After lying mostly dormant for several years, Mitsubishi is having a bit of a renaissance with its revised 2023 Outlander SEL. Borrowing inspiration and technology from its parent company, Nissan, Mitsubishi has made a statement in one of the most crowded segments in the industry. Packed with luxury features — such as quilted leather, a heated steering wheel and a 360-degree camera — this SUV is here to play at a relative bargain, especially in its SE trim. And that’s not even mentioning the impressive fuel economy.
Price and value
Price and value are the main selling points of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander. The MSRP range for the all-wheel drive models is $29,315–$41,715. It is available in five trim levels, excluding the plug-in hybrid models, and comes with a suite of standard features that includes dual-zone automatic climate control, blind spot warning, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Some of the major differences in trim levels are noted below. All-wheel drive pricing is reflected here.
- ES 2.5 S-AWC: $29,395
LED front lights
Lane-changing assist and rear cross-traffic alert
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- SE 2.5 S-AWC: $32,445
20-inch alloy wheels
Hands-free power liftgate
Multiview camera system
- Black Edition S-AWC: $33,645
Black front and rear bumper garnish
Dual-zone climate control
Panoramic sunroof
- SEL 2.5 S-AWC: $35,945
8-way power-adjustable driver's seat with memory
Heated rear seats
12.3-inch digital color driver's display
- SEL Black Edition S-AWC: $37,395
Black door handle trim
20-inch black alloy wheels
Black headliner and pillars
The Mitsubishi Outlander is a decent value given its technology and luxury, especially in the SE trim. Our SEL trim tester was nice enough, but it faces tough competition once it nears $40,000. No matter which trim you choose, you get one of the industry’s best warranties. Mitsubishi offers a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, a 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion and perforation warranty and a 5-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance program.
Performance
While the Outlander won’t set any records, what it lacks in performance it makes up for in efficiency.
Engine
The naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine produces a paltry 181 horsepower — and you’ll use every last bit of it to keep up with traffic. It’s adequate for most driving circumstances, but some buyers may find themselves wanting, especially as the engine hunts for power with the continuously variable transmission.
Fuel efficiency
Fuel efficiency is where the Outlander really shines. The SUV gets an Environmental Protection Agency estimated rating of 24 city/31 highway and 26 mpg combined. Our SEL tester came in even better at 32 mpg for combined driving.
Drivetrain
The all-wheel drive system got put to the test in some winter driving conditions, to which it performed adequately. We still had to take it slow, and there were a few times the car slid. Winter tires would make a huge difference here.
Acceleration and handling
Car and Driver clocked it from 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds. At least the handling dynamics were surprisingly agile and direct.
Braking
The brakes were smooth and squishy and inspired confidence when the snow fell.
Interior comfort and convenience
After spending some good time in the Outlander’s interior, it became clear where its priorities are. Upscale appearance and efficiency are paramount for this vehicle, and to those ends it mostly succeeds. Loads of quilted black and tan leather, as well as piano black and metallic looking materials, fill the interior. The SEL Premium offers semi-aniline leather, which looked good but felt thin to our touch.
Seats
The seats were comfortable, but the bottom cushion felt fairly firm, especially on longer drives. There was plenty of room for first and second row passengers, especially with the Outlander’s wide structure. The same can’t be said for the third row. We had our 3-year-old back there, briefly, and even with the second row seats pushed forward, she had hardly any room for her legs. Worse yet, the third row nearly completely blocks the view out the rear window, and it eliminates almost all cargo space.
Infotainment system
There were other features that were nice. The tri-zone climate control was a bonus, as was the wireless Apple CarPlay, digital gauge display, 9-inch infotainment display, heated steering wheel, panoramic moonroof and pull-up rear sunshades.
Exterior appearance and functionality
The new Outlander strives to make a stylish splash in a competitive segment, thanks to borrowed elements from other successful crossovers. But given its somewhat rarity on the roads, it’s distinct enough to catch people’s attention. Not bad for something costing less than $38,000. Our tester was finished in Alloy Silver paint; it’s also available in White Diamond, Mercury Gray and Red Diamond.
Towing capacity
As far as versatility goes, the Outlander struggles. It's on the larger side of the compact SUV spectrum, but only capable of towing 2,000 pounds — something we would not recommend with its 181 horsepower 4-cylinder engine.
Wheels
Off-roading is also questionable. You wouldn’t want to pop a tire or damage one of the 20-inch wheels that come with the SEL S-AWC Premium trim — a feature that belies its six different drive modes.
Cameras and side mirrors
One of the main mantras for the Outlander is safety, and that’s evident in the cameras. Mitsubishi’s multiview camera system shows several angles from the outside and makes parking a breeze. If only the view out the rear were as clear with the third row up.
Safety
The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander is one of the safest compact SUVs you can buy. It’s loaded with technology and earns some of the highest safety ratings in the industry. Just some of the features include:
- Adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go
- Lane keep assist
- Lane departure prevention
- Traffic sign recognition
- Blind spot warning
- Rear automatic emergency braking
Awards and ratings
The new Mitsubishi Outlander has received several awards. The 2023 model had not been tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as of this writing. However, the 2022 was named a Top Safety Pick+ by the IIHS, with all Good scores in the crash test categories. Other awards include:
- Crossover Utility Of The Year by the Hispanic Motor Press Association
- Vehicle Of The Year by Victory & Reseda magazine
- Wards 10 Best Interiors Winner
Final impression
The 2023 Outlander SEL S-AWC Premium marks a huge comeback for Mitsubishi. It’s luxurious, loaded with technology, feels well built, efficient, safe and is relatively well priced — and it offers one of the industry’s best warranties. We recommend the SE trim to get the most for your money. It’s relatively inexpensive and offers features that are most commonly found on vehicles costing at least a few thousand dollars more.
Interested in the Mitsubishi Outlander? Check it out on KSL Cars.
FAQs
Is the Outlander good for families?
For small families, yes. Large families, no. The third row is so compact, not even the smallest children fit. If you plan on only using the second row, though, you’ll be treated to plenty of rear seat and leg space, as well as generous cargo storage.
What are the pros of the 2022 Mitsubishi Outlander?
Pros
- Efficient
- Safe
- Good technology
- Luxurious interior with high-grade materials
- Comfortable
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
Cons
- Low on power
- Unlovable transmission
- Useless third row
- Hard seat cushions
- Expensive in higher trims
KSL Cars does not endorse any vehicles. The views or opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer and do not reflect the views or opinions of KSL.com or its employees.
