2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Review

Impressing buyers with a choice of five- and seven-seat cabin options, incredibly sharp pricing and one of Australia's longest warranties, the Outlander has been a staple of the medium SUV segment.

You wouldn't know it looking from the outside, but the latest Outlander has picked up some serious hardware improvements underneath.

Aimed at making it a more versatile package for city and regional buyers alike, Mitsubishi has given the Outlander a mid-life update with a revised suspension package and a number of key equipment additions.

These upgrades have, however, come at a pretty hefty price premium, which begs the question of whether or not Mitsubishi has watered down the Outlander's undeniably impressive value proposition.

To find out what the fuss is all about, we got behind the wheel of the premium Outlander Exceed variant to find out if it's still one of the best medium SUVs on the market.

Mitsubishi Outlander Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

Prices for the entire MY25 Outlander range, PHEV versions included, kick off from $37,740 for the Outlander ES 2WD and stretch out to $73,790 for the range-topping Outlander PHEV GSR AWD.

The petrol-powered Outlander range is priced from the $37,740 entry mark up to $57,990 for the Outlander Exceed Tourer AWD.

• Outlander ES 2WD Five-Seat: $39,990

• Outlander ES AWD Five-Seat: $42,490

• Outlander LS 2WD Seven-Seat: $43,290

• Outlander LS AWD Seven-Seat: $45,790

• Outlander Aspire 2WD Seven-Seat: $47,790

• Outlander Aspire AWD Seven-Seat: $50,290

• Outlander Exceed AWD Five-Seat: $55,140 (tested)

• Outlander Exceed Tourer AWD Five-Seat: $57,990

For reference, prices for the MY25 Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV) range can be found below.

• Outlander PHEV ES AWD - $57,290

• Outlander PHEV Aspire AWD - $63,790

• Outlander PHEV Exceed Seven-Seat AWD - $69,290

• Outlander PHEV Exceed Tourer Seven-Seat AWD - $71,790

• Outlander PHEV GSR Seven-Seat AWD - $73,790

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs.

How Much Can OnlineAuto Save You?

Using OnlineAuto's car buying service, you could save thousands on your next car with the help of our team of car-buying specialists.

Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Specifications

What Features Does the Mitsubishi Outlander Have?

This Outlander Exceed version sits at the pointy end of the lineup, just below the flagship Exceed Tourer.

Features specific to the Outlander Exceed include a set of two-tone 20-inch alloys, quilted leather upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a digital rear-view mirror, tri-zone climate control, a full-sized alloy spare tyre, aluminium pedals, a rear cargo floor box and auto-tilting side mirrors.

It also picks up all the goods you'll find in lower-ranking members of the Outlander range.

This means there's adaptive LED head & tail lights with LED fog lights, a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, a powered boot lift, power adjustment for the front pews, roof rails, adaptive cruise control, a surround-view monitor with front & rear parking sensors, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, five terrain modes, a wireless charging pad and more.

For those wondering what features are missing from this variant, the flagship Exceed Tourer picks up premium touches like semi-aniline leather upholstery with heated rear seats, massaging front seats and a powerful 1,650W Yamaha sound system.

Mitsubishi Outlander Connectivity & Infotainment Features

One of the pillars of Mitsubishi's updates for the MY25 Outlander range has been an overhaul of the infotainment tech in more affordable grades.

The company has said farewell to the pint-sized 8.0 and 9.0-inch infotainment systems that were previously fitted to base versions, with Mitsubishi fitting a much more respectable 12.3-inch touchscreen display across the range.

While Mitsubishi’s 12.3-inch display isn’t the most powerful unit on the market, we'll give the company props for rolling out larger screens for every member of the Outlander lineup to sharpen its appeal with tech-savvy buyers.

The 12.3-inch infotainment system runs on updated software, and while the factory menu layout is quite bland, it's reasonably responsive to inputs and allows you to configure your preferred shortcuts on the homescreen.

There’s AM/FM & DAB+ digital radio thrown in alongside factory satellite navigation and an eight-speaker Yamaha sound system that provides decent fidelity throughout the cabin, though audiophiles will envy the flagship Exceed Tourer's 12-speaker sound system.

For those looking to install a dashcam, there's two easily accessible USB-C ports at the base of the dash and an extra port hiding inside the centre console cubby.

The Outlander is also fitted with a 4G sim for Mitsubishi's connected services, enabling live traffic navigation, vehicle location tracking, collision notifications and breakdown assistance, geo-fencing, curfews and remote vehicle controls.

Buyers pick up a one-year subscription to the full suite of services as well as a five-year subscription to the company's Safeguard services.

Does the Outlander Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Buyers will be pleased to know that the added screen real estate has come along with wireless smartphone mirroring for both Android and iOS smartphone ecosystems.

While the previous Outlander range offered wireless Apple CarPlay, Android owners were forced to bring their own USB cable in order to access Android Auto on the go.

Now, though, the MY25 Outlander range with the larger 12.3-inch infotainment system fitted to every variant offers both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Comfortable to Drive?

Well done, Mitsubishi - you've made the Outlander a true Jack of all trades.

