2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Review: Should You Buy?

Photo Source/Copyright: Mitsubishi

Many shoppers still start their car search with the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander, and for good reason. That model year marked the settling-in phase of a complete redesign, establishing a strong reputation for offering standard seven-passenger seating and an industry-leading warranty. Whether you’re considering a brand-new model or shopping the pre-owned market, here’s what you need to know about where this crossover stands today.

Performance and Powertrain Updates

The latest iteration maintains the bold, sculpted exterior aesthetic of the recent redesign, complete with updated front grille styling, reworked bumpers, and full LED lighting.

Under the hood, Mitsubishi introduced a major shift: a 1.5-liter MIVEC turbo four-cylinder paired with a 48-volt starter-generator system. This mild-hybrid powertrain represents Mitsubishi’s first U.S. mild hybrid, banking energy during deceleration to assist acceleration without requiring a charging cable or routine.

• Engine Output: The 1.5-liter turbo produces 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque, delivering peak torque between 3,000 and 4,000 revolutions per minute (RPM) for confident highway merging.
• Drivetrain Options: Power is managed via a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), available in front-wheel drive (FWD) or Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC).
• Fuel Efficiency and Towing: Front-wheel-drive variants achieve an EPA-estimated 28 miles per gallon (MPG) combined. When equipped with a factory hitch, towing capacity reaches 2,000 pounds, ideal for kayaks, jet skis, or small utility trailers.
• Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV): For maximum efficiency, the Outlander PHEV delivers 297 total system horsepower, up to 45 miles of all-electric range, and standard S-AWC.

Refined Cabin and Technology

Inside, the cabin features upgraded seating materials, redesigned cupholders, a larger center console bin, and increased sound-insulating materials for a significantly quieter highway ride. Yamaha audio now replaces Bose as the standard audio provider across all trims, featuring an eight-speaker setup on entry versions and a 12-speaker arrangement on SE Tech and SEL Premium packages.

The upper SEL trim adds ventilated front seats for added comfort during summer months. While the third row remains compact, designed primarily for children or occasional carpool duty, folding it flat expands cargo capacity to over 30 cubic feet.

Trim Breakdown and Pricing

Starting at $29,995 MSRP (excluding destination fee), the entry ES trim offers substantial value. The LE trim introduces adaptive cruise control and a multi-view camera, offering high-value features without a large price jump.

• ES Trim: Features a 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, an 8-speaker Yamaha sound system, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
• LE Trim: Adds 20-inch black alloy wheels, adaptive cruise control, a multi-view camera, and wireless phone charging.
• SE Trim: Upgrades to MI-PILOT Assist, a power liftgate, and 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels.
• SEL Trim: Includes leather seating, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof.
• Special Editions: RALLIART and Trail Edition packages add standard S-AWC to the SE trim, while the Black Edition enhances the SEL variant with black semi-aniline leather.

Safety Features and Pre-Owned Value

Standard safety features across all trims include Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection, Blind-Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Automatic Emergency Braking, and Lane Departure Warning. Starting with the SE trim, MI-PILOT Assist combines adaptive cruise control with Lane Keep Assist for stress-free long-distance driving.

For pre-owned shoppers, a used 2023 Outlander features a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with a proven track record. Used buyers inherit the remainder of the original 5-year/60,000-mile warranty, while Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicles undergo a 123-point inspection to restore full 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage from the original in-service date.

Test-Drive One

New or certified pre-owned, our team can walk you through both side by side, so you feel the difference from the driver’s seat. Browse our inventory. Questions about trade-ins or financing? Ask away. Bring the whole crew. Third row included.