Understanding the 2023 Outlander PHEV: Everything You Need to Know

The Mitsubishi Outlander has been a longstanding nameplate in the Canadian market, satisfying drivers for more than two decades. It was during the back half of the third generation that we saw the introduction of a plug-in hybrid option known as the Outlander PHEV. The 2018 Outlander PHEV gave us an alternative fuel option for the compact crossover SUV, and it opened up a pathway for new ways to shop and travel in an alternative fuel vehicle.

Drivers shopping for electric vehicles for sale near Spruce Grove will be pleased to know that the Outlander PHEV has entered its second generation as part of the 2023 model year roll-out, and with it comes many enhancements and upgrades over the outgoing generation. More range, new features, reinvigorated performance, and a third row for up to seven passengers all add value to the new model. But what makes this new generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV so special, and why is it something you should keep on your radar if you're shopping for an alternative-fuel crossover? That's what we're going to explore with you here in this article, and maybe it will help illuminate some added reasons why the Outlander could be well worth your time.

Enhanced Power and Performance

The Outlander occupies a segment of the market where it faces stiff competition. The compact crossover market is filled with great vehicles, so how does the Outlander PHEV stand out and compete? Well, it does so with a refreshed plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines electric power with a combustion engine. This design enables the Outlander PHEV to maximize its range and achieve impressive off-the-line performance.

The 2023 Outlander PHEV is powered by a 20 kW battery pack that works in conjunction with an Atkinson-cycle internal combustion engine. The engine is a 2.4-litre inline four-cylinder, and it works in conjunction with electric motors at the front and rear axles. This enables all Outlander PHEV models to capitalize on Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control system, enabling responsive all-wheel drive capabilities.

This new generation has also seen a significant upgrade over the outgoing generation's specs. The electric motors are now 42.5% more powerful compared to the previous generation Outlander PHEV. That results in up to 114 hp on the front axle and 134 hp on the rear axle when in electric mode. The gasoline engine also saw a small 4% increase in output. Combining electric and gasoline power, the 2023 Outlander PHEV offers 248 hp compared to a combined 221 hp in the outgoing model.

The torque has also been improved for the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander, with the model now delivering up to 332 lb-ft of torque. This means you get more off-the-line performance from this newer hybrid, and that also means better responsiveness on the road, quicker acceleration, and better upper-end travelling speeds whether you're on the highway or making your way to remote destinations in Alberta on long stretches of two-lane roads.

More Range and Multiple Drive Modes

What are the 2023 Outlander PHEV's range and charging capabilities? Well, this compact crossover delivers excellent range thanks to the hybrid design, enabling you to travel an estimated 687 kilometres on a full charge and a full tank of gas. That includes 61 kilometres on electricity without using any gas, which is a significant step up from the outgoing model's 39 kilometres of estimated electric range. This gives you a lot of options in terms of how you travel, where you travel, and how far you can travel in or around Spruce Grove with the Outlander PHEV.

Your range and driving experience can be altered based on the Outlander PHEV's multiple revamped drive modes. You have three different drive modes that are automatically cycled through for the Outlander PHEV to provide optimal performance. EV Mode only utilizes the electric motors for propulsion, Series Hybrid Mode relies on the internal combustion engine to power the battery, and Parallel Hybrid Mode makes use of both the internal combustion engine and the electric motors for propulsion. These modes are cycled through based on driving conditions, road conditions, and driver input, offering maximum performance and fuel economy from the powertrain.

Additionally, three driver-selectable modes can be chosen from the centre console near the electric shifter. Charge Mode utilizes the internal combustion engine to recharge the battery for extended range. EV Priority Mode gives you an electric-only driving experience so that if you only want to travel using electric power to save on gas or reduce emissions, you can do so. Finally, there is Save Mode, which works to preserve as much battery power as possible while driving.

The efficiency of the powertrain has also been increased thanks to the inclusion of a heat pump. Some PHEV models rely on the gasoline engine to heat the cabin, which means wasting gas in cold weather. The heat pump means you can better keep the Outlander PHEV heated during those cold Canadian winters in Spruce Grove when you need to keep the cabin warm.

Many Ways to Recharge

A hybrid powertrain's capabilities are only as good as its ability to stay charged. Good range isn't great if it takes forever to charge. In the case of the 2023 Outlander PHEV, the compact crossover offers three distinct charging options, along with regenerative and range-extending features, such as one-pedal driving. With one-pedal driving, you only use the accelerator to drive. When you release the accelerator, the Outlander PHEV automatically applies regenerative braking to slow the vehicle. This reduces the use of the mechanical brakes and gives you a more relaxed driving experience, especially if you’re travelling in traffic on the main roads of Spruce Grove.

What is regenerative braking? It is a cool feature designed to help bolster the electric range of the Outlander PHEV. Regenerative braking utilizes electric motors to recapture kinetic energy and recharge the battery, so you can get additional range out of the Outlander PHEV. But the Outlander offers more than just regenerative braking to keep its powertrain operating.

In addition to refuelling the gas engine the traditional way, there are three different ways to recharge the battery of the Outlander PHEV. This starts with Level 1 charging through a standard 120-volt outlet. As long as you have an available outlet, you can recharge the Outlander PHEV. Next is Level 2 charging, which is done either at home with a 240-volt outlet or at one of the many public charging stations around Spruce Grove. Lastly, DC fast charging is available to supercharge the Outlander PHEV up to 80% in just 38 minutes. This is the fastest way to get the compact crossover charged and on the road again.

There is one other way to charge that truly takes advantage of the Outlander PHEV's hybrid design: internal combustion engine charging. As long as you have fuel in your vehicle, you can use the combustion engine to recharge the battery pack. Whether on the move or parked, the internal combustion engine can get you an additional charge, which is perfect if you have to do errands or spend time inside a building. While you wait, the vehicle can recharge the battery for you even while you're not at a charging station.

Is the Outlander PHEV Right for You?

There is a lot to consider when buying a PHEV, but also many benefits that come with it. The Outlander PHEV is certainly something worth checking out if you’re looking for a hybrid that offers great fuel economy with the ability to charge at home or at a public charging station. If you're interested in an Outlander PHEV and are considering shopping for electric vehicles for sale near Spruce Grove, definitely contact us at Northside Mitsubishi. We can help you find the perfect model or learn more about the 2023 Outlander PHEV and its features.