2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid

Mitsubishi sells a small range of budget-friendly SUVs that have been steadily improving in the brand’s road-test scores. In the past, Mitsubishi was known for its partnership with Chrysler and its eclectic lineup. Discontinued models include the budget-friendly Mirage, sports cars like the 3000 GT, Eclipse, and Lancer Evolution, mid-priced sedans, and dedicated off-road SUVs. After struggling during the 2000s and 2010s, Mitsubishi is now part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance and has benefited from access to the other alliance members’ designs and technology. The Mitsubishi Outlander, for example, is based on the Nissan Rogue. Because Mitsubishi’s lineup is a mix of newer and older designs, some older models lag behind in crash test ratings while newer ones get top scores.

The seven-passenger Outlander is based on the Nissan Rogue, although the tiny third-row seat is exclusive to the Mitsubishi. The plug-in hybrid version is much quicker and quieter then the regular Outlander, and provides 38 miles of electric driving before it transitions to regular hybrid operation and yields a total of 400-plus miles. It takes 6.5 hours to charge the 20 kWh battery and that as a hybrid, once the battery level is low, the car gets 25 mpg overall in our tests. This PHEV feels very much like an EV when driven in electric mode, likely due to the fact that it does not have a conventional transmission but a direct drive like an EV. Otherwise, it's similar to the regular Outlander with an overly stiff ride and overly light steering. Controls are easy to use, including the Nissan-sourced infotainment system. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW are standard and the adaptive cruise control (Nissan's ProPilot system) works well. For 2025, heated front seats are standard on all trims. SEL trims get a standard heated steering wheel and panoramic roof.