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The Advertiser
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD review
Mitsubishi Outlander Pros Mitsubishi Outlander Cons Trust us, you're looking at the updated Mitsubishi Outlander. It may not look all that different, but that doesn't mean nothing has changed. Outside, the front and rear bumpers have been tweaked, and there are new wheel designs for each different size. You can also option the Outlander in a new Moonstone Grey signature paint colour. Inside are new screens, a reconfigured centre console, different colourways, adjustments to five- and seven-seat availability across the range, and a premium sound system engineered in collaboration with Yamaha. But it's what's under the skin that matters most. Mitsubishi says it has listened to feedback (and criticism) from Australian customers and media to improve and refine the driving experience offered by the Outlander, and the culmination of that is what you see here. The popular mid-size SUV has received a substantial Australian ride and handling retune, developed and tested on hilly rural roads south of metropolitan Adelaide, which hold a special importance for the Japanese brand that developed and produced vehicles in South Australian until 2008. Mitsubishi has conducted countless runs on roads in the area for the best part of 25 years, using it to develop cars like the Australian-built 380 of the early 2000s, and the Magna, Colt, Sigma and Galant before that. The roads are so useful that sections of it have even been scanned and rebuilt at Mitsubishi's proving ground in Japan. Beyond the local chassis retune, which includes a recalibrated electric power steering system as well as revised suspension, the Outlander also now has more noise insulation and different body panel materials to reduce interior noise, vibration and harshness. All that now forms a more solid foundation for the updated Outlander, and the Australian chassis tune will even be used globally by Mitsubishi – perhaps there's some life in our local automotive manufacturing industry after all. Mitsubishi recently invited media to drive the latest Outlander on the very roads it was developed on, allowing us an almost-insider look into the brand's R&D process. Has the new setup hit the spot? The Outlander range now starts at $39,990 before on-roads and extends to $57,990 plus on-roads. That means prices are up by roughly $2000 or $3000 depending on the variant, across the board. Mid-size SUVs are the most popular new-vehicle type in Australia and the huge market segment is also one of the most populous and competitive. The Outlander is traditionally a top-three player in this segment, behind the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, and other similarly priced rivals include the Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and the related Nissan X-Trail. Newer competitors from China also include the Chery Tiggo 8 and MG HS, as well as the BYD Sealion 6 – though the latter is a closer rival for the Outlander PHEV, and updated version of which arrives later this year. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Tweaks here are subtle, but several of the basics have been well honed. Those familiar with the pre-existing Outlander will immediately notice the new screens for infotainment and instrumentation up front, both of which now measure 12.3 inches. Both are sharp and easy to operate. The instrument display may initially appear cluttered thanks to the amount of text and symbols, but this will become normal after some time with the car – there's also a little bit of customisation for gauge style. The infotainment screen is also responsive but shows signs of graphic aging, though this is expected given it's shared with the Nissan X-Trail. It's characterised by the vertical ribbon on the left of the screen, as well as the glossy black buttons underneath. You still get wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, and wireless Android Auto is now available for the first time. Despite the larger screen, Mitsubishi has kept the Outlander's climate system isolated and completely physical, which is a welcome move. It features an array of buttons plus two dials and a simple digital screen, in a setup that is clear and easy to fiddle with on the move. Our only complaint is that it's finished in glossy black plastic, and the same can be said for the large centre console in the middle. This will quickly attract fingerprints and smudges. That said, this area is now more practical than ever. Mitsubishi says it listened to customer feedback to redesign the layout of the centre console, which involved moving the cupholders out from under the central armrest for easier access. They're also installed lengthways instead of sideways, again making them easier to use on the move. This has allowed for a cleaner design here, with the gear selector and drive mode dial occupying a large piece of silver plastic. In this area is also a wireless phone charger for all variants bar the base ES, as well as a pair of USB-C ports. It's also worth noting that the drive modes shown on the central dial will depend on whether your Outlander is a front- or all-wheel drive variant – carried over from the pre-update model. Ahead of the driver is a chunky steering wheel, which is finished in leather from LS trim level and up. It's a quality item, and feels nice in the hands thanks to the perforations at each side, while the dull plastic buttons add a level of durable tactility. Leather-trimmed seats are fitted in the top two trim levels, with quilted upholstery and multiple colour finishes also available. These seats are nicely bolstered and offer a strong range of adjustment, while ventilation and massage functions add a touch of luxury. Complementing the seats are soft touch points on the centre and door armrests, finished in the same material. It makes for a very comfy cabin, and it's easy to do long stints behind the wheel as a result. New to the Outlander is a premium audio system, which was developed by Yamaha specifically for this car. All variants except the top Exceed Tourer get the more 'standard' of the two sound systems available, but the sound produced is of exceptional quality. The range on hand is impressive, with deep bass tones and more nuanced high-pitch sounds both equally clear. Upgrading to the Ultimate system in the Exceed Tourer takes things up another notch, but you won't be missing out if you opt for a lower trim level. You also have the option to adjust how sound travels to you, primarily by setting which seat should be the focus. It's a high-quality standard feature, and paves the way for Yamaha to be involved in future Mitsubishi products too. Moving to the back reveals a spacious area, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The seats are relatively comfortable, while the recline angle is adjustable using large tabs next to the head restraints. Passengers here have the luxury of a simple climate control interface on the back of the centre console. Two USB-C ports are also fitted from Outlander LS and up, while the top-spec Exceed Tourer gets heated outboard seats. Mitsubishi has also added some pouches on the front seatbacks for phones and the like, though we find the central cupholders to be