Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle SUV
2023 Review
Find out all you need to know about the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid SUV right here with Savvy
Fact checked
What we like
- Good driving range
- Spacious
- Comfortable & easy to drive
What we don't like
- Aspire steering wheel touch points feel cheap
- Aspire dash buttons feel lower quality than expected
- Sound system is adequate, though not amazing
Our verdict
There’s a lot to like about this second iteration of the Outlander – it drives well for the most part, feels like a real EV, is quicker, and quieter, and rates well against its rivals. But the price tag may leave some buyers considering alternatives.
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Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle SUV 2023: Summary
Offering huge amounts of space and a range that matches, the Aspire has heaps of grunt for an EV – even if you can’t hear it some of the time. Though it is pricey and has some strange omissions, it’s still a great SUV; if you can forgive its bumpy rides.
Price: how much does the Mitsubishi Outlander cost in Australia?
The Mitsubishi Outlander base model ES is a five-seat variant and costs $54,490 before on road costs. The mid-spec Aspire (as reviewed here) creeps up to $60,990 and the Exceed and Exceed Tourer trims are $65,990 and $68,490 respectively, before on road costs.
Minor services cost about $299 with major services ranging between $599 and $799.
| Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle SUV 2023 - Prices in Australia | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Variant | Seats | Drive Type | Drive-Away Price (*NSW Example) |
| ES | 5 Seats | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | $60,390 |
| Aspire | 5 Seats | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | $67,210 |
| Exceed | 7 Seats | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | $72,990 |
| Exceed Tourer | 7 Seats | All-Wheel Drive (AWD) | $75,610 ($100,915 with addition of all possible extras) |
Overview
The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a family-sized SUV which has been on the Australian market for about a decade in its petrol/Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) version. To date, they’ve sold over 300,000 units. The 2023 version has many improvements over the previous PHEV model, which we’ll discuss in the review.
Dimensions
4710L/1862W/1745H, 2706mm wheelbase
Available door options
5 Door, 7 seat SUV – two extra seats in Exceed and Exceed Tourer
Engines
Plug-In Hybrid: 2.5L four cylinder petrol engine and electric motor with single-speed transmission with an output of 185kW/450Nm
Trims
Mid-spec Aspire, flagship Exceed and Exceed Tourer models that include two extra seats
Available colours
Warranty
10-year factory backed warranty, honoured if serviced at authorised dealers; battery pack warranty of 8-years or 160,000km
Similar to:
Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape PHEV
Performance and drive
Unlike Toyota or other hybrids, pushing your Outlander to the redline doesn’t fire up the ICE – the EV can handle pretty much anything you throw at it. This owes much to how the hybrid function is calibrated. Most hybrids will default to petrol once the battery is spent; this engine will favour the EV at every given opportunity which means when you press down on the accelerator, you get instant, smooth thrust. In that regard, it feels like a pure-bred EV, not a hybrid.
The powertrain has a suite of modes that distribute power throughout the all-wheel drive. These are Power, Eco, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud.
Another batch of settings also change how the battery operates. The default is Normal, which leaves the battery and ICE engine optimised by on-board computer. EV mode makes all power electric, while Save mode emphasises the petrol engine to save the battery. The fourth mode is Charge mode, which uses the ICE engine to top up the battery. This takes about an hour to get it up from zero to 80%, according to the manufacturer.
You can also take advantage of six-stage regenerative braking using shift-paddles behind the steering wheel; you can add or take away regeneration in stages or engage the heaviest mode using a button on the centre console – it’s almost strong enough to employ one pedal driving in most situations, though you’ll need to tap the brake to come to a complete stop.
As for the drive, it’s comfortable and smooth for the most part thanks to its Super All-Wheel Control, but the usual Outlander drawback remains; driving over unexpected, jagged bumps and potholes can cause driver and passengers to really feel it underneath.
There’s also been a slight tune to the steering, causing a bit of understeer on either side of forward momentum. Out in the suburbs, you might not notice but out in the country or highways it will stand out.
| Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle SUV 2023 - EV System | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery Type | Li-ion | ||
| Battery Capacity (kWh) | 20 KWh | ||
| Battery Voltage (V) | 350 | ||
| Variable mode regenerative braking system (RBS) | Included | ||
| Innovative Pedal Operation mode | Included | ||
| Charging time - Mode 4 DC Rapid Charger (min) | 38 | ||
| Charging time - Mode 3 AC 15A Fast Charger (hrs) | 6.5 | ||
| Charging time - Mode 2 AC 240V, 10A (hrs) | 9.5 | ||
| Charging cable - Mode 3 AC 15A | Included | ||
| Charging cable - Mode 2 AC 240V, 8A-10A | Included | ||
| High voltage cut-off system | Included | ||
Battery size / capacity / fuel consumption / range
The battery pack is 50% bigger than the previous model, weighing in at 20kWh, giving the Aspire a range of 84km – 30km more than the older model. It also consumes 1.5L/100km of fuel, on a 185kW/450Nm engine. Electricity consumption was 26kWh/100hm. On a regular 240V socket, the PHEV takes about 9.5 hours to get to full charge. A DC fast charger will go from zero to 80 in about 38 minutes.
Speed:
0 – 100Km: 8.2 sec.
Safety
The Outlander range of PHEVs have a five-star ANCAP safety rating, which includes a driver fatigue monitor, adaptive cruise control, eight airbags, AEB pedestrian and cyclist detection, emergency lane assist and lane departure warning, blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition, and front and rear parking sensors.
