special edition Noir trim so someone looking for ways for their Outlander to be a little different may find the increased trim choice attractive. For many, however, it will be tough to ignore the ability to drive silently in EV mode for extended periods (perhaps enjoying the massaging front seats – a PHEV exclusive) and the joy of being able to cruise past yet another gas station without stopping. Either way, with the 2023 Outlander, you’re getting a fully-featured three-row crossover with an AWD system that’s tough to beat, modern styling and a well-equipped, well built interior. Contact Us
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