The Mitsubishi Outlander, a popular SUV choice for families and adventurers alike, underwent a significant redesign for the 2022 model year. For those considering the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Se, safety is undoubtedly a key factor. This article delves into the safety performance of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE, drawing on rigorous testing to provide you with a clear understanding of its safety capabilities.
2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE Achieves Top Safety Scores
Safety-conscious buyers will be pleased to know that the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE has earned high marks in critical safety evaluations. Notably, it received a “Good” rating in the passenger-side small overlap frontal crash test. This test simulates a challenging real-world scenario where the vehicle impacts a narrow object on the passenger side. A “Good” rating, the highest possible, signifies robust protection for occupants in this type of severe collision.
This rating is particularly relevant because, starting with the 2023 models, Mitsubishi implemented enhancements to the passenger-side frontal airbag and seat belt pretensioner system. These improvements were specifically designed to bolster occupant safety in small overlap front crashes, and the “Good” rating validates the effectiveness of these changes.
Understanding the IIHS Small Overlap Front Crash Test
The small overlap frontal crash test, conducted by independent safety organizations, is designed to assess how well a vehicle protects its occupants when the impact occurs on a small portion of the vehicle’s front corner. This type of crash is particularly demanding on a vehicle’s structure and safety systems because it bypasses the main energy-absorbing structures in the front of the car. A “Good” rating in this test indicates that the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE is engineered with a strong safety cage and effective restraint systems to minimize injury risk in such collisions.
Key Safety Performance Metrics of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE
The comprehensive safety evaluation of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE goes beyond just the overall “Good” rating. Detailed measurements from crash tests provide deeper insights into specific aspects of occupant protection.
In terms of structural integrity, the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE demonstrated “Good” performance in maintaining its safety cage during the small overlap test. Measurements of occupant compartment intrusion were minimal, indicating that the vehicle’s structure effectively resisted deformation, preserving crucial space for occupant survival.
Furthermore, injury measures recorded on crash test dummies in the passenger seat were also “Good” across all critical body regions – head/neck, chest, hip/thigh, and lower leg/foot. This signifies a low risk of significant injuries to a front-seat passenger in a similar real-world crash. Restraints and dummy kinematics were also rated “Good”, demonstrating that the seat belts and airbags worked effectively to control occupant movement and minimize impact forces.
For the driver side, although the rating is based on tests of both 2022 and 2023 models due to structural similarities and restraint system carryover, the data consistently shows “Good” ratings for driver injury measures and restraints as well. Technical measurements corroborate these findings, indicating low injury risks for the driver in a small overlap frontal crash scenario.
What This Safety Rating Means for 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE Buyers
The “Good” passenger-side small overlap frontal rating for the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE provides significant reassurance to potential buyers. It signifies that Mitsubishi has prioritized safety in the design and engineering of this SUV, particularly in addressing challenging crash scenarios. For families and individuals prioritizing safety, this rating reinforces the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE as a strong contender in the SUV market, offering not just style and features, but also a commitment to occupant protection.
Technical Measurement Highlights:
To provide further context, key technical measurements from the crash tests reinforce the “Good” ratings:
- Minimal Intrusion: Occupant compartment intrusion measurements were low, generally within a few centimeters, indicating strong structural performance.
- Low Injury Risk: Measures like HIC-15 (head injury criterion), neck tension, chest compression, and femur forces were all well within acceptable limits, reflecting a low probability of serious injuries.
These technical details, combined with the overall “Good” rating, paint a comprehensive picture of the 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander SE as a safe and reliable vehicle choice.
