Used 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander

An all-new generation of Outlander SUV debuted last year with a modern look and plenty of contemporary tech. This model is so much better than its predecessor. Then again, anything less would never stand a chance in such a talented class.

The Outlander distinguishes itself from most compact SUVs by offering seating for seven. The only other contenders with this arrangement are the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Kia Sorento.

The made-in-Japan 2023 Outlander could very well have the right mix of features to please many buyers.

The new-for-2023 Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid), which can travel up to 38 miles on electricity alone, is reviewed separately.

Compact SUVs are big sellers because they provide comfort and a raised driving position that so many people love. The 2023 Outlander fits this particular bill.

Power is not an Outlander strong point, but the Subaru Forester has a similarly tepid engine that hasn’t deterred buyers. This generation of Outlander shares a platform with the Nissan Rogue, with the happy outcome that the ride is comfortable while body lean is kept under control when going around corners.

The steering is light but not too vague, and the brakes are just as user-friendly. The cabin is acceptably quiet most of the time, but that engine will need some hard revving on occasion.

We’ve spent hundreds of hours driving and researching the current collection of 3-row SUVs, including this Mitsubishi Outlander.

This fresh generation of Outlander 3-row SUV comes with an uncluttered interior design using good-quality materials. Pricier versions can be almost luxurious, offering semi-aniline leather with diamond stitching for the seats and door panels.

Counting up the number of cushions and seat belts, the 2023 Outlander has room for seven. In reality, it works out to four adults — two up front and two in the outboard second-row seats. Plus one small, grumpy person sitting between the adults in the second row, and a couple of even smaller and grumpier people in the third row.

But that’s two more passengers than most other compact SUVs can accommodate, qualifying the Outlander as among the most affordable 7-passenger vehicles on the market. And with all those rear seats collapsed, the Outlander offers a voluminous 79.7 cubic feet of cargo volume.

All-wheel drive
Mitsubishi calls it Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), but most of us tend to know it as all-wheel drive, providing the usual extra confidence during bad weather. It has selectable modes of Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Normal, Eco, and Mud. The difference between Tarmac and Normal is that the former is like a Sport setting.

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
We all expect smartphone integration to be standard in new vehicles these days. It is in the 2023 Outlander. Wireless Apple CarPlay also comes with the larger infotainment touchscreen fitted in the SE trim and above.

Leather-wrapped steering wheel
It’s not that pleasant holding a plastic steering wheel for mile after mile after mile. The grip and comfort of a leather-wrapped steering wheel is much more preferable. This comes in at the SE level.

Powered tailgate
A power-closing tailgate (with adjustable opening heights) is simply a great convenience feature, which is standard in the SE.

12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
This configurable driver information display becomes available in the SE’s Tech package. It can show the usual things like road and engine speeds, plus navigation directions.

Head-up display
Taking driver-oriented tech further, the head-up display projects information into the windshield, reducing those fractions of seconds spent not looking at the road. This is part of the SEL’s Touring package or standard in the 40th Anniversary model.

No choices here. The sole form of propulsion for the 2023 Outlander is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine — no turbos or anything similar.

It makes 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque, which is on the modest side for the class. Regular gasoline is fine.

The next step in the powertrain is an automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive (FWD) is the basic setup, with all-wheel drive (AWD) available either as an option or standard in the 40th Anniversary model.

2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine
181 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
181 lb-ft of torque @ 3,600 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/31 mpg (FWD), 24/30 mpg (AWD)

More Mitsubishi Outlander fuel economy information is available on the EPA’s website.

Exceptional Warranty

Mitsubishi’s new-vehicle warranty on a 2023 Outlander is for five years or 60,000 miles, whichever happens first. The powertrain is covered for 10 years or 100,000 miles. These are generous warranties, matched only by Hyundai and Kia.