Outlander now more at home on the EV range

The Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid has been one of the brightest stars in the Japanese carmaker’s lineup in recent years with a mid-life update bringing refreshed styling, increased battery capacity, stronger performance and more electric range.

The Outlander was Mitsubishi’s most popular model in 2025, chalking up 22,459 sales in 2025 to claim its spot as Australia’s ninth best-selling nameplate, and cementing itself as a top-three contender in the competitive medium SUV segment.

While pure combustion-powered Outlanders still dominate, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants notched up around one-fifth or 4,110 of those sales, making the Outlander Australia’s third most popular PHEV behind the BYD Sealion 6 (9,055 units) and the BYD Shark 6 (18,073 units).

Pricing and variant changes

Unfortunately, recommended retail prices are up across the board, with the range now starting at $58,990 (+$1,700) for the Outlander PHEV AWD ES (five-seat); rising to $66,790 (+$3,000) for the Outlander PHEV AWD Aspire (seven-seat); $71,640 (+$2350) for the Outlander PHEV AWD Exceed (five-seat); and $74,490 (+$2700) Outlander PHEV AWD Exceed Tourer (five-seat).

The previous range-topping Outlander PHEV GSR, which was based on the top-spec Exceed Tourer is not available at launch, but it’s possible Mitsubishi will reintroduce this variant at a future date.

Powertrain and efficiency improvements

Mitsubishi points to a raft of improvements and additional features as justification for the price hikes, including a new-generation 22.7kWh lithium-ion battery pack which powers the vehicle’s two high-power electric motors.

As a result, the updated Outlander PHEV now offers 103km of EV range on the NEDC cycle, up from the previous model’s 84km. Tested to the WLTP standard the Outlander’s EV range is now 86km.

The efficiency of the powertrain’s 2.4-litre petrol engine has also been improved, with combined cycle fuel consumption falling to 1.2L/100km from 1.5L/100km (NEDC).

Mitsubishi doesn’t provide a breakdown of the individual performance of the Outlander’s ICE and twin electric motors, but the new combined systems output claim is 221kW, versus 185kW for the old model.

Locally tuned suspension and handling

Like ICE-powered Outlanders which adopted a locally developed suspension tune in late 2024, the updated Outlander PHEV’s ride and handling have also come in for attention, with springs, dampers and steering all now tuned specifically for local conditions.

Mitsubishi says the Australian-specific suspension and steering tunes, and a new Bridgestone tyre specification are aimed at enhancing the Outlander PHEV’s steering, ride and handling to provide greater connection for the driver and improved occupant comfort.

Styling and exterior changes

Design-wise, the updated PHEV variants adopt the styling updates introduced with the 2025 ICE model range, including new alloy wheel designs, changes to front and rear lighting, garnishes and bumpers, with the latter also helping to improve aerodynamics.

Other notable changes include the adoption of an eight-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system in the ES, Aspire, and Exceed variants, and a 1650 watt, dual-amplifier and sub-woofer equipped premium Dynamic Sound Ultimate system in the Exceed Tourer.

Occupants should also be able to better appreciate the audio upgrades, thanks to fitment of a new steel bonnet and front fenders designed to reduce cabin noise and vibration.

Interior enhancements and comfort upgrades

Inside, the refreshed Outlander PHEVs feature an updated centre console with repositioned cup holders for improved ergonomics and more central armrest storage.

The second-row seat also gains additional padding and a lengthened seat back designed to improve passenger comfort and support.

Outlander Exceed models and above receive front-row seat ventilation for the first time, while Aspire variants and above feature front-seat and steering wheel heating.

The Exceed Tourer also now adds seat heating for outer second-row occupants.

Mitsubishi is also claiming an improvement in the quality of materials used throughout the interior, with the addition of interior stitch detailing and touch-capacitive LED interior lighting.

Interior trim options range from black cloth in the entry level ES, to black microsuede and artificial leather in the Aspire, black or light grey quilted leather in the Exceed, and premium brown semi-aniline leather in the Exceed Tourer.

Competition and market landscape

The changes should all add up to a better version of what was already a well-developed vehicle, but the competitive landscape has shifted dramatically since the Outlander PHEV first launched in 2021.

There are now multiple rivals queuing up to have a crack at it, including the BYD Sealion 6 Premium AWD, Chery Tiggo 7 Super Hybrid Ultimate, Geely Starray EM-i Super Hybrid, GWM-Haval H6 PHEV, Leapmotor C10 Design REEV Ultra Hybrid, and the MG HS Super Hybrid.

While these rivals all have their merits, one area where the Outlander still has a distinct advantage over its rivals is Mitsubishi’s 10-year vehicle warranty program, with 10 years capped price servicing – provided scheduled servicing is done through the company’s authorised dealer network – and its eight-year, 160,000km drive battery warranty.

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV pricing and equipment

Outlander PHEV AWD ES 5-seat ($58,990 MRLP)

• 12.3-inch smartphone-link display audio and navigation system
• Eight-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium
• All new drive battery with increased 22.7kWh capacity
• Black cloth upholstery
• Climate Control Engine Start System
• Connected Car Service (CCS)
• Driver Monitor System
• Electrochromatic frameless rear-view mirror
• FCM Haptic Brake Warning
• Improved Blind Spot intervention and Lane Departure Prevention systems
• Improved drive battery cooling system
• LED interior lighting
• LED rear turn and backup lamps
• Multi-around view monitor – Bird’s eye view
• New front and rear bumpers
• Newly designed 18-inch alloy wheels
• Rear automatic braking linked with rear-view camera
• Steel bonnet and front fenders for improved NVH
• Traffic Sign Recognition with ACC Speed Limit Link
• Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto.

Outlander PHEV AWD Aspire seven-seat ($66,790 MRLP)

Same as ES, plus:

• 5+2 seating (manual seat adjustment, ‘walk-in’ system
• Heated front seats and steering wheel
• Improved wireless phone charger design
• Mi-pilot additional features including – Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Touch sensor steering vibration, Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
• Newly designed 20-inch alloy wheels.

Outlander PHEV AWD EXCEED five-seat ($71,640 MRLP)

Same as Aspire, plus:

• Aluminium accelerator and brake pedal design
• Choice of black or grey leather upholstery
• Frameless interior rear-view mirror with digital monitor
• Ventilated driver and front passenger seats.

Outlander PHEV AWD EXCEED TOURER (five-seat) ($74,490 MRLP)

Same as Exceed, plus:

• 12-speaker Dynamic Sound YAMAHA Ultimate Audio System
• Brick Brown semi-aniline premium leather upholstery
• Massage function for driver and front passenger
• Heated 2nd row passenger seats.
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