Previous versions of the Outlander were well-mannered for those living in and around the urban jungle, but the same couldn't be said for those frequenting rough, country roads.

It was, quite simply, a bit too soft for its own good in the corners while being strangely firm over things like speed bumps.

The company knew it, too, considering the single biggest changes for the latest MY25 Outlander range centre on what's hiding underneath in the wheel arches.

Without getting too caught in the weeds, there's a tonne of new suspension gear underneath after Mitsubishi gave the Outlander a bespoke, Australian-tested ride and handling package.

Revised shocks at the front and rear combine with a new anti-roll bar and a sharpened steering rack give the Outlander more versatility when tackling city streets and country roads alike.

We can confidently say that Mitsubishi’s hardware additions have given the Outlander more confidence and stability in the twisties, though it's still not a particularly dynamic package.

Nor is it accommodating to small, sharp road irregularities, potholes and speed bumps, especially on the Exceed’s large 20-inch alloys, which don't offer the sidewall buffering of smaller wheels.

Power for the Outlander petrol range comes supplied by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit pushing out 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque to all four wheels in this AWD version via a CVT automatic.

There are also front-wheel drive versions available, with braked towing capacities standing at 1,600kg across the range.

The 2.5-litre engine means the Outlander is far from the most powerful in the segment, though initial throttle response is pretty decent when you're taking off from the line or keeping up with traffic - things just flatten out as you hit higher speeds.

Notably, the Outlander’s steering rack is nice and easy to throw around, while solid visibility and a decent turning circle mean it's a user-friendly package to drive around town and park in tight confines.

On the highway, the Outlander proves itself a very confident long-distance tourer.

Things inside the cabin are nice and quiet thanks to a recent improvement to NVH levels, while there's just enough power on tap for quick overtakes.

Summing up, while Mitsubishi’s suspension changes have had a major impact on the Outlander’s all-around versatility, there's still a noticeable gap between it and the best in the segment.

It ticks important boxes with more confidence, though it remains a little underwhelming on the road.

That said, the Outlander has taken a much-needed step in the right direction and is now far more capable of tackling a country road, which will be welcome news for regional buyers.

Thankfully, it's a package that retains the user-friendly hallmarks medium SUV buyers are looking for while being more adept on the rougher stuff.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Mitsubishi's 2.5-litre four-cylinder unit is reasonably fuel-efficient.

The company says on a combined cycle the Outlander FWD range drinks between 7.5 - 7.7L per 100km, depending on the trim level.

Upgrading to this all-wheel drive version means the Outlander drinks between 7.8 - 8.1 per 100km on a combined cycle.

During our time behind the wheel, we managed to average 8.5L per 100km over a mix of roughly 800 kilometres' worth of town, country and highway driving.

CO2 emissions stand at a claimed 170 - 174 grams per kilometre in FWD versions, increasing to between 177 - 185 grams per kilometre in this AWD version.

The Outlander is fitted with a 55-litre fuel tank and can drink 91 RON fuel.

Obviously, the Outlander can’t compete with some of its hybrid rivals, though it's worth mentioning that the plug-in hybrid range stands at the ready if fuel efficiency is a major priority for your next midsize SUV package.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

While there's a bunch of new hardware fitted underneath, inside the cabin, the Outlander remains a very family-friendly and practical affair.

Climb aboard and the Outlander's cabin is relatively low-slung for the medium SUV segment, making it nice and easy to climb aboard.

Once you’re inside, there's decent headroom for tall drivers and front passenger, so long as you drop the power-adjustable seats into their lowest setting.

Those stepping up to this premium Exceed version also pick up a lengthy range of premium finishes, like the quilted leather upholstery that makes a great first impression.

The seats themselves are decent and held up well over a long stint behind the wheel for me, though my partner had a hard time getting comfortable.

There’s decent side bolstering and the welcome addition of lumbar support for the driver's seat.

Ergonomics behind the wheel are strong, with some soft finishes applied to the side of the centre console and door sills, providing a plush spot for your elbows and knees.

Likewise, the manually-adjustable steering wheel offers a great deal of both reach and rake adjustments, with stacks of elevation for the seat to give shorter drivers a better view over the reasonably tall dashboard and bonnet.

Look around and things are pretty much identical to previous Outlander versions, though the centre console has been slightly revised to improve ergonomics while handling the gear lever or reaching for the cupholders.

We're not huge fans of Mitsubishi sticking by the piano black trim for the centre console, infotainment surrounds and some sections of the dash and door sills, though.

Our major gripe with piano black is that it’s a magnet for dust and fingerprints… it's also incredibly easy to scratch if you dare glance at it the wrong way and can refract harsh midday sun directly into your retinas.

In terms of storage, things are decent but not ground-breaking for the medium SUV segment.

There's a tray that doubles as a wireless charging pad at the base of the dash and centre console, flanked by a pair of cupholders and a large cubby inside the folding armrest.

The door bins are huge, though, swallowing up large water bottles with ease.

Move to the second row and the Outlander stands up well as a practical five-seat SUV package.