strange. There is an armrest that folds from the back of the middle seat, but you need to fold down the entire middle seat if you want cupholders – a unique setup that creates a gaping hole into the boot. There have also been tweaks to five- and seven-seat variant options, as the Exceed and Exceed Tourer are now five-seat only. The only seven-seat (really a 5+2) model available to us was the Aspire, which offers a child-sized third row best used for short trips. When not in use, the third row folds neatly into the boot floor, while the head restraints tuck into their own nook. Boot capacity varies between each seating configuration, with 163 litres being the smallest in seven-seat vehicles, expanding to 485 litres in five-seaters. The maximum capacity across all seven-seaters is 1461 litres, while Exceed and Exceed Tourer grades offer the most of the five-seaters at 1473 litres. That means there's enough space to fit cargo for a whole family, even if the quoted volume is smaller than some rivals. For comparison, the outgoing Subaru Forester offers a maximum capacity of 1768 litres, while a non-hybrid Tucson offers 1860 litres. To sweeten the Outlander, a powered tailgate is standard from Aspire level and up, while all five-seat models get a full-size alloy spare wheel, which is pretty rare these days. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Powering the updated Outlander is the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine as before, which pushes out 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque. It's mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations. We didn't get enough time in any one Outlander during Mitsubishi's launch drive to record an accurate real-world fuel economy figure, so we'll follow this up when we get one for testing. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is where the big changes have taken place, but before we dive in it's important to set the scene. As mentioned, the roads south of Adelaide were the test bed for the updated Outlander. The road Mitsubishi chose to demonstrate this was Inman Valley Road outside Normanville – a twisty, hilly road with loads of bumps and holes specifically chosen to unsettle cars at speed. For the record, suspension changes include a smaller-diameter front anti-roll bar to compliment the revised steering system (see below), recalibrated front and rear shock absorbers with revised rebound and compression damping, and recalibrated front and spring rates. To best demonstrate the difference between old and new, Mitsubishi took the unusual step of wheeling out a pair of 2024 Outlanders and allowing us to drive them along this road back-to-back with their updated counterparts. Put simply, it's night and day. Where the old model would clatter over bumps and skittle about with an unsettled feel mid-corner, the updated version stays planted and shrugs off most significant hits. It feels much more capable of soaking up bumps and inspires more confidence behind the wheel. And all this while offering greatly reduced body roll, making the Outlander a bit more sporty to drive. The updated Outlander also feels more substantial and refined on the road, with fewer knocks, rattles and vibrations to boot – it's admittedly difficult to pinpoint the impact of revised body materials or increased cabin insulation (there's also a new isolator added to the transmission tunnel and a steel bonnet to reduce engine noise and vibration), but we don't doubt they're all part of the overall improvement in cabin refinement. There's also a "more dynamic" Bridgestone Alenza tyre for the 20-inch alloy wheels standard on Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer variants, while ES and LS grades carryover their more comfort-biased tyres on fresh 18-inch alloy designs. Naturally, the Outlander still falls short of the plush cushioning offered in more expensive and luxurious mid-size SUVs, but it's now far more comfortable than it used to be and a good match for its direct competitors. The other significant part of the local chassis tune was its electric power steering system (EPS), which was overly light and vague in the outgoing model. Mitsubishi says the EPS was recalibrated to improve the vehicle's on-centre feel, steering linearity and feedback to improve handling and ensure easy manoeuvrability at parking speeds. And indeed the revised EPS makes the car feel more stable at speed and less prone to being thrown off by mid-corner bumps, and makes it steer more directly around centre. The updated steering complements the revised suspension perfectly. You now get acceptable feedback from the wheel when turning, and more stability in a straight line, and it's easy to throw the car around without worrying about whether the front end will comply. The Outlander is by no means a corner carver, but it's now more than capable of keeping itself settled and sorted once roads get more technical and speed picks up. We also struggled to induce any serious understeer in the updated model, whereas we heard clear tyre squeal in the 2024 version. Mitsubishi has tuned the electric power steering to be light at low speed but firmer at higher speeds, which makes the Outlander feel more stable on the highway while keeping easier to steer in carparks and the like. Some road noise still makes its way inside, particularly in higher-spec variants with 20-inch wheels and tyre. It's better than it was before, but we'd still expect smaller wheels to be the better option if cabin refinement is your priority. This is also true if you want to take the Outlander on unsealed roads, as the 20-inch wheel/tyre combo has less compliance and forgiveness when its thinner sidewall hits rocks or potholes. Mitsubishi's new design for this wheel may not be for everyone either. We don't love the brake feel, as we find it to be a bit too squishy. Trying to brake progressively will often end with the driver applying more force than anticipated, and the point at which the brakes begin to properly bite is relatively long and undefined in the pedal's travel. The throttle can also be touchy at low speed, though selecting Eco mode dulls its response. This makes it harder to trundle through gridlock traffic or carparks smoothly and comfortably. Unchanged for this Outlander is its naturally aspirated engine and CVT transmission combo, which is still shared with the X-Trail. The powertrain is merely adequate for this SUV, capable of getting it up to speed smoothly and in an acceptable time. Laying into the throttle will force the CVT to kick down a couple of 'gears', which can give the impression of a traditional torque converter auto. The engine will then scream into life, revving with a grating sound as it heaves to get the Outlander moving – especially uphill. Combine this with a CVT that pretends to upshift and you get a powertrain that is as capable as it needs to be, but one that can be a bit dull and unpleasant hen pushed harder than normal driving. Other tweaks have been applied to the Outlander's safety systems, including a new driver attention monitoring system like the one that debuted here in the current Triton ute. Despite running the latest version of the brand's software, many of the same complaints carry through here. It will still beep at you if it detects you're looking