2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

The 2023 Outlander comes in three main trim levels: ES, SE, and SEL. Pricing starts at $28,940 including destination and reaches $35,490 for the SEL before options.

The Outlander PHEV is offered in the same trims, priced from $41,190 to $46,790. Buyers in California are eligible for a $658 Clean Fuel Reward from the state.

The gas-powered Outlander comes with a four-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that can be set to mimic the shift pattern of an eight-speed automatic. All-wheel drive is available for $1,800 in place of the standard front-drive setup. Outlander's driving mode system offers five settings: Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, and Snow. AWD models also get a Mud mode.

The Outlander PHEV is powered by a gas four-cylinder engine and a pair of redesigned electric motors, mounted at the front and rear. Total output is up 40 percent this year, and the PHEV can now travel up to 38 miles on electricity alone versus 24 miles last year. Recharging the battery for the electric motors takes about 6.5 hours on a Level 2 home charger and 38 minutes at a Level 3 public charging station. Standard AWD and the CVT complete the PHEV's mechanical setup.

The Outlander is one of the few compact crossers with three rows of seating. Although the third row is designed for children, it does boost the seating capacity to seven. With all rows in use, cargo space is limited to 11.7 cubic feet. Folding the third row opens up 33.5 cubic feet. With both rows down, load space balloons to 80 cubic feet (78.5 for PHEV). That makes the Outlander one of the most cargo-friendly compact crossovers you can buy.

Every Outlander comes fully equipped for safety. Standard driver assistance features include front automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rear parking sensors, and rear automatic emergency braking. Moving up to the SE or SEL brings adaptive cruise control and active lane-keeping assist. A 10.8-inch head-up display is available in the SEL's Touring Package ($2,200) and Premium Package ($2,700).

The infotainment system for the ES includes an 8-inch touchscreen, six speakers, two front USB ports, satellite radio, and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SE picks up a 9-inch touchscreen, navigation with speed limit info, HD radio, two rear USB ports, and wireless phone integration and charging. A 10-speaker Bose sound system (nine speakers for PHEV) is included in the $2,300 SE Tech Package and the SEL's Touring and Premium packages.

The ES comes with a decent set of features for a base model in this class. All models get dual-zone automatic climate control, power driver seat lumbar controls, LED headlights, a 7-inch driver info display, and 18-inch alloy wheels. AWD models also carry headlights washers and wiper de-icers.

The SE adds a number of conveniences, including automatic wipers, a hands-free power liftgate, heated front seats, heated power-folding side mirrors, LED fog lights, proximity key access, and an eight-way power driver seat. The interior features synthetic leather upholstery with sueded inserts and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. The SE rolls on 20-inch two-tone wheels.

The SE Black Edition ($1,200) receives black body trim, black wheels, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen. In addition to the Bose system, the $2,300 SE Tech Package (n/a with Black Edition) adds an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a panoramic sunroof, and a digital instrument screen.

The SEL gains a genuine leather interior with heated second-row seats, driver memory, a four-way power passenger seat, and tri-zone climate control. The auto-dimming rearview mirror and digital instrumentation are standard as well. The SEL is available in Black Edition trim for $1,450, which includes a contrasting black roof.

The SEL Touring Package furnishes the Bose system, the head-up display, the sunroof, and a heated steering wheel for $2,200. These features are also available in the $2,700 SEL Premium Package, along with a semi-aniline leather interior.

Compare Outlander Trims Side-By-Side