The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV is a much improved hybrid SUV

It wasn’t long ago that we were wondering if Mitsubishi would continue to operate in the US. With an aging lineup that was far from a class leader, the future looked bleak. Thanks to the cooperation with the Nissan and Renault alliance, however, the outlook is more optimistic.

A long overdue redesign

The Mitsubishi Outlander was redesigned in 2021, with a lot of technology and parts shared with the Nissan Rogue, and it represented a huge improvement. more than its unforgettable predecessor. However, the Outlander is not a reskinned Rogue, as Mitsubishi builds it in Japan, while the Rogue is made in the US.

By 2023, Mitsubishi will introduce the new Outlander PHEV, a more powerful plug-in hybrid variant than the standard Outlander and the PHEV model it replaces. Its 20 kWh lithium-ion battery capacity has improved by 45 percent over last year, but it takes up less space under the floor. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine mated to a generator and electric motor. A second electric motor drives the rear wheels for Mitsubishi’s advanced all-wheel drive system, called Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC).

Maximum combined output is 248 hp (185 kW) and should accelerate the Outlander PHEV to 60 mph in seven seconds or so. That’s much faster than the nine seconds claimed by the standard Outlander. More importantly, the PHEV is estimated to return 38 miles (61 km) of electric-only range compared to last year’s range of 24 miles (39 km). When the battery runs down, the gas engine takes over and returns a somewhat disappointing EPA-estimated 26 mpg in combined city and highway driving, which is identical to its predecessor. Combined range increases from 320 miles (515 km) to 420 miles (676 km) thanks to a larger 14.8 liter (56 L) fuel tank.

Recharging the battery from empty should take 6.5 hours on a 240-volt charger, which is a few hours longer than other plug-in hybrid SUVs, but the top trim adds an unusual fast-charge capability that will get you to 80 percent capacity. in 38 minutes. There is a catch, however. It uses the old CHAdeMO socket, which appears destined for obsolescence, instead of the more common CCS interface. It doesn’t look like an adapter will be developed either. On the plus side, there’s a charging mode that directs the gas engine to charge the battery whether you’re moving or parked.