The Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has long been a pioneer in the plug-in hybrid space, offering drivers a balance between electric driving and petrol-powered range. For 2025, Mitsubishi has given this family favourite a meaningful update, keeping it competitive in Australia’s growing hybrid SUV market. Whether you’re considering a move to cleaner driving or looking for a safe, practical family hauler, the new Outlander PHEV promises to deliver.
A Brief Look at the Outlander PHEV Legacy
Mitsubishi introduced the Outlander PHEV to the Australian market back in 2014, well before most brands had a plug-in hybrid option. Over the years, it has evolved from a niche product for eco-conscious buyers into a mainstream choice for families wanting flexibility without committing fully to an EV. The 2025 model represents the most refined version yet, blending better range, more power, and enhanced interior comfort.
Design – Modern, Confident, and Family-Friendly
The 2025 Outlander PHEV inherits Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” design language, with bold front-end styling, sleek LED headlights, and a wide grille that gives it a confident presence. The sculpted side profile flows neatly into the rear, where you’ll find sharp LED taillights and a subtle roof spoiler.
In Australia, Mitsubishi offers the PHEV in several trims, from the practical ES to the feature-packed Exceed Tourer. Buyers also get a range of premium paint options, with metallic and pearlescent finishes that elevate the SUV’s look.
The 20-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims) give it a more upscale appearance, while functional design touches—such as roof rails and a rear power tailgate—make life easier for families who are always on the move.
Powertrain – The Heart of the PHEV System
The 2025 Outlander PHEV features a 2.4-litre Atkinson-cycle petrol engine paired with two electric motors—one on each axle—delivering all-wheel drive as standard. Combined output sits at 185 kW and 450 Nm, which is more than enough for confident overtaking and effortless highway cruising.
The real magic lies in its 20.0 kWh battery pack, which offers an electric-only range of around 84 km (WLTP). For many Australian families, that’s enough for school runs, grocery trips, and commuting without using a drop of petrol. When you do need to go further, the petrol engine seamlessly kicks in, extending total range to well over 800 km.
Charging and Efficiency
Charging the Outlander PHEV is straightforward. Using a standard home power outlet, a full charge takes around 9.5 hours. With a dedicated AC wallbox, this drops to around 6.5 hours, while DC fast charging can bring the battery to 80% in about 38 minutes.
Efficiency is a strong point, with official figures showing as low as 1.5L/100km when the battery is regularly charged. In real-world mixed driving, you can expect between 4–6L/100km depending on your usage pattern—still impressive for a mid-size AWD SUV.
Driving Experience – Smooth and Confident
The Outlander PHEV delivers a calm, refined driving experience, thanks to the quiet operation of its electric motors. Around town, it glides silently, with instant torque for quick getaways. On the open road, the hybrid system blends petrol and electric power seamlessly, ensuring you never feel underpowered.
Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system provides excellent grip in all conditions, whether it’s a wet highway or a gravel country road. The selectable drive modes—Normal, Eco, Snow, Gravel, Tarmac, and Power—allow you to tailor the driving feel to suit your journey.
One of the standout features is its regenerative braking, which can be adjusted through steering wheel paddles. In heavy regen mode, you can almost drive using just one pedal, capturing energy efficiently while making city driving easier.
Interior – Space and Comfort for the Whole Family
Step inside the 2025 Outlander PHEV, and you’ll find a cabin that balances practicality with premium touches. The layout is clean and modern, with soft-touch materials, stitched leather (on higher trims), and a minimalist dashboard design.
The SUV offers seating for up to seven (in select trims), with the third row best suited for kids. The first and second rows provide excellent comfort, with supportive seats and generous legroom. Families will appreciate the wide-opening rear doors, making it easy to load kids or bulky items.
Boot space measures 485 litres with the third row folded, expanding to 1,478 litres with the second row down—more than enough for road trips or weekend camping gear.
Technology and Connectivity
The 2025 Outlander PHEV is packed with tech, including a 12.3-inch digital driver display and a 9.0-inch central touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The infotainment system is intuitive, and higher trims include a premium Bose sound system for audiophiles.
Other notable features include a head-up display, wireless phone charging, multiple USB-C and USB-A ports, and even a 1,500W AC power outlet—handy for powering small appliances while camping.
Safety – A Top Priority for Families
Safety has always been a Mitsubishi strength, and the 2025 Outlander PHEV is no exception. It comes with Mitsubishi’s latest suite of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including:
- Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian detection
- Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keep Assist
- Blind Spot Monitoring with Lane Change Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Adaptive Cruise Control with stop-and-go functionality
- Traffic Sign Recognition
- Driver Attention Alert
It’s expected to maintain its strong ANCAP safety rating, making it a trustworthy choice for Australian families.
Ownership, Warranty, and Running Costs
Mitsubishi backs the 2025 Outlander PHEV with a 10-year/200,000 km warranty on the vehicle (when serviced at Mitsubishi dealers) and an 8-year/160,000 km warranty on the battery. This is one of the most generous warranties in the segment.
Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000 km, with capped-price servicing available. Given its low fuel consumption and fewer moving parts in the electric motors, long-term running costs are expected to be lower than equivalent petrol SUVs.
Competitors in the Aussie Market
The Outlander PHEV sits in a competitive space, with rivals including the Toyota RAV4 Prime (not yet available in Australia), Kia Sorento PHEV, Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV, and MG HS Plus EV. While some offer larger cabins or more features, the Mitsubishi remains one of the most balanced and proven options.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Outlander PHEV?
The Outlander PHEV is ideal for Aussie families who:
- Want to reduce fuel costs and emissions without relying solely on public charging infrastructure
- Need a versatile SUV with AWD capability for city and regional driving
- Value long-term warranty coverage and proven reliability
- Want a tech-rich, safe, and comfortable family vehicle
If your daily drives are mostly under 80 km and you can charge at home, the fuel savings can be significant.
Final Verdict – A Well-Balanced Family Hybrid SUV
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV delivers exactly what many Australian families are looking for: electric driving for daily needs, petrol backup for long trips, a spacious and comfortable interior, and strong safety credentials. While it’s not the cheapest SUV on the market, its blend of efficiency, capability, and long warranty makes it one of the smartest family car buys in 2025.
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