Don’t overlook the Outlander based on past experiences with the model. It’s a completely new and much more competitive option now and is on our short list of “must compare” vehicles.

The Outlander gets a host of improvements over its previous generation with this fourth-gen offering. It’s now far more competitive and desirable. In fact, it’s one of our favorites in the segment and a “must shop” on our recommended lists.

Chief among the Outlander’s upsides is its well-done interior, usable third row, and low cost of entry. The Outlander’s excellent warranty is also a big upside. Our only real complaint is with the infotainment system in the lower trims. It’s clunky and not terribly intuitive. Plugging in a phone can bring Android Auto or Apple CarPlay, but that’s extra cords and wait time. Luckily, upgrading to the larger infotainment screen comes with a clearer interface (though not better) and wireless connectivity for Auto and CarPlay, fixing our chief complaint.

Fuel economy is also an issue, though only for the plug-in hybrid model. The standard model gets what’s advertised most of the time, so it’s about average for the segment. The Outlander PHEV, however, gets subpar fuel economy on the whole and only rarely gets its expected all-electric range. It’s one of the few PHEVs outside of the luxury realm to be capable of DC fast charging, however, so that may be a turning point for some buyers.

All in all, we think the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander deserves to be on the short list of considerations for shoppers in the segment.

Of the three competitors listed here, the Sorento is the strongest contender against the Outlander. Kia has a nearly identical warranty and a sportier, more fun option in the Sorento. The Sorento’s third row is more cramped by comparison, but many of the amenities in the Kia are a little more upscale.

The Rogue shares a lot with the Outlander, sharing a platform and other components in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. The Rogue has a lower starting point, but far less standard equipment by comparison with the base model being more for rental fleets than consumers. Apples-to-apples, the Outlander is the better value. The Rogue has no third row.

Comparatively, the RAV4 offers little over and above the Outlander beyond its Toyota nameplate. It’s more expensive, doesn’t have a third row, and has about the same powertrain and specifications. The plug-in hybrid options, however, are different. They are similarly priced, but the Toyota has much higher fuel economy.

The Outlander remains one of the lower-cost options in its category. Not to be confused with the Outlander Sport, a smaller model, the standard 2023 Outlander has a beginning price of $29,000 and change. That’s about two thousand cheaper than its nearest competitor. Most buyers will be in the $33,000 range unless opting for the PHEV model, which is considerably more expensive.

The table below shows the most common trim levels and how much they will run you.

The Mitsubishi Outlander debuted as an all-new fourth-generation of the SUV in 2022. For 2023, the Outlander remains mechanically the same, but a new plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model and three new trim levels have been added to the mix.

The Outlander PHEV combines a down-tuned gasoline engine with an electric propulsion system that includes batteries large enough to allow all-electric driving for most daily distances. It includes DC fast charging that can refill the battery to about 80 percent in about half an hour. We noted that the added power (thanks to all-electric torque) and better weight distribution make the Outlander PHEV a joy to drive. Pricing for the PHEV starts high, however, at over $41,000.

New trim levels for the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander include the Black Edition, Ralliart, and 40th Anniversary.

The Black Edition is offered on the mid-level SE and upper SEL packages. The Black Edition adds 20-inch black alloy wheels, blacked out trim pieces and marques, a black headliner for the interior, and a fully digital instrument panel display. The SEL Black Edition also adds a heated steering wheel and a panoramic sunroof.

The Ralliart is available on the SE trim level and builds on the Black Edition by adding all-wheel drive and exterior graphics with mudflaps and a rear spoiler.

Finally, the new SEL 40th Anniversary edition adds to the topmost trim with all options and items to celebrate Mitsubishi’s 40 years in North America.

The standard powertrain for the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that outputs 181 horsepower to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available on most trim levels. Mitsubishi calls that Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC). In our experience, S-AWC is one of the best all-weather AWD systems you can have and, when properly equipped with all-season or winter tires, is likely the safest option in winter weather.

The 2.5L engine in the Outlander is not the sportiest or fastest goer on the market. It’s relatively fuel efficient and good enough for what most people would expect from a vehicle in this category. But don’t plan on winning any races or causing any excitement when the pedal is floored in that freeway pass attempt. The Outlander is confident, but never in a hurry.

In all other respects, the standard 2023 Outlander is a good drive. It’s engaging without being demanding and maneuvers as expected when the wheels are turned.

The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model is far sportier to drive and a lot more exciting by comparison, but its higher price and only marginal fuel economy returns make it a fuzzy investment for a lot of people. But it’s worth a test drive if you have access to a charger at home.

Oddly, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration has not published crash test results for the 2023 Outlander. Or for its preceding 2022 model year. Luckily, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given full results for the Outlander for both model years.

The IIHS has given the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander its highest rating of Top Safety Pick+. The Outlander received top scores of “Good” on all crash tests and for all advanced safety systems (crash prevention tests). And another high result for child safety restraints (LATCH) testing. Making the Outlander one of the most conclusively safe vehicles in the IIHS’ tests this year.

Reliability estimations from most of the major reliability sources rank the 2023 Outlander as average or better. J.D. Power rates the Outlander as average while Consumer Reports ranks it as more reliable than most.

We expect the Outlander to be more reliable than most new vehicles and note that its high warranty is a solid testament to that.

The base model Outlander ES is nicely equipped with most of the basic items consumers would expect out of a vehicle today. We like the ES Special Edition, however, for its higher added content for what amounts to about $2,000 in upgrade cost.

Similarly, the SE trim level adds that same content plus a larger infotainment screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which would alleviate some of the complaints we have with the base infotainment system. You’ll spend about $3,000 over base price to get those upgrades.

The Mitsubishi warranty offering is exceptional compared to many competitors. The warranty follows the vehicle, and not the owner, which makes buying used a great option.

• Basic: 5 years / 60k miles
• PowerTrain: 10 years / 100k miles
• Mitsubishi’s warranties follow the vehicle, not ownership, and are transferable when the vehicle is purchased used
• If buying used look at our best extended warranties

The current-generation Outlander has only been on the market since 2022, so finding a used model is less likely. The previous generation, while cheap, isn’t rated well by consumers for comfort or appeal. So most buyers will likely be purchasing the current-gen Outlander as new.

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