The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) enters the Australian market with big shoes to fill. As one of the most popular PHEVs in the country, the Outlander has carved a niche for itself as a practical family SUV that bridges the gap between petrol and electric. But with newer competitors and rising prices, is the 2025 version still worth your money?
Let’s break it down across performance, fuel savings, technology, comfort, and real-world Aussie practicality.
🔋 What’s New in the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
The 2025 Outlander PHEV is based on Mitsubishi’s latest generation of this hybrid SUV, offering refinement over the 2023 and 2024 models. The key upgrades include:
- Longer electric-only range (now up to 84km WLTP)
- Bigger battery (20kWh vs 13.8kWh previously)
- Faster charging capability
- Enhanced AWD system with S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control)
- Upgraded interior with more premium materials
- Wireless Apple CarPlay added
- Enhanced MI-PILOT driver assist package
In short, it’s still the seven-seat SUV many families love, but now smarter and more frugal.
⚙️ Powertrain and Performance: Smooth Hybrid Versatility
Engine and Battery Specs
- Petrol Engine: 2.4L Atkinson-cycle 4-cylinder
- Electric Motors: Dual (front and rear axles)
- Battery: 20kWh Lithium-ion
- Total Power: 185kW
- Torque: 450Nm (combined)
- Transmission: Single-speed reduction gear
- Drivetrain: AWD (S-AWC)
Driving Modes
The Outlander PHEV offers six drive modes to tailor the performance:
- EV Mode: Pure electric driving up to 84km
- Series Hybrid: Engine powers generator, motors drive wheels
- Parallel Hybrid: Engine assists with driving, especially at highway speeds
- Charge/Save Modes: Allows battery conservation or recharge while driving
In real-world urban conditions, the transition between petrol and electric is seamless. The motors provide instant torque off the line, making city driving zippy and quiet. On highways, the engine kicks in unobtrusively.
⚡ Electric Range & Fuel Efficiency
This is where the Outlander PHEV earns its stripes.
- Electric-only Range (WLTP): 84km
- Official Fuel Consumption: 1.5L/100km (combined)
- Real-world Efficiency: ~4.5L/100km with regular use
- CO2 Emissions: 35g/km
- Charging Time (AC): ~7.5 hours (normal outlet)
- Charging Time (Type 2 fast charger): ~3.5 hours
- DC Fast Charging (CHAdeMO): 0-80% in ~38 minutes
If your daily commute is under 80km, you might rarely use petrol. Perfect for school runs, errands, and the urban grind.
🛋️ Interior, Tech & Comfort: A Big Step Up
Cabin Layout
The Outlander’s 2025 interior feels upscale – a leap forward from its earlier utilitarian design.
- Soft-touch dash and leather upholstery on high-spec trims
- 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen (wireless Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto)
- Dual-zone climate control (tri-zone in Exceed Tourer)
- Head-up display (Exceed variants)
Seating
- 7-seat layout (2-3-2 configuration)
- Heated front and rear seats in higher variants
- Ample legroom in the first two rows
- Third row best suited for children
Boot Space
- 471L (with 3rd row folded)
- 1631L (2nd and 3rd row folded)
Not class-leading, but acceptable given the PHEV battery layout.
📱 Infotainment & Connectivity
- Touchscreen: 9.0 inches with crisp graphics
- Audio System: 10-speaker Bose (Exceed Tourer)
- Connectivity: USB-A, USB-C, Bluetooth, Wireless Apple CarPlay
- Navigation: Satellite nav with live traffic (higher trims)
Mitsubishi’s UI has improved dramatically, and wireless CarPlay is a huge win for everyday convenience.
🛡️ Safety & Driver Assistance
The 2025 Outlander PHEV scores a full 5-star ANCAP safety rating and comes stacked with standard and optional safety gear.
Standard Safety Features:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane Departure Warning and Prevention
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Driver Attention Alert
MI-PILOT Assist (Exceed and Exceed Tourer):
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Lane Keep Assist
- Adaptive Cruise with Stop & Go
- Predictive braking
This is one of the most comprehensive safety suites in the PHEV SUV class, rivalling even Toyota’s latest Safety Sense offerings.
🎯 Trim Levels & Pricing (Australia – 2025)
- ES – from $57,290
- 18” alloys, cloth trim, LED headlights, keyless entry/start
- Aspire – from $62,790
- 20” alloys, sat nav, power tailgate, heated front seats
- Exceed – from $68,290
- Leather seats, panoramic sunroof, digital cluster, 360° camera
- Exceed Tourer – from $71,790
- Bose audio, quilted leather, heated steering wheel & rear seats
Note: Drive-away prices vary state-by-state due to rego and EV rebates.
💰 Is It Worth the Price?
Let’s compare pros and cons:
✅ Pros
- Long EV range for a plug-in (best in class)
- Smooth, quiet hybrid drivetrain
- Excellent safety tech
- Premium interior in higher trims
- 10-year warranty (with service conditions)
- Government rebates still apply in some states
❌ Cons
- Premium price tag vs petrol Outlander
- Third row tight for adults
- Boot compromised slightly by battery
- Limited fast-charging network for CHAdeMO (vs CCS2)
For city-focused families wanting the flexibility of electric range without EV anxiety, it still makes sense. Especially for those not ready to go full electric but want to cut fuel bills.
🆚 Competitors – How Does It Stack Up?
| Model | Electric Range (km) | Fuel Economy | Price (From) | AWD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | 84km | 1.5L/100km | $57,290 | Yes |
| Toyota RAV4 Hybrid | N/A (non-PHEV) | 4.7L/100km | $45,000 | Yes |
| MG HS PHEV | 63km | 1.7L/100km | $48,690 | No |
| Kia Sorento PHEV | 68km | 1.6L/100km | $81,080 | Yes |
| Ford Escape PHEV | 56km | 1.5L/100km | $55,000 | No |
Only the Sorento matches Outlander for size and AWD – but at a higher cost. Outlander PHEV remains the sweet spot for balance and value.
🛠️ Warranty & Servicing
- Warranty: 10 years / 200,000km (conditional)
- Battery Warranty: 8 years / 160,000km
- Capped-Price Servicing: Available through Mitsubishi dealers
- Service Intervals: Every 12 months / 15,000km
Mitsubishi’s warranty scheme is the best in class, especially for buyers planning to keep the car long-term.
👪 Who Should Buy the Outlander PHEV?
This SUV suits:
- Families needing 5-7 seats
- Suburban drivers with daily commutes under 80km
- Buyers wanting to reduce fuel spend without full EV shift
- Caravaners (towing capacity: 1,600kg braked)
- Green-conscious parents who still want petrol backup for long trips
🏁 Final Verdict – Should You Buy One?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid remains one of Australia’s best-value PHEVs. With a realistic EV range, solid hybrid efficiency, generous equipment list, and strong warranty backing, it justifies its price for the right buyer.
If you’re sitting on the fence between a full petrol SUV and a full EV, the Outlander PHEV is a perfect halfway house.
Verdict: ✔️ Worth it – if you’ll maximise the EV range
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