outlander 2023 review Page 18

The 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander finally looks as sharp as its name suggests, with a classy cabin and a boot big enough for the weekly shop plus the odd flat-pack. The 2.5-litre petrol with a CVT is fine for school runs (better with AWD), while the PHEV offers up to about 80 km of electric-only range if you actually plug it in. Ride is comfy rather than sporty, steering is light, and the third row (where fitted) is emergency seating for small humans, not adults with knees. Tech’s much improved: crisp infotainment, wireless phone mirroring on most trims, and a fat safety suite with AEB, adaptive cruise, and lane keeping. Expect the petrol to sip roughly 7–9 L/100 km in the real world; the PHEV can do the commute for cents if charged, otherwise it behaves like a frugal hybrid. New, you’re looking at about $36k–$52k for petrol and $55k–$70k for the PHEV in Australia; used 2023 examples sit roughly $30k–$60k depending on spec and kms. In short: practical, comfortable, and good value—more family sherpa than mountain goat, but that’s exactly the point.