away from the road ahead for too long, which can happen even if you're only glancing at the side mirrors, for example. It will also throw a warning saying your face can't be detected if you have sunglasses on. This is disappointing, but it's not nearly as bad as the distraction monitoring system was in early examples of the new Tritons. Most of the time, the Outlander will warn you once and then pipe down, instead of persisting with annoying beeps and bongs. On a more positive note, the car's adaptive cruise control can confidently keep up with traffic, while the associated lane-centring function is competent without being overbearing. Its passive lane-keep function will vibrate the steering wheel loudly if you start crossing the line, but it won't wrestle you for control. And you have the same good visibility out of the vehicle as before, which is now supported by a frameless rear-view mirror with auto-dimming. Also standard is a surround-view camera to help with parking, completing what is now a much more cohesive safety package for one of Mitsubishi Australia's best-selling models. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are still five trim levels for the Outlander, encompassing a full range of standard gear. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander ES equipment highlights: Outlander LS adds: Outlander Aspire adds: Outlander Exceed adds: Outlander Exceed Tourer adds: To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Mitsubishi Outlander has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted in 2022. Standard safety equipment includes: Aspire grades and above get Mi-Pilot, which combines lane centring and Traffic Jam Assist functions. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Like the wider Mitsubishi Australia range, the updated Outlander is backed by a 10-year, 200,000km warranty if it's serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. Otherwise the standard warranty is five years or 100,000km (whichever comes first). Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first). Individual service pricing for the Outlander is outlined below: To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Outlander was already a strong seller, and these updates not only feel like Mitsubishi is attempting to stamp its mark on a market segment owned by Toyota, but also show how important the model for the Japanese brand. Enlisting Japanese engineers to help develop and test the upgraded model in our backyard is a move that underlines the importance of both the Outlander and the Australian market to Mitsubishi, and it benefits Mitsubishi Australia's top-selling model greatly. It's now more compliant and handles better, while feeling more refined and sure-footed. It feels perfectly suited to Australian roads (funnily enough), and we're sure the brand will take pride in the fact this tune will now be used globally. If one of your reasons for looking past the Outlander in the past was its rough ride, it's worth going for another test drive in the updated version. Even just sitting in one to see the updated interior layout and tech will be worth your time. Beyond that and even though prices have increased, it's still difficult to argue against the value proposition presented by the Outlander. You get loads of standard gear across the range, and there should be something for everyone across both seating configurations and drivetrains. As for everything that hasn't changed, Mitsubishi told us it employed an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" policy. That means the adventurously bold styling remains with minor tweaks, which at least means the Outlander is recogniseable in a crowd. While the engine and CVT combo may not be terribly fun, you do get a reliable powertrain that will go about its work without any fuss. A turbocharged engine would liven things up more, but there's nothing really wrong with what we have now. We're very interested to see what the updated Outlander PHEV will bring later this year, as Mitsubishi has promised a similar treatment to what this model has received. Despite its higher cost, the PHEV has long been the more compelling and efficient Outlander, so we're keen to test the upgraded version. Until then, you could do much worse than the updated petrol Outlander, which has hit top form its latest iteration. Interested in buying a Mitsubishi Outlander? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mitsubishi Outlander showroom Content originally sourced from: Outlander Pros Mitsubishi Outlander Cons Trust us, you're looking at the updated Mitsubishi Outlander. It may not look all that different, but that doesn't mean nothing has changed. Outside, the front and rear bumpers have been tweaked, and there are new wheel designs for each different size. You can also option the Outlander in a new Moonstone Grey signature paint colour. Inside are new screens, a reconfigured centre console, different colourways, adjustments to five- and seven-seat availability across the range, and a premium sound system engineered in collaboration with Yamaha. But it's what's under the skin that matters most. Mitsubishi says it has listened to feedback (and criticism) from Australian customers and media to improve and refine the driving experience offered by the Outlander, and the culmination of that is what you see here. The popular mid-size SUV has received a substantial Australian ride and handling retune, developed and tested on hilly rural roads south of metropolitan Adelaide, which hold a special importance for the Japanese brand that developed and produced vehicles in South Australian until 2008. Mitsubishi has conducted countless runs on roads in the area for the best part of 25 years, using it to develop cars like the Australian-built 380 of the early 2000s, and the Magna, Colt, Sigma and Galant before that. The roads are so useful that sections of it have even been scanned and rebuilt at Mitsubishi's proving ground in Japan. Beyond the local chassis retune, which includes a recalibrated electric power steering system as well as revised suspension, the Outlander also now has more noise insulation and different body panel materials to reduce interior noise, vibration and harshness. All that now forms a more solid foundation for the updated Outlander, and the Australian chassis tune will even be used globally by Mitsubishi – perhaps there's some life in our local automotive manufacturing industry after all. Mitsubishi recently invited media to drive the latest Outlander on the very roads it was developed on, allowing us an almost-insider look into the brand's R&D process. Has the new setup hit the spot? The Outlander range now starts at $39,990 before on-roads and extends to $57,990 plus on-roads. That means prices are up by roughly $2000 or $3000 depending on the variant, across the board. Mid-size SUVs are the most popular new-vehicle type in Australia and the huge market segment is also one of the most populous and competitive. The Outlander is traditionally a top-three player in this segment, behind the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, and other similarly priced rivals include the Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and the related Nissan X-Trail. Newer competitors from China also include the Chery Tiggo 8 and MG HS, as well as the BYD Sealion 6 – though the latter is a closer rival for the Outlander PHEV, and updated version of which arrives later this year. