The 2025 Outlander PHEV offers real electric range and refinement that rivals pricier alternatives.
SE and LE trims provide the best value, avoid spending extra for the flashy Noir or Platinum.
Still flawed, but vastly improved, the PHEV system finally makes daily electric driving realistic.

I never thought I’d say this, but here we are: I’ve come around on the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV. It’s been a rocky road, full of eye-rolls and rants on performance, weight, cost, and real-world electric range. I first drove this SUV around 2017 when it launched in Canada, and at the time, everything was off. Too heavy, too expensive, and with a sub-40 km electric range that dropped off a cliff in real-world driving. I couldn’t recommend it with a straight face.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV | Photo: Matt St-Pierre

And yet, people kept buying them. Asking me about them. Loving them. Ignoring every word of advice I gave them. A friend recently asked what I thought of the Outlander PHEV, and before I could answer, he told me he’d just bought one. Of course he did.

Now, having driven the latest 2025 Outlander PHEV version extensively, I get it. I’m not saying I’m a full convert, but this generation is leagues ahead of what Mitsubishi originally put on the road. It’s no longer just a necessary vehicle for Mitsubishi to stay afloat in Canada, it’s actually a compelling option.

Solid PHEV numbers

Let’s start with what matters most in a plug-in hybrid: electric range. The 2025 model houses a 20 kWh battery, giving it an official 61 km EV range. That number? Pretty conservative. I saw an indicated 85 km on a full charge and easily surpassed 60 km while driving in ideal spring temps. This finally puts the Outlander PHEV in real usable EV territory for commuters. No more running the engine after every grocery trip.

The powertrain features twin electric motors and a 2.4L four-cylinder engine, delivering a combined 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. No, it doesn’t launch like a rocket, but compared to the original version, it’s night and day. For typical city and suburban driving, it’s responsive and efficient.

Ride quality is where this SUV really surprised me. It’s smooth, quiet, and composed, nearly as refined as an EV with an air suspension… and this one rides on a regular MacPherson/multi-link setup.

Presentation can be everything

Interior quality is also impressive. Mitsubishi has seriously stepped up its materials game. I’d go so far as to say that, compared to the two luxury vehicles I also had that week, namely a Porsche and an Audi, that unless you looked at the badges, you’d be hard-pressed to guess that one of them costs many tens of thousands less than the others. Quilted leather, clean switchgear, smooth operation, it all feels higher end than you’d expect. Yes, there are some scratchy plastics, but they’re the exception, not the rule. Even the massaging front seats are present… although let’s be honest, it’s more of a light kick than a massage.

Tech-wise, every version includes drive modes, regen paddles (with multiple levels), and EV-specific drive settings like “Charge” and “Save.” There’s also a one-pedal drive mode, although it’s not a true one-pedal system since it won’t stop the vehicle completely, but it’s strong enough to be useful. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and either an 8- or 9-inch touchscreen are on offer, depending on trim.

A few fixes remain

But now, to the quirks. The third row is… let’s say “aspirational.” It’s a solid bench, not a split, and offers no adult-appropriate legroom. It eats up cargo space, adds weight, and just isn’t very useful. Many owners remove it entirely. Mitsubishi, if you’re reading this: just offer a five-seat version and free up the cargo area. Or bring the Montero back…

And then there’s the brake pedal. Spongy. Squishy. Nearly unpleasant. The regen paddles don’t really solve it either, so it’s something to get used to.

Skip the black bling

Speaking of trims: Canadians can choose from ES to GT Premium Noir. Base pricing starts at $48,698, while the GT Premium Noir pushes over $60K. My pick? Skip the Noir edition, it’s just black trim and flashy wheels. The SE trim offers a heated wheel and panoramic roof for just over $ 50,000, and if you want real leather and a larger screen, the LE at $52,998 is the sweet spot.

Bottom line, when you put it all together—the much-improved EV range, ride refinement, interior quality, and actual affordability—the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV finally makes sense. It’s not flashy, it’s not quick, and it’s not perfect. But it’s very good at what it’s supposed to do.

And maybe that’s why owners love it so much. They know what they’re getting, and they’re getting a lot more than before. So yeah… I was wrong. This SUV deserves attention. Bravo, Mitsubishi.