It's worth noting that Mitsubishi offers the Outlander platform in both five- and seven-seat versions, though premium variants like this Exceed and the Exceed Tourer can only be had with a two-row, five-seater cabin.

Even behind my 185cm driving position, I could sit comfortably in the rear of the cabin without my knees banging up against the seatbacks.

Headroom is a bit tight, however, for taller rear occupants with the panoramic sunroof in place due to the slightly elevated stadium seat layout.

You won't hear a peep from any kids back here, though, with enough cabin width for three-abreast seating.

Amenities in the second row include dedicated climate controls and air vents, two USB-C charging ports, sun shades, a folding armrest with cupholders, door bins and and some clever pockets hiding on the first row seatbacks to stash phones and toys.

For the parents, the Outlander provides easy access into the second row thanks to wide-aperture doors, with ISOFIX anchors positioned on the outboard seats, two top tether mounts hidden at the base of the seatbacks and a third positioned on the ceiling.

There's more than enough real estate between the first and second row seats to accommodate even the bulkiest of rear-facing child seat positions, making the Outlander a great shout for parents.

You can even squeeze in three child seats across the second row.

All up, the Outlander is still the big, practical and very family-friendly SUV package buyers have come to love - you’ll just need to decide whether you're after the five or seven-seat layout.

We will say that the three-row, seven-seat version is more of a five-plus-two arrangement over a fully fledged seven-seater and suggest you look at members of the large SUV segment if you're a large family in need of a proper third row.

How Big is the Mitsubishi Outlander's Boot?

As mentioned, premium versions of the petrol-powered Outlander lineup are offered exclusively in a five-seat format, which means there's plenty of boot space on offer.

The five-seat Outlander platform provides a healthy 485L worth of boot space - solid figures but not best-in-class for the midsize SUV segment.

Fold down the second row seats and there’s 1,473L worth of real estate when it's time to lug around bulky cargo, sports or camping gear.

The centre armrest also folds flat and provides a narrow opening to load long objects through the cabin, with two cut-outs behind each wheel swallowing up some loose items alongside two hooks, a 12V power outlet and two additional tie-down points.

Notably, there’s a full-sized alloy spare tyre hiding beneath the boot floor, which is a surprisingly difficult thing to attain in today's landscape, with many rivals moving to a space-saver spare or even a tyre repair kit.

• Outlander Five-Seat Boot Space Minimum: 485L

• Outlander Five-Seat Boot Space Maximum: 1,473L

Is it Safe?

The fourth-gen Outlander touched down on Aussie shores jam-packed with active safety gear and retains that long list of tech.

As standard, every member of the Outlander lineup comes fitted with forward and reverse AEB, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, driver attention alerts, traffic sign detection, hill descent control and a surround-view camera with front & rear parking sensors.

Stepping up to the Outlander Aspire and above adds Mitsubishi's Mi-Pilot system with lane-centring and traffic jam assist.

We will say that Mitsubishi's lane-keep assist can be a little overzealous when it comes to adjusting between lane markers, while the monitoring camera system completely hated our sunglasses and was quick to accuse us of being distracted as a result.

The surround-view monitor is also pretty low-resolution, though we won't complain about the addition of a 360-degree camera in all variants, including the base model.

Does the Mitsubishi Outlander Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The Outlander range wears a five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring the following marks in 2022 testing.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 83%

• Child Occupant Protection: 92%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 81%

• Safety Assist: 83%

What Warranty does the Mitsubishi Outlander Come With?

The Outlander picks up Mitsubishi’s outstanding ten-year warranty coverage, though you'll need to keep it serviced in-house to capitalise.

There's a five-year/100,000 warranty as standard, with coverage stretching out to ten years or 200,000 kilometres if you keep it serviced within the network.

Mitsubishi also throws in a 12-month roadside assistance membership that extends out another 12 months each time you service it in-house.

Capped-price servicing for the Outlander range stretches out to ten years and is priced at $4,340 in total.

Intervals stand at 12 months or 15,000 kilometres.

Our Verdict: Is the Mitsubishi Outlander Worth it?

Mitsubishi’s latest Outlander range is the best we've seen yet.

Thanks to some significant suspension revisions, it’s a more capable and confident package both around town and when pushing up a country road, which widens the Outlander's appeal with Aussies living regionally.

You can't ignore the fact that prices have risen considerably across the board, though the Outlander retains a solid value proposition across the board.

It's a rock-solid medium SUV contender that holds its own with the biggest names in an incredibly tough market segment

More specifically, then, is the Outlander Exceed the pick of the bunch?

It really depends on whether you demand some of those premium touches, with the mid-range Aspire stacking up as the most attractive option on the value front, in our mind.

Don't forget that our team of car-buying experts is ready to help find the best possible deal on your next car - reach out today.

Five Mitsubishi Outlander Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/100,000 kilometre standard warranty

2. Ten-year/200,000 kilometre warranty when serviced in network

3. Petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains available

4. 485 - 1,473L boot space (five-seat version)

5. Five-star ANCAP safety rating (tested 2022)