For my money, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are the way to go. Combine that with the popularity of SUVs, and the 2023 Mitsubishi Highlander PHEV SEL-S-AWC comes to mind.
What’s not to like about a combination of gas engine, batteries and electric motors?
Outlander, Mitsubishi’s flagship model, was the first to combine all attributes 10 years ago. The PHEV model delivers the road handling and utility expected of an SUV, while achieving a breakthrough in eco-friendliness and economy, which have historically been drawbacks for SUVs.
Outlander benefits from the combination of a 2.4-liter, DOHC gas engine, twin electric motors and a lithium-ion drive battery to transport up to seven adults down the road while providing 26 miles per gallon fuel economy.
With a range of 38 all-electric miles, and the benefit of regenerative braking that automatically replenishes while driving, the Outlander SEL-S is rated at 64 miles per gallon when gas and electric are combined. The combined system output is 248 horsepower and 332 lb/ft torque, with a combined range of 420 miles. No compromises there.
Rugged, capable, and reliable, the 2023 Outlander Plug-in Hybrid is the Northwest Automotive Press Association’s “Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year” and also came out on top in the “Best Three-row Family SUV” category.
The S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system offers six drive modes: eco, normal, tarmac, gravel, snow, and mud. With these, drivers can enjoy secure and comfortable driving in all situations. Mitsubishi Motors has forged that performance level over the years in rallies such as the World Rally Championship and Dakar Rally.
The Outlander exterior benefits from muscular front and rear fender flares, jet tail fins, 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels, rear spoiler and “White Diamond” coat of enamel. The cohesive design creates a powerful yet nimble vibe.
Creature comfort and convenience features abound. Highlights include leather appointed seating surfaces, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay, Google Android Auto, wireless smartphone charging, Bluetooth, three-zone climate control, multi-view camera system, and an advanced Bose sound system with 10 speakers and a digital subwoofer.
With the 60/40 split-fold rear seats folded flat, there was more than enough room to fit my full-size golf bag, push cart, shoes, and a change of clothes. With the third-row seats operational, there’s still enough room to fit a week’s worth of groceries.
To make things easier, a kick-motion sensor has been installed at the bottom center of the rear bumper. Owners can open and close the tailgate by holding their foot under the bumper, and the opening/ closing time has been decreased to 4.5 seconds.
Standard advanced safety features include forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning plus, and blind spot warning with lane change assist and rear cross traffic alerts, driver attention alert, active stability control, driver attention alert, adaptive cruise control, anti-theft alarm system, and rear parking sensors.
The SEL premium package ($2,700) adds a power panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, heads-up display, driver and front passenger massage function, and the aforementioned leather seating surfaces and Bose sound system.
Base Price: $46,790
Price As Driven: $50,880
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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