As Mitsubishi releases the 2023 Outlander, it also celebrates two decades of the nameplate, which was first introduced in 2003. Of course, it’s come a long way since then, and modern Outlanders are loaded with all kinds of cutting-edge features. If you’re looking at SUVs for sale and considering this compact option, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s take a look at everything you’ll find on the latest model of the Outlander.
The Outlander stands out at first glance, with a sculpted exterior that is sophisticated and athletic all at once, projecting confidence from every angle. A two-tone option is available on the GT trim for the first time for the 2023 model year. This means you can pair two different colours: one for the body and one for the roof, creating an eye-catching contrast. LED headlights provide plenty of light without taking up too much space on the vehicle’s face.
Performance and Efficiency
Under the hood, you’ll find a standard 2.5L 4-cylinder engine that strikes a perfect balance between power and efficiency. It provides 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque and has a combined fuel efficiency rating of 8.9 L/100 km. The engine pairs with other mechanical features, like electric power steering and an advanced suspension system, to make the overall driving experience smooth, responsive, and enjoyable.
Unlike many other vehicles, all-wheel drive is a standard feature on the 2023 Outlander. Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system doesn’t just send power to all of the wheels all of the time; it senses changes in the environment and adjusts with quick precision, so you’re only getting that full power when you actually need it. Selectable drive modes give you even more control, letting you manually switch between six different modes depending on the current conditions. Normal is the default option for driving on good roads in fair weather, while Tarmac allows for a sportier feel, and Gravel gives you more traction and stability on unpaved surfaces. Snow provides optimal performance on snowy, icy, or otherwise slippery roads, Mud increases handling in muddy off-road situations, and Eco prioritizes fuel economy.
Award-Winning Interior
The Outlander seats seven, so you can bring the whole family along for the ride. With available triple-zone climate control and heated rear seats, it’s easy for every passenger to stay comfortable in any weather. The Outlander’s double-pane front windows and windshield work to reduce outside noise and vibrations. You’ll have a nice quiet cabin where you can enjoy listening to your music or having a pleasant conversation with your passengers instead of having everything drowned out by a noisy freeway.
While passenger comfort is certainly addressed, the driver’s needs are put first and foremost. The layout of everything from the steering wheel to the knobs and dials of the Outlander’s interface is designed to be convenient and intuitive, so you can figure out where everything is quickly. Tactile controls make it easy to adjust various settings without taking your eyes off the road, even for a second.
An available eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat allows you to get your positioning just right, so you’ll be perfectly comfortable, even on longer drives. If you share your vehicle with your partner, you can use the memory seat function. Each of you gets a dedicated key, and your seat, mirrors, and other settings will all automatically adjust to your liking every time you start the vehicle. With innovative touches like these, it’s no wonder that the Outlander won a Wards 10 Best Interiors award.
Top Safety Pick
Since its size makes it an ideal family car, the 2023 Outlander takes safety seriously. It is an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and comes with a range of advanced driver-assistance systems. Here are a few of the cutting-edge technologies employed by the 2023 Outlander:
- Blind Spot Warning: Detects when a vehicle is in your blind spot and uses a warning light in the corresponding side mirror to make you aware. If your turn signal is on while your blind spot is occupied, the light flashes and the system also gives you an audio warning, letting you know that it’s not safe to change lanes.
- Active Blind Spot Assist: An available feature that takes collision prevention a step further by using gentle braking and steering to prevent the driver from changing lanes while another vehicle is in their blind spot.
- Rear Automatic Emergency Braking: Uses sonar sensors to detect objects behind the Outlander. If you are backing into an obstacle, the system will give you an audible warning and use automatic braking if necessary.
- Forward Collision Mitigation: Uses a combination of the front radar and camera to detect vehicles or pedestrians and warns if a forward collision is imminent. If the driver doesn’t apply the brakes, the system automatically brakes to avoid a collision.
- Multi-View Camera System: Gives you a 360-degree camera view of the area around the Outlander so you can park with confidence.
- Reverse Auto-Tilt Door Mirrors: Side-view mirrors automatically adjust when you shift into reverse, making it so you can see parking lines and the curb and park more effectively.
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System: Provides information on each individual tire so that you know when they need more air and how much to inflate each one. While you’re refilling the tires, the horn will honk when you’ve reached the right pressure, so you’ll know exactly when to stop.
Plug-In Hybrid Efficiency
If you desire all of the style and comfort of the Outlander with even more fuel efficiency, there’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version newly available for the 2023 model year. It delivers an efficiency rating of 3.6 Le/100 km and can charge up to 80% of its battery capacity in as little as 38 minutes when using DC quick charging. The hybrid comes with Super All-Wheel Control standard, so it has the traction necessary to tackle harsh Canadian winters.
An advanced PHEV system assesses various factors, like the current driving conditions and the level of charge in the battery, and automatically switches between three powertrain modes to deliver the best balance between performance and efficiency. EV Mode only uses the power from the lithium-ion battery, so you get a quiet, clean ride and zero tailpipe emissions. Series Hybrid Mode uses the engine to power the electric motors, giving you the extra horsepower you need to tackle tasks like driving up steep hills or quickly accelerating while passing. In Parallel Hybrid Mode, the engine powers the front wheels while the electric motors kick in to provide extra power when needed.
Beyond the three powertrain modes, you’ll also have seven driver-selectable modes available to help you conquer any terrain. In addition to the Normal, Eco, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud modes from the standard Outlander, the Outlander PHEV has a Power Mode. This maximizes acceleration for optimal responsiveness during situations where you need more torque.
Our Overall Impression
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander is a well-rounded vehicle that has plenty of appealing features. The lush and well-designed interior, paired with the thorough suite of safety features, makes it a great choice for families. However, the versatility of the SUV’s storage space, fuel efficiency, and technology opens it up to a wide variety of drivers. Whether you’re interested in the gas-powered version or the shiny new hybrid, there are plenty of reasons to consider this SUV offering from Mitsubishi.
