The Mitsubishi Outlander 2025 PHEV has arrived at a pivotal time for Australian buyers. With more families looking to balance eco-friendly driving, fuel efficiency, and practicality, plug-in hybrid SUVs are becoming an attractive middle ground between traditional petrol vehicles and fully electric cars.

Mitsubishi has long positioned itself as a leader in this space, and the Outlander PHEV has been one of the most successful plug-in hybrids globally. The 2025 model sharpens the formula with greater electric range, a smarter cabin, advanced safety tech, and a design tailored for family needs.

This review dives deep into everything Australian buyers should know — from performance and charging options to interior comfort, family practicality, towing capacity, and ownership value.

Exterior Design – A More Confident Outlander

The 2025 Outlander PHEV retains Mitsubishi’s bold “Dynamic Shield” design language but refines it for a more premium presence. With its chunky SUV stance, upright grille, and sleek LED headlights, it looks both rugged and modern — appealing to suburban families as much as adventure-minded drivers.

• Front fascia: Sharp DRLs with a split-headlight design give it a futuristic appearance.

• Side profile: Strong shoulder lines and flared arches provide road presence without being overbearing.

• Rear design: A wide tailgate and slim tail lamps balance practicality with style.

The SUV rides on 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels depending on the trim, and ground clearance (around 210mm) ensures confidence on unsealed Australian roads. For those who occasionally venture off-road or tow a caravan, this blend of toughness and style works well.

Colour choices expand in 2025, with metallic and pearlescent finishes designed to complement the Outlander’s family-friendly yet premium positioning.

Powertrain – Hybrid Efficiency Meets Everyday Performance

The core appeal of the Outlander PHEV is its dual-motor plug-in hybrid system. Mitsubishi has fine-tuned the technology to suit Australian driving conditions, with smooth transitions between EV and petrol power.

Engine and Electric Motors

• 2.4-litre petrol engine paired with two electric motors (front and rear) for AWD capability.

• Combined output: 185kW (varies slightly by trim), which is plenty for city driving, overtaking, and towing light trailers.

• All-wheel drive (S-AWC system) standard, giving drivers confidence on wet roads or gravel.

Battery and Electric Range

• 20kWh lithium-ion battery (upgraded for 2025).

• Pure EV range: around 80–90km WLTP (real-world ~70km in Aussie conditions).

• This means many families can do the school run, daily commute, or local errands entirely on electric power, plugging in overnight.

Charging Options

• Standard AC charging via a wallbox at home (approx. 7.5 hours for full charge).

• Fast-charging (DC) available, topping up 0–80% in around 40 minutes at public stations.

• Regenerative braking adjustable via paddles behind the steering wheel, letting drivers recoup energy while coasting.

Driving Dynamics

While not a sports SUV, the Outlander PHEV delivers smooth, quiet acceleration in EV mode and solid grip when AWD engages. The petrol engine supports longer trips, removing “range anxiety” compared to full EVs.

Mitsubishi also offers multiple driving modes — Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow — tailoring power delivery to conditions. This versatility makes it equally at home in Sydney traffic, Melbourne suburbs, or regional highway drives.

Interior – Space, Comfort, and Technology

Step inside, and the 2025 Outlander PHEV feels more refined than ever. Mitsubishi has clearly prioritised family comfort, passenger space, and modern technology.

Seating and Layout

• Standard 7-seat configuration in most trims (a rarity among PHEVs in this price bracket).

• Front seats are supportive with heating and ventilation options in higher trims.

• Middle row offers generous legroom and recline, ideal for growing families.

• The third row is best suited for kids or occasional adult use, but it’s a bonus for school runs or road trips.

Cabin Quality

• Soft-touch materials, stitched surfaces, and metallic accents elevate the feel.

• Ambient lighting enhances night driving.

• Storage is abundant, with cupholders, bottle slots, and cubbies throughout.

Infotainment and Connectivity

• 12.3-inch digital driver display with customisable layouts.