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Tweaks here are subtle, but several of the basics have been well honed. Those familiar with the pre-existing Outlander will immediately notice the new screens for infotainment and instrumentation up front, both of which now measure 12.3 inches. Both are sharp and easy to operate. The instrument display may initially appear cluttered thanks to the amount of text and symbols, but this will become normal after some time with the car – there's also a little bit of customisation for gauge style. The infotainment screen is also responsive but shows signs of graphic aging, though this is expected given it's shared with the Nissan X-Trail. It's characterised by the vertical ribbon on the left of the screen, as well as the glossy black buttons underneath. You still get wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, and wireless Android Auto is now available for the first time. Despite the larger screen, Mitsubishi has kept the Outlander's climate system isolated and completely physical, which is a welcome move. It features an array of buttons plus two dials and a simple digital screen, in a setup that is clear and easy to fiddle with on the move. Our only complaint is that it's finished in glossy black plastic, and the same can be said for the large centre console in the middle. This will quickly attract fingerprints and smudges. That said, this area is now more practical than ever. Mitsubishi says it listened to customer feedback to redesign the layout of the centre console, which involved moving the cupholders out from under the central armrest for easier access. They're also installed lengthways instead of sideways, again making them easier to use on the move. This has allowed for a cleaner design here, with the gear selector and drive mode dial occupying a large piece of silver plastic. In this area is also a wireless phone charger for all variants bar the base ES, as well as a pair of USB-C ports. It's also worth noting that the drive modes shown on the central dial will depend on whether your Outlander is a front- or all-wheel drive variant – carried over from the pre-update model. Ahead of the driver is a chunky steering wheel, which is finished in leather from LS trim level and up. It's a quality item, and feels nice in the hands thanks to the perforations at each side, while the dull plastic buttons add a level of durable tactility. Leather-trimmed seats are fitted in the top two trim levels, with quilted upholstery and multiple colour finishes also available. These seats are nicely bolstered and offer a strong range of adjustment, while ventilation and massage functions add a touch of luxury. Complementing the seats are soft touch points on the centre and door armrests, finished in the same material. It makes for a very comfy cabin, and it's easy to do long stints behind the wheel as a result. New to the Outlander is a premium audio system, which was developed by Yamaha specifically for this car. All variants except the top Exceed Tourer get the more 'standard' of the two sound systems available, but the sound produced is of exceptional quality. The range on hand is impressive, with deep bass tones and more nuanced high-pitch sounds both equally clear. Upgrading to the Ultimate system in the Exceed Tourer takes things up another notch, but you won't be missing out if you opt for a lower trim level. You also have the option to adjust how sound travels to you, primarily by setting which seat should be the focus. It's a high-quality standard feature, and paves the way for Yamaha to be involved in future Mitsubishi products too. Moving to the back reveals a spacious area, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The seats are relatively comfortable, while the recline angle is adjustable using large tabs next to the head restraints. Passengers here have the luxury of a simple climate control interface on the back of the centre console. Two USB-C ports are also fitted from Outlander LS and up, while the top-spec Exceed Tourer gets heated outboard seats. Mitsubishi has also added some pouches on the front seatbacks for phones and the like, though we find the central cupholders to be strange. There is an armrest that folds from the back of the middle seat, but you need to fold down the entire middle seat if you want cupholders – a unique setup that creates a gaping hole into the boot. There have also been tweaks to five- and seven-seat variant options, as the Exceed and Exceed Tourer are now five-seat only. The only seven-seat (really a 5+2) model available to us was the Aspire, which offers a child-sized third row best used for short trips. When not in use, the third row folds neatly into the boot floor, while the head restraints tuck into their own nook. Boot capacity varies between each seating configuration, with 163 litres being the smallest in seven-seat vehicles, expanding to 485 litres in five-seaters. The maximum capacity across all seven-seaters is 1461 litres, while Exceed and Exceed Tourer grades offer the most of the five-seaters at 1473 litres. That means there's enough space to fit cargo for a whole family, even if the quoted volume is smaller than some rivals. For comparison, the outgoing Subaru Forester offers a maximum capacity of 1768 litres, while a non-hybrid Tucson offers 1860 litres. To sweeten the Outlander, a powered tailgate is standard from Aspire level and up, while all five-seat models get a full-size alloy spare wheel, which is pretty rare these days. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Powering the updated Outlander is the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine as before, which pushes out 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque. It's mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations. We didn't get enough time in any one Outlander during Mitsubishi's launch drive to record an accurate real-world fuel economy figure, so we'll follow this up when we get one for testing. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is where the big changes have taken place, but before we dive in it's important to set the scene. As mentioned, the roads south of Adelaide were the test bed for the updated Outlander. The road Mitsubishi chose to demonstrate this was Inman Valley Road outside Normanville – a twisty, hilly road with loads of bumps and holes specifically chosen to unsettle cars at speed. For the record, suspension changes include a smaller-diameter front anti-roll bar to compliment the revised steering system (see below), recalibrated front and rear shock absorbers with revised rebound and compression damping, and recalibrated front and spring rates. To best demonstrate the difference between old and new, Mitsubishi took the unusual step of wheeling out a pair of 2024 Outlanders and allowing us to drive them along this road back-to-back with their updated counterparts. Put simply, it's night and day. Where the old model would clatter over bumps and skittle about with an unsettled feel mid-corner, the updated version stays planted and shrugs off most significant hits. It feels much more capable of