Interior
This generation of Outlander's cabin quality and appearance are hallmarks, and the PHEV is no different. The interior has a contemporary style, prioritises comfort, and is rationally organised and simple to operate.
It's rather lush, too. The cabin atmosphere in Aspire model grades and higher is a definite step up from the previous generation of more frugal and economical Outlanders. The front seats have a decent room to them, but the third row might be a tough ask for taller blokes, even if you want to sacrifice the already small boot space by sliding it forward – which is 100L less than the Toyota RAV4, for example.
Aesthetics hasn't come at the expense of ergonomics. The HVAC settings are thankfully not hidden in the centre screen, which can be challenging to access while driving, as the centre console still has the old-fashioned buttons and knobs.
There is a USB-A and USB-C plug in front of the gearshift, and the infotainment system is very easy to use. Unfortunately, the on-when-it-feels-like-it wireless charging hasn’t been ironed out, which is a bit of a disappointment.
Aspire model grades and above score two on-board power sockets that can power anything from laptops to your blender if you wanted. You also get a 12.3” digital instrument cluster, a 9” central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired-only Android Auto.
The Aspire model includes 20-inch alloys, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, heated front seats, head-up display, powered tailgate, wireless phone charging and twin USB charging points for second-row passengers.
Outlander PHEV Exterior
The Outlander looks, well, a little outlandish. The front grille is jutted in from both sides by a cornered panel, with thin wedged LEDs to either side and headlamps shunted away into the outermost extremes. Fog lights span underneath. It has a brutish, robust appearance which could appeal to suburban and weekend warriors. It comes in white, white diamond, red diamond, cosmic blue, sterling silver, titanium grey, and black diamond colours. Mitsubishi says the Outlander can also act as a backup battery cell for your home to offset your electricity bills. Neat.
Wheel size:
20-inch wheels, 350mm front disc brakes, 330mm back disc brakes
Outlander PHEV Exterior
The Outlander looks, well, a little outlandish. The front grille is jutted in from both sides by a cornered panel, with thin wedged LEDs to either side and headlamps shunted away into the outermost extremes. Fog lights span underneath. It has a brutish, robust appearance which could appeal to suburban and weekend warriors. It comes in white, white diamond, red diamond, cosmic blue, sterling silver, titanium grey, and black diamond colours. Mitsubishi says the Outlander can also act as a backup battery cell for your home to offset your electricity bills. Neat.
Wheel size:
20-inch wheels, 350mm front disc brakes, 330mm back disc brakes
Boot / storage space
As mentioned, the boot space is smaller than most models – and weirdly enough, due to the rear axle mounted electric motor, there is no spare tyre. You do get a puncture repair kit – and if you faff that you’re a bit in the lurch. Better have your roadside assist on speed dial, then.
Volume in litres:
478L
Towing capacity:
1,600kg braked
Conclusion
There’s a lot to like about this second iteration of the Outlander – it drives well for the most part, feels like a real EV, is quicker, and quieter, and rates well against its rivals. But the price tag may leave some buyers considering alternatives. Will you save money on fuel (and potentially energy bills) in the long-term – of course. But it’s up to you if the upfront costs are worth the distant savings in the future. If you aren’t quite prepared to go all-in on EVs, the Outlander Aspire is a great mid-ground family vehicle that will stand the test of time.
Getting finance for your new EV
If you are considering buying an Outlander PHEV, or even another EV, you can talk to our team to discuss which car finance options will work best for your situation.
This guide provides general information and does not consider your individual needs, finances or objectives. We do not make any recommendation or suggestion about which product is best for you based on your specific situation and we do not compare all companies in the market, or all products offered by all companies. It’s always important to consider whether professional financial, legal or taxation advice is appropriate for you before choosing or purchasing a financial product.
Approval for car loans is always subject to our lender’s terms, conditions and qualification criteria. Lenders will undertake a credit check in line with responsible lending obligations to help determine whether you’re in a position to take on the loan you’re applying for.
The interest rate, comparison rate, fees and monthly repayments will depend on factors specific to your profile, such as your financial situation, as well others, such as the loan’s size and your chosen repayment term. Costs such as broker fees, redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, aren’t included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. Different terms, fees or other loan amounts may result in a different comparison rate.
The content on our website is produced by experts in the field of finance and reviewed as part of our editorial guidelines. We endeavour to keep all information across our site updated with accurate information.
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© Copyright 2024 Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd T/as Savvy. All Rights Reserved.
Quantum Savvy Pty Ltd (ABN 78 660 493 194) trades as Savvy and operates as an Authorised Credit Representative 541339 of Australian Credit Licence 414426 (AFAS Group Pty Ltd, ABN 12 134 138 686). We are one of Australia’s leading financial comparison sites and have been helping Australians make savvy decisions when it comes to their money for over a decade.
We’re partnered with lenders, insurers and other financial institutions who compensate us for business initiated through our website. We earn a commission each time a customer chooses or buys a product advertised on our site, which you can find out more about here, as well as in our credit guide for asset finance. It’s also crucial to read the terms and conditions, Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) or credit guide of our partners before signing up for your chosen product. However, the compensation we receive doesn’t impact the content written and published on our website, as our writing team exercises full editorial independence.
For more information about us and how we conduct our business, you can read our privacy policy and terms of use.
