The Australian SUV market is one of the most competitive in the world, and the Mitsubishi Outlander has long been a favourite among families who want value without sacrificing style or reliability. For 2025, Mitsubishi has sharpened its focus on what buyers really want: practicality, technology, efficiency, and the choice of hybrid power.
In this comprehensive review, we’ll explore everything the 2025 Outlander brings to the table. From design upgrades and cabin comfort to performance, hybrid options, safety innovations, and cost of ownership, this review covers all the key points Australian buyers need to know before stepping into a dealership.
Exterior Design: Bold and Practical
The Outlander has always been one of Mitsubishi’s most eye-catching SUVs, and the 2025 model continues that legacy with a few subtle updates. Its dynamic shield front grille is sharper, flanked by slim LED headlights that give it a modern yet aggressive stance. Higher trims add chrome highlights, roof rails, and larger alloy wheel designs ranging from 18 to 20 inches.
Mitsubishi has also slightly reworked aerodynamics to improve efficiency, a smart move given the growing emphasis on fuel savings and reduced emissions. The Outlander’s dimensions remain practical: tall enough to feel commanding on the road but compact enough for suburban parking.
Interior Comfort: Built for Australian Families
Step inside the 2025 Outlander, and the emphasis on family comfort is clear. The cabin is spacious, with three rows of seating available across most trims. Unlike some rivals, Mitsubishi has made the third row usable for short trips, perfect for families with growing kids.
Materials have been upgraded, with soft-touch surfaces, stitched leather options, and improved ergonomics for the driver. The centre console is more intuitive, housing an updated infotainment system with a 12.3-inch display and wireless smartphone connectivity. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range.
Key Interior Highlights:
- 7-seat flexibility with folding second and third rows
- Enhanced cabin insulation for quieter rides
- Tri-zone climate control in higher trims
- Wireless charging pad and multiple USB-C ports
- Panoramic sunroof option
For Australian families juggling school runs, weekend getaways, and long road trips, the Outlander ticks the boxes for comfort and convenience.
Technology & Infotainment
Technology is one of the areas where the Outlander has made major strides. The infotainment interface is smoother, with faster load times and improved voice recognition. A fully digital driver’s display is available, showing navigation, speed, and hybrid efficiency data.
Safety tech also integrates seamlessly here. Lane departure alerts, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring all display clear warnings on the driver’s screen, reducing distraction and improving confidence behind the wheel.
Performance and Driving Experience
The 2025 Outlander offers two main powertrains:
- A petrol engine for traditional buyers
- A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) for eco-conscious drivers
Petrol Models
The standard 2.5-litre petrol engine delivers adequate performance for city and highway driving. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it offers smooth but modest acceleration. Fuel economy sits at around 8–9L/100km depending on driving conditions, making it competitive in the segment.
Hybrid Option (PHEV)
The headline act for 2025 is the refined Outlander PHEV. Combining a petrol engine with twin electric motors, it provides impressive low-end torque and whisper-quiet EV-only driving. With a range of around 60–70km on pure electric power, it’s perfect for school drop-offs or short commutes without burning fuel.
When needed, the petrol engine seamlessly takes over, giving the flexibility for long road trips. Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery, and home charging overnight is easy with a standard wall plug or optional fast-charging equipment.
Handling and Ride Comfort
Mitsubishi has tuned the Outlander’s suspension for Australian roads, and it shows. Potholes and uneven surfaces are absorbed well, while highway cruising feels stable and composed. The steering is light for city manoeuvring but gains weight at speed for confidence on highways.
All-wheel drive versions bring extra grip for slippery or off-road conditions. Families heading to ski trips in Victoria or exploring gravel backroads in NSW will appreciate this added capability.
Safety Features: Five-Star Focus
Safety is one of the Outlander’s strongest points. The 2025 model is packed with Mitsubishi’s “MiTEC” safety suite, designed to support drivers in everyday conditions and emergencies.
Standard Safety Inclusions:
- Forward collision mitigation with pedestrian and cyclist detection
- Lane departure warning and lane keep assist
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Multiple airbags across all rows
The Outlander continues to aim for a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, making it a strong contender for families prioritising peace of mind.
Hybrid Efficiency: Why It Matters in Australia
Australia’s fuel prices remain unpredictable, and more buyers are turning to hybrids to balance cost savings and eco-responsibility. The Outlander PHEV makes sense here. For daily city driving, it can often run entirely on electric power, dramatically cutting fuel bills. On longer road trips, the petrol engine ensures you’re never limited by charging infrastructure.
It’s this dual advantage that sets the Outlander apart. While fully electric SUVs are growing in number, hybrids like the Outlander offer a smoother transition for buyers not yet ready to commit to EV-only lifestyles.
Practicality and Cargo Space
Families need more than just seats — they need space. The 2025 Outlander doesn’t disappoint, with a generous boot capacity even when all three rows are in place. Folding the third row opens up over 1,600 litres of cargo room, easily fitting prams, camping gear, or sports equipment.
Mitsubishi has also added clever storage touches: under-floor compartments, flexible cup holders, and split-fold seats that make loading easier.
Trim Levels and Pricing in Australia
While final 2025 pricing is still being confirmed, the Outlander is expected to follow a familiar trim structure:
- ES – The entry point, with essentials like smartphone connectivity and advanced safety
- LS – Adds comfort upgrades and larger wheels
- Aspire – Introduces premium features like leather seats and digital displays
- Exceed / Exceed Tourer – The flagship trims, with luxury finishes, AWD, and top-tier tech
The PHEV variants typically start higher in price but deliver savings over time through reduced fuel use and potential government incentives.
Cost of Ownership: What Australian Buyers Should Expect
Running costs remain a key factor for families. Mitsubishi backs the Outlander with a strong 10-year warranty (with servicing conditions), providing confidence in long-term ownership.
Service intervals are competitive, and hybrid models come with extended battery coverage. For budget-minded buyers, the petrol models will likely appeal, while eco-focused families may see long-term savings with the PHEV.
Insurance premiums are expected to be reasonable, thanks to Mitsubishi’s strong safety record.
Competitors in the Segment
The 2025 Outlander competes with some of Australia’s most popular family SUVs:
- Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
- Kia Sportage
- Hyundai Tucson
- Nissan X-Trail (which shares a platform with the Outlander)
What sets the Outlander apart is its blend of 7-seat practicality and hybrid versatility — a combination not all rivals can match.
Verdict: Is the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Worth It?
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is more than just another mid-size SUV. It’s a well-rounded package that blends modern technology, hybrid efficiency, strong safety, and family-friendly practicality.
For Australians seeking a do-it-all SUV that can handle school runs, family road trips, and eco-friendly urban commutes, the Outlander makes a compelling case. It’s not the most powerful or luxurious in its class, but it balances the features that matter most to real buyers.
Final Thoughts
Mitsubishi has fine-tuned the Outlander for the needs of today’s Australian families. The addition of hybrid technology is a smart move, ensuring the SUV stays relevant in a market where efficiency and sustainability are becoming key buying factors.
If you’re shopping for a reliable, safe, and versatile SUV in 2025, the Mitsubishi Outlander deserves a test drive.
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