soaking up bumps and inspires more confidence behind the wheel. And all this while offering greatly reduced body roll, making the Outlander a bit more sporty to drive. The updated Outlander also feels more substantial and refined on the road, with fewer knocks, rattles and vibrations to boot – it's admittedly difficult to pinpoint the impact of revised body materials or increased cabin insulation (there's also a new isolator added to the transmission tunnel and a steel bonnet to reduce engine noise and vibration), but we don't doubt they're all part of the overall improvement in cabin refinement. There's also a "more dynamic" Bridgestone Alenza tyre for the 20-inch alloy wheels standard on Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer variants, while ES and LS grades carryover their more comfort-biased tyres on fresh 18-inch alloy designs. Naturally, the Outlander still falls short of the plush cushioning offered in more expensive and luxurious mid-size SUVs, but it's now far more comfortable than it used to be and a good match for its direct competitors. The other significant part of the local chassis tune was its electric power steering system (EPS), which was overly light and vague in the outgoing model. Mitsubishi says the EPS was recalibrated to improve the vehicle's on-centre feel, steering linearity and feedback to improve handling and ensure easy manoeuvrability at parking speeds. And indeed the revised EPS makes the car feel more stable at speed and less prone to being thrown off by mid-corner bumps, and makes it steer more directly around centre. The updated steering complements the revised suspension perfectly. You now get acceptable feedback from the wheel when turning, and more stability in a straight line, and it's easy to throw the car around without worrying about whether the front end will comply. The Outlander is by no means a corner carver, but it's now more than capable of keeping itself settled and sorted once roads get more technical and speed picks up. We also struggled to induce any serious understeer in the updated model, whereas we heard clear tyre squeal in the 2024 version. Mitsubishi has tuned the electric power steering to be light at low speed but firmer at higher speeds, which makes the Outlander feel more stable on the highway while keeping easier to steer in carparks and the like. Some road noise still makes its way inside, particularly in higher-spec variants with 20-inch wheels and tyre. It's better than it was before, but we'd still expect smaller wheels to be the better option if cabin refinement is your priority. This is also true if you want to take the Outlander on unsealed roads, as the 20-inch wheel/tyre combo has less compliance and forgiveness when its thinner sidewall hits rocks or potholes. Mitsubishi's new design for this wheel may not be for everyone either. We don't love the brake feel, as we find it to be a bit too squishy. Trying to brake progressively will often end with the driver applying more force than anticipated, and the point at which the brakes begin to properly bite is relatively long and undefined in the pedal's travel. The throttle can also be touchy at low speed, though selecting Eco mode dulls its response. This makes it harder to trundle through gridlock traffic or carparks smoothly and comfortably. Unchanged for this Outlander is its naturally aspirated engine and CVT transmission combo, which is still shared with the X-Trail. The powertrain is merely adequate for this SUV, capable of getting it up to speed smoothly and in an acceptable time. Laying into the throttle will force the CVT to kick down a couple of 'gears', which can give the impression of a traditional torque converter auto. The engine will then scream into life, revving with a grating sound as it heaves to get the Outlander moving – especially uphill. Combine this with a CVT that pretends to upshift and you get a powertrain that is as capable as it needs to be, but one that can be a bit dull and unpleasant hen pushed harder than normal driving. Other tweaks have been applied to the Outlander's safety systems, including a new driver attention monitoring system like the one that debuted here in the current Triton ute. Despite running the latest version of the brand's software, many of the same complaints carry through here. It will still beep at you if it detects you're looking away from the road ahead for too long, which can happen even if you're only glancing at the side mirrors, for example. It will also throw a warning saying your face can't be detected if you have sunglasses on. This is disappointing, but it's not nearly as bad as the distraction monitoring system was in early examples of the new Tritons. Most of the time, the Outlander will warn you once and then pipe down, instead of persisting with annoying beeps and bongs. On a more positive note, the car's adaptive cruise control can confidently keep up with traffic, while the associated lane-centring function is competent without being overbearing. Its passive lane-keep function will vibrate the steering wheel loudly if you start crossing the line, but it won't wrestle you for control. And you have the same good visibility out of the vehicle as before, which is now supported by a frameless rear-view mirror with auto-dimming. Also standard is a surround-view camera to help with parking, completing what is now a much more cohesive safety package for one of Mitsubishi Australia's best-selling models. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are still five trim levels for the Outlander, encompassing a full range of standard gear. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander ES equipment highlights: Outlander LS adds: Outlander Aspire adds: Outlander Exceed adds: Outlander Exceed Tourer adds: To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Mitsubishi Outlander has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted in 2022. Standard safety equipment includes: Aspire grades and above get Mi-Pilot, which combines lane centring and Traffic Jam Assist functions. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Like the wider Mitsubishi Australia range, the updated Outlander is backed by a 10-year, 200,000km warranty if it's serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. Otherwise the standard warranty is five years or 100,000km (whichever comes first). Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first). Individual service pricing for the Outlander is outlined below: To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Outlander was already a strong seller, and these updates not only feel like Mitsubishi is attempting to stamp its mark on a market segment owned by Toyota, but also show how important the model for the Japanese brand. Enlisting Japanese engineers to help develop and test the upgraded model in our backyard is a move that underlines the importance of both the Outlander and the Australian market to Mitsubishi, and it benefits Mitsubishi Australia's top-selling model greatly. It's now more compliant and handles better, while feeling more refined and sure-footed. It feels perfectly suited to Australian roads (funnily enough), and we're sure the brand will take pride in the fact this tune will now be used globally. If one of your reasons for looking past the Outlander in the past was its rough ride, it's worth going for another test drive in the updated version. Even just sitting in one to see the updated interior layout and tech will be worth your time. Beyond that and even though prices have increased, it's still difficult to argue against the value proposition presented by the Outlander. You get loads of standard gear across the range, and there should be something for everyone across both seating configurations and drivetrains. As for everything that hasn't changed, Mitsubishi told us it employed an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" policy. That means the adventurously bold styling remains with minor tweaks, which at least means the Outlander is recogniseable in a crowd. While the engine and CVT combo may not be terribly fun, you do get a reliable powertrain that will go about its work without any fuss. A turbocharged engine would liven things up more, but there's nothing really wrong with what we have now. We're very interested to see what the updated Outlander PHEV will bring later this year, as Mitsubishi has promised a similar treatment to what this model has received. Despite its higher cost, the PHEV has long been the more compelling and efficient Outlander, so we're keen to test the upgraded version. Until then, you could do much worse than the updated petrol Outlander, which has hit top form its latest iteration. Interested in buying a Mitsubishi Outlander? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mitsubishi Outlander showroom Content originally sourced from: Outlander Pros Mitsubishi Outlander Cons Trust us, you're looking at the updated Mitsubishi Outlander. It may not look all that different, but that doesn't mean nothing has changed. Outside, the front and rear bumpers have been tweaked, and there are new wheel designs for each different size. You can also option the Outlander in a new Moonstone Grey signature paint colour. Inside are new screens, a reconfigured centre console, different colourways, adjustments to five- and seven-seat availability across the range, and a premium sound system engineered in collaboration with Yamaha. But it's what's under the skin that matters most. Mitsubishi says it has listened to feedback (and criticism) from Australian customers and media to improve and refine the driving experience offered by the Outlander, and the culmination of that is what you see here. The popular mid-size SUV has received a substantial Australian ride and handling retune, developed and tested on hilly rural roads south of metropolitan Adelaide, which hold a special importance for the Japanese brand that developed and produced vehicles in South Australian until 2008. Mitsubishi has conducted countless runs on roads in the area for the best part of 25 years, using it to develop cars like the Australian-built 380 of the early 2000s, and the Magna, Colt, Sigma and Galant before that. The roads are so useful that sections of it have even been scanned and rebuilt at Mitsubishi's proving ground in Japan. Beyond the local chassis retune, which includes a recalibrated electric power steering system as well as revised suspension, the Outlander also now has more noise insulation and different body panel materials to reduce interior noise, vibration and harshness. All that now forms a more solid foundation for the updated Outlander, and the Australian chassis tune will even be used globally by Mitsubishi – perhaps there's some life in our local automotive manufacturing industry after all. Mitsubishi recently invited media to drive the latest Outlander on the very roads it was developed on, allowing us an almost-insider look into the brand's R&D process. Has the new setup hit the spot? The Outlander range now starts at $39,990 before on-roads and extends to $57,990 plus on-roads. That means prices are up by roughly $2000 or $3000 depending on the variant, across the board. Mid-size SUVs are the most popular new-vehicle type in Australia and the huge market segment is also one of the most populous and competitive. The Outlander is traditionally a top-three player in this segment, behind the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, and other similarly priced rivals include the Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and the related Nissan X-Trail. Newer competitors from China also include the Chery Tiggo 8 and MG HS, as well as the BYD Sealion 6 – though the latter is a closer rival for the Outlander PHEV, and updated version of which arrives later this year. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Tweaks here are subtle, but several of the basics have been well honed. Those familiar with the pre-existing Outlander will immediately notice the new screens for infotainment and instrumentation up front, both of which now measure 12.3 inches. Both are sharp and easy to operate. The instrument display may initially appear cluttered thanks to the amount of text and symbols, but this will become normal after some time with the car – there's also a little bit of customisation for gauge style. The infotainment screen is also responsive but shows signs of graphic aging, though this is expected given it's shared with the Nissan X-Trail. It's characterised by the vertical ribbon on the left of the screen, as well as the glossy black buttons underneath. You still get wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, and wireless Android Auto is now available for the first time. Despite the larger screen, Mitsubishi has kept the Outlander's climate system isolated and completely physical, which is a welcome move. It features an array of buttons plus two dials and a simple digital screen, in a setup that is clear and easy to fiddle with on the move. Our only complaint is that it's finished in glossy black plastic, and the same can be said for the large centre console in the middle. This will quickly attract fingerprints and smudges. That said, this area is now more practical than ever. Mitsubishi says it listened to customer feedback to redesign the layout of the centre console, which involved moving the cupholders out from under the central armrest for easier access. They're also installed lengthways instead of sideways, again making them easier to use on the move. This has allowed for a cleaner design here, with the gear selector and drive mode dial occupying a large piece of silver plastic. In this area is also a wireless phone charger for all variants bar the base ES, as well as a pair of USB-C ports. It's also worth noting that the drive modes shown on the central dial will depend on whether your Outlander is a front- or all-wheel drive variant – carried over from the pre-update model. Ahead of the driver is a chunky steering wheel, which is finished in leather from LS trim level and up. It's a quality item, and feels nice in the hands thanks to the perforations at each side, while the dull plastic buttons add a level of durable tactility. Leather-trimmed seats are fitted in the top two trim levels, with quilted upholstery and multiple colour finishes also available. These seats are nicely bolstered and offer a strong range of adjustment, while ventilation and massage functions add a touch of luxury. Complementing the seats are soft touch points on the centre and door armrests, finished in