2023 Mitsubishi Outlander ES: The Cheapest Three

Jul 19, 2023

In a sea of compact to mid-size crossover SUVs currently on sale today, here's how the Outlander manages to stand out

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander may not be the prettiest crossover to look at, its front bumper being unanimously corporate looking, but underneath that pinched fax-machine face, lies a truly special vehicle. With a stunning interior, filled with all the bells and whistles one might want in a three-row SUV, the Outlander is a huge contender in its class, especially at its price point. This coupled with its extremely smooth ride and powerful handling makes it a car to consider for anyone in the market.

The Mitsubishi Outlander is essentially a three-row version of the Nissan Rogue, with a few tweaks and changes to give it a distinct Mitsubishi feel. The two cars are built off of the same platform, with nuances like a difference in engine and powertrain, however, once you enter the cabin of the Mitsubishi and start the engine, the differences begin to mount.

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The entry-level ES model of the 2023 Outlander runs off a 2.5 liter inline-four-cylinder engine, that produces a non-modest 181 Horsepower and an equal 181 pounds-feet of torque. The ES also runs on a FWD drivetrain, with the option for AWD available. The Outlander has a fairly mundane continuously variable automatic transmission which certain reviews claim feels sluggish.

The place where the Outlander truly shines though is its agility. Mitsubishi have focused their energy on giving this three-row SUV an air of luxury, and they have definitely succeeded. Even at higher speeds it handles brilliantly for its size. The car gives its driver a full sense of control with its internals working overtime to keep itself steady and composed.

The ES comes with 18-inch wheels, which many drivers have reported preferring to the 20-inch wheels on some of the more expensive models. This is coupled with brakes that meet and exceed the industry standard for stopping power, elevating the level of control and safety in the driver's hands.

The Outlander has a 14.5-gallon tank that takes standard unleaded petrol. Its fuel economy is not something to scoff at, with Mitsubishi claiming 27 miles-per-gallon with highway and urban driving combined, confirmed in fuel economy reports. This is a significant improvement compared to its sister car at Nissan, the Rogue.

In terms of safety, Mitsubishi has included a number of driver-assist features. Along with cruise control and a semi-autonomous drive mode, the Outlander boasts a slew of adaptive technology designed for the safety of the driver.

Key among these features is the Active Blind Spot Assist (ABSA) which warns the driver of cars in its blind spot and applies the breaks to avoid collisions. Rear Automatic Emergency Braking (Rear AEB) is also included which warns the driver if the rear sensors detect something that is too close. The Outlander also offers forward collision mitigation with Pedestrian Detection.

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If one thing were to make the 2023 Outlander special, it would be its new and improved interior. Previous models of the Outlander were covered in cheap plastics, giving the car a budget feel. Finally, Mitsubishi has designed a cabin that is not only modern but is actually nice to look at. Even the base model ES feels like a premium SUV. A part of this is the 13.8-inch digital gauge cluster and contemporary heads-up display. The surfaces, dashboard, and other-contemporary equipment all exceed the level quality you might expect for the price-point of the new Outlander.

With seating for seven people, the Mitsubishi's first two rows of seats offer much more legroom than previous iterations of the SUV. However, the third row comes with minimal space. Having said that, being the only entry compact-crossover to offer three-rows of seats is impressive in its own right. The only comparison that can be made in this class is the Volkswagen Tiguan, but, you’re only getting third-row seating in the FWD models. Alongside the increased room for passengers, the cargo room (11 cubic-feet) is also increased, with an added cubic foot of space.

The ES Outlander comes with an 8.0-inch infotainment screen, an inch smaller than the higher-end trims. The infotainment system comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and the center stack is equipped with phone charging ports. Purists may also appreciate the number of physical buttons and knobs in the cabin of the Outlander for tuning and navigation. Some optional improvements include a 10-speaker Bose audio system and wireless charging. Mitsubishi Connect is also available as an optional extra on select models.

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The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander offers premium features for such a low price point on top of being the most affordable three-row SUV on the current market. The ES models of the Outlander both have MSRPs of under $30,000, with the FWD version sitting at $27,895 and the S-AWC version at $29,695.

These prices are offered in tandem with impressive complimentary limited and drivetrain warranties, hailed by many, that Mitsubishi has for the Outlander. The limited warranty lasts up to five years or 60,000 miles and the drivetrain warranty covers ten years or 100,000 miles.

All in all, the 2023 Outlander has hit its own special niche in the market. It offers modern features, power, comfort, luxury, and an unprecedented three-row layout all for an incredibly low MSRP. The SUV provides the cargo space, seats, and off-road capability desired in a car of its class alongside the technology, ride, and grandeur of a much more premium vehicle. Mitsubishi deserves a pat on the back as they have succeeded in creating something truly unique.

Tyler Dupont has had a deep passion for cars his entire life. That coupled with his love to write has brought him to TopSpeed to share his love of Motorsport with the world.