Earlier this month, the upcoming all-new 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV was named 2023 Family Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal. With up to seven seats, a ton of high-tech features, and an innovative powertrain allowing it to drive up to 61 kilometers running on electricity only and 675 kilometers by combining EV and gas motors, it is clear the Japanese SUV has everything to please an entire family. 

The competition was particularly ferocious for the 2023 Family Green Car of the Year title. The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV competed against the Kia Sportage, Toyota Corolla Cross hybrid, Toyota Sienna, and Volvo XC40. Thanks to its complete revamp, better EV range, standard all-wheel-drive system, and many other features, the Outlander PHEV seduced the jury and won the award. Ron Cogan, the Green Car Journal editor, and publisher, mentioned he and his team, ”spend a lot of time and over 20 000 miles behind the wheel of the previous generation Outlander PHEV.” The new generation is better in every possible way, which helps with decision-making.

Standard All-Wheel Drive

Mitsubishi made the right decision by giving its all-new Outlander PHEV an all-wheel drive system as standard. Not that I don’t like front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive vehicles, but the comfort and practical aspects of an all-wheel-drive vehicle are far more interesting, especially for those who live in a country where snow covers roads for several months every year. Also, the all-wheel drive helps for off-road driving and gives the Outlander PHEV a better sense of adventure. I think the all-wheel-drive system is one of the main reasons the previous generation Outlander PHEV had so much success. So, I am glad to see this characteristic back with the all-new 2023 Outlander PHEV.

38 miles (61 kilometers)

The Outlander PHEV offered an EV range of 42 kilometers or 26 miles on a single charge when it came out in 2014. This element was competitive back then, especially for a vehicle offering an all-wheel drive system. Most Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles at this period provided an EV range between 25 and 35 kilometers. So, it was a big deal for Mitsubishi to put the all-new Outlander PHEV at the front of the grid, and the Japanese manufacturer did it. The all-new Outlander PHEV now offers an EV range of 38 miles or 61 kilometers, whereas most PHEV vehicles offer an EV range of 40 to 50 kilometers on average.

All-New

The regular Mitsubishi Outlander was all renewed for the 2022 model. We knew the same thing would happen to the PHEV version eventually, and we are glad it did. The all-new 2023 Outlander PHEV is elegant, modern, and dynamic. It is indeed one of the best-looking vehicles on the market currently, and I mean it. Its interior is quite luxurious and full of clever technologies.

About to Hit the Market

The all-new 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hasn’t hit the market yet. Sales should begin in the next few weeks for the awaited Japanese SUV.

Jean-Sébastien Poudrier