the same material. It makes for a very comfy cabin, and it's easy to do long stints behind the wheel as a result. New to the Outlander is a premium audio system, which was developed by Yamaha specifically for this car. All variants except the top Exceed Tourer get the more 'standard' of the two sound systems available, but the sound produced is of exceptional quality. The range on hand is impressive, with deep bass tones and more nuanced high-pitch sounds both equally clear. Upgrading to the Ultimate system in the Exceed Tourer takes things up another notch, but you won't be missing out if you opt for a lower trim level. You also have the option to adjust how sound travels to you, primarily by setting which seat should be the focus. It's a high-quality standard feature, and paves the way for Yamaha to be involved in future Mitsubishi products too. Moving to the back reveals a spacious area, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The seats are relatively comfortable, while the recline angle is adjustable using large tabs next to the head restraints. Passengers here have the luxury of a simple climate control interface on the back of the centre console. Two USB-C ports are also fitted from Outlander LS and up, while the top-spec Exceed Tourer gets heated outboard seats. Mitsubishi has also added some pouches on the front seatbacks for phones and the like, though we find the central cupholders to be strange. There is an armrest that folds from the back of the middle seat, but you need to fold down the entire middle seat if you want cupholders – a unique setup that creates a gaping hole into the boot. There have also been tweaks to five- and seven-seat variant options, as the Exceed and Exceed Tourer are now five-seat only. The only seven-seat (really a 5+2) model available to us was the Aspire, which offers a child-sized third row best used for short trips. When not in use, the third row folds neatly into the boot floor, while the head restraints tuck into their own nook. Boot capacity varies between each seating configuration, with 163 litres being the smallest in seven-seat vehicles, expanding to 485 litres in five-seaters. The maximum capacity across all seven-seaters is 1461 litres, while Exceed and Exceed Tourer grades offer the most of the five-seaters at 1473 litres. That means there's enough space to fit cargo for a whole family, even if the quoted volume is smaller than some rivals. For comparison, the outgoing Subaru Forester offers a maximum capacity of 1768 litres, while a non-hybrid Tucson offers 1860 litres. To sweeten the Outlander, a powered tailgate is standard from Aspire level and up, while all five-seat models get a full-size alloy spare wheel, which is pretty rare these days. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Powering the updated Outlander is the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine as before, which pushes out 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque. It's mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations. We didn't get enough time in any one Outlander during Mitsubishi's launch drive to record an accurate real-world fuel economy figure, so we'll follow this up when we get one for testing. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is where the big changes have taken place, but before we dive in it's important to set the scene. As mentioned, the roads south of Adelaide were the test bed for the updated Outlander. The road Mitsubishi chose to demonstrate this was Inman Valley Road outside Normanville – a twisty, hilly road with loads of bumps and holes specifically chosen to unsettle cars at speed. For the record, suspension changes include a smaller-diameter front anti-roll bar to compliment the revised steering system (see below), recalibrated front and rear shock absorbers with revised rebound and compression damping, and recalibrated front and spring rates. To best demonstrate the difference between old and new, Mitsubishi took the unusual step of wheeling out a pair of 2024 Outlanders and allowing us to drive them along this road back-to-back with their updated counterparts. Put simply, it's night and day. Where the old model would clatter over bumps and skittle about with an unsettled feel mid-corner, the updated version stays planted and shrugs off most significant hits. It feels much more capable of soaking up bumps and inspires more confidence behind the wheel. And all this while offering greatly reduced body roll, making the Outlander a bit more sporty to drive. The updated Outlander also feels more substantial and refined on the road, with fewer knocks, rattles and vibrations to boot – it's admittedly difficult to pinpoint the impact of revised body materials or increased cabin insulation (there's also a new isolator added to the transmission tunnel and a steel bonnet to reduce engine noise and vibration), but we don't doubt they're all part of the overall improvement in cabin refinement. There's also a "more dynamic" Bridgestone Alenza tyre for the 20-inch alloy wheels standard on Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer variants, while ES and LS grades carryover their more comfort-biased tyres on fresh 18-inch alloy designs. Naturally, the Outlander still falls short of the plush cushioning offered in more expensive and luxurious mid-size SUVs, but it's now far more comfortable than it used to be and a good match for its direct competitors. The other significant part of the local chassis tune was its electric power steering system (EPS), which was overly light and vague in the outgoing model. Mitsubishi says the EPS was recalibrated to improve the vehicle's on-centre feel, steering linearity and feedback to improve handling and ensure easy manoeuvrability at parking speeds. And indeed the revised EPS makes the car feel more stable at speed and less prone to being thrown off by mid-corner bumps, and makes it steer more directly around centre. The updated steering complements the revised suspension perfectly. You now get acceptable feedback from the wheel when turning, and more stability in a straight line, and it's easy to throw the car around without worrying about whether the front end will comply. The Outlander is by no means a corner carver, but it's now more than capable of keeping itself settled and sorted once roads get more technical and speed picks up. We also struggled to induce any serious understeer in the updated model, whereas we heard clear tyre squeal in the 2024 version. Mitsubishi has tuned the electric power steering to be light at low speed but firmer at higher speeds, which makes the Outlander feel more stable on the highway while keeping easier to steer in carparks and the like. Some road noise still makes its way inside, particularly in higher-spec variants with 20-inch wheels and tyre. It's better than it was before, but we'd still expect smaller wheels to be the better option if cabin refinement is your priority. This is also true if you want to take the Outlander on unsealed roads, as the 20-inch wheel/tyre combo has less compliance and forgiveness when its thinner sidewall hits rocks or potholes. Mitsubishi's new design for this wheel may not be for everyone either. We don't love the brake feel, as we find it to be a bit too squishy. Trying to brake progressively