• 9-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

• Wireless phone charging, USB-A/C ports, and optional 10-speaker Bose audio system.

• Integrated navigation supports EV-friendly route planning, showing charging stations across Australia.

Families will appreciate the ease of connecting devices, while the driver benefits from intuitive menus and responsive software.

Safety Features – Keeping Families Protected

The 2025 Outlander PHEV is loaded with safety and driver-assist technology. Mitsubishi targets high ANCAP ratings, with a package that reassures parents on every trip.

Key highlights include:

• Mitsubishi Mi-Pilot Assist: Adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist.

• Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert.

• 360-degree camera system for easier parking in tight spaces.

• Automatic emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection.

• Driver attention alert to combat fatigue.

Seven airbags are standard, and Mitsubishi’s rigid body structure is designed to absorb impacts effectively.

For families navigating school zones, highways, or rural roads, these features provide peace of mind and safety confidence.

Practicality – Family SUV at Its Core

The Outlander PHEV excels in day-to-day usability. Mitsubishi understands that families demand more than fuel savings — they need space, flexibility, and low running costs.

Boot Space

• 461L with 5 seats in use.

• Expands to over 1,600L with seats folded flat.

• The third row folds neatly into the floor when not needed.

This flexibility means the Outlander can handle everything from grocery runs to camping trips.

Towing Capacity

• Rated up to 1,600kg braked towing, making it suitable for small caravans, boats, or trailers.

• Combined with AWD grip, it’s an appealing option for adventurous families.

Efficiency and Running Costs

• Many owners may drive most of the week on electric power alone, drastically reducing petrol costs.

• Government incentives and lower emissions also sweeten the deal.

• Service intervals remain similar to petrol Outlanders, with Mitsubishi’s 10-year/200,000km warranty (conditional) adding long-term value.

Ownership Value – Where the Outlander PHEV Fits in 2025

In Australia, plug-in hybrids still occupy a niche, but the 2025 Outlander PHEV is well-timed. With charging infrastructure expanding and families hesitant to go fully electric, it offers a practical compromise.

Pricing and Trims

• Entry-level ES PHEV starts around $56,000–$58,000 before on-roads.

• Aspire and Exceed trims add premium features like leather, Bose audio, and panoramic sunroof.

• Top Exceed Tourer pushes $70,000+ but rivals luxury SUVs in equipment.

When compared with full EVs like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Outlander PHEV provides greater versatility for long road trips. Against petrol SUVs, it wins on running cost savings and eco-credentials.

Resale Value

Mitsubishi’s reputation for hybrid reliability boosts confidence, and demand for electrified SUVs should support solid resale in the coming years.

Competitor Comparison – Outlander PHEV vs Rivals

In 2025, the Outlander PHEV faces increasing competition, but it remains a strong contender.

• Toyota RAV4 Hybrid: Cheaper but not plug-in; shorter EV range.

• Kia Sorento PHEV: Larger, pricier, more powerful, but lacks Outlander’s value positioning.

• Hyundai Tucson Hybrid (new): Stylish, tech-heavy, but still a traditional hybrid in most trims.

• Tesla Model Y: Fully electric with strong performance, but no petrol backup for long trips.

For families wanting seven seats, a plug-in hybrid option, and a proven track record, the Outlander remains one of the most practical choices.

Verdict – A Smart SUV for Aussie Families

The Mitsubishi Outlander 2025 PHEV strikes an impressive balance of electric range, hybrid flexibility, safety, and family practicality.

It isn’t the flashiest SUV, nor the most powerful, but it shines where it matters most: affordability, efficiency, and everyday usability. For Australian buyers in 2025, it stands as one of the most relevant and reliable plug-in hybrid SUVs, bridging today’s petrol world with tomorrow’s EV future.

If you’re a family seeking a fuel-saving, spacious, and tech-equipped SUV, the Outlander PHEV deserves a spot on your shortlist.