will often end with the driver applying more force than anticipated, and the point at which the brakes begin to properly bite is relatively long and undefined in the pedal's travel. The throttle can also be touchy at low speed, though selecting Eco mode dulls its response. This makes it harder to trundle through gridlock traffic or carparks smoothly and comfortably. Unchanged for this Outlander is its naturally aspirated engine and CVT transmission combo, which is still shared with the X-Trail. The powertrain is merely adequate for this SUV, capable of getting it up to speed smoothly and in an acceptable time. Laying into the throttle will force the CVT to kick down a couple of 'gears', which can give the impression of a traditional torque converter auto. The engine will then scream into life, revving with a grating sound as it heaves to get the Outlander moving – especially uphill. Combine this with a CVT that pretends to upshift and you get a powertrain that is as capable as it needs to be, but one that can be a bit dull and unpleasant hen pushed harder than normal driving. Other tweaks have been applied to the Outlander's safety systems, including a new driver attention monitoring system like the one that debuted here in the current Triton ute. Despite running the latest version of the brand's software, many of the same complaints carry through here. It will still beep at you if it detects you're looking away from the road ahead for too long, which can happen even if you're only glancing at the side mirrors, for example. It will also throw a warning saying your face can't be detected if you have sunglasses on. This is disappointing, but it's not nearly as bad as the distraction monitoring system was in early examples of the new Tritons. Most of the time, the Outlander will warn you once and then pipe down, instead of persisting with annoying beeps and bongs. On a more positive note, the car's adaptive cruise control can confidently keep up with traffic, while the associated lane-centring function is competent without being overbearing. Its passive lane-keep function will vibrate the steering wheel loudly if you start crossing the line, but it won't wrestle you for control. And you have the same good visibility out of the vehicle as before, which is now supported by a frameless rear-view mirror with auto-dimming. Also standard is a surround-view camera to help with parking, completing what is now a much more cohesive safety package for one of Mitsubishi Australia's best-selling models. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are still five trim levels for the Outlander, encompassing a full range of standard gear. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander ES equipment highlights: Outlander LS adds: Outlander Aspire adds: Outlander Exceed adds: Outlander Exceed Tourer adds: To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Mitsubishi Outlander has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted in 2022. Standard safety equipment includes: Aspire grades and above get Mi-Pilot, which combines lane centring and Traffic Jam Assist functions. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Like the wider Mitsubishi Australia range, the updated Outlander is backed by a 10-year, 200,000km warranty if it's serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. Otherwise the standard warranty is five years or 100,000km (whichever comes first). Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first). Individual service pricing for the Outlander is outlined below: To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Outlander was already a strong seller, and these updates not only feel like Mitsubishi is attempting to stamp its mark on a market segment owned by Toyota, but also show how important the model for the Japanese brand. Enlisting Japanese engineers to help develop and test the upgraded model in our backyard is a move that underlines the importance of both the Outlander and the Australian market to Mitsubishi, and it benefits Mitsubishi Australia's top-selling model greatly. It's now more compliant and handles better, while feeling more refined and sure-footed. It feels perfectly suited to Australian roads (funnily enough), and we're sure the brand will take pride in the fact this tune will now be used globally. If one of your reasons for looking past the Outlander in the past was its rough ride, it's worth going for another test drive in the updated version. Even just sitting in one to see the updated interior layout and tech will be worth your time. Beyond that and even though prices have increased, it's still difficult to argue against the value proposition presented by the Outlander. You get loads of standard gear across the range, and there should be something for everyone across both seating configurations and drivetrains. As for everything that hasn't changed, Mitsubishi told us it employed an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" policy. That means the adventurously bold styling remains with minor tweaks, which at least means the Outlander is recogniseable in a crowd. While the engine and CVT combo may not be terribly fun, you do get a reliable powertrain that will go about its work without any fuss. A turbocharged engine would liven things up more, but there's nothing really wrong with what we have now. We're very interested to see what the updated Outlander PHEV will bring later this year, as Mitsubishi has promised a similar treatment to what this model has received. Despite its higher cost, the PHEV has long been the more compelling and efficient Outlander, so we're keen to test the upgraded version. Until then, you could do much worse than the updated petrol Outlander, which has hit top form its latest iteration. Interested in buying a Mitsubishi Outlander? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mitsubishi Outlander showroom Content originally sourced from: Outlander Pros Mitsubishi Outlander Cons Trust us, you're looking at the updated Mitsubishi Outlander. It may not look all that different, but that doesn't mean nothing has changed. Outside, the front and rear bumpers have been tweaked, and there are new wheel designs for each different size. You can also option the Outlander in a new Moonstone Grey signature paint colour. Inside are new screens, a reconfigured centre console, different colourways, adjustments to five- and seven-seat availability across the range, and a premium sound system engineered in collaboration with Yamaha. But it's what's under the skin that matters most. Mitsubishi says it has listened to feedback (and criticism) from Australian customers and media to improve and refine the driving experience offered by the Outlander, and the culmination of that is what you see here. The popular mid-size SUV has received a substantial Australian ride and handling retune, developed and tested on hilly rural roads south of metropolitan Adelaide, which hold a special importance for the Japanese brand that developed and produced vehicles in South Australian until 2008. Mitsubishi has conducted countless runs on roads in the area for the best part of 25 years, using it to develop cars like the Australian-built 380 of the early 2000s, and the Magna, Colt, Sigma and Galant before that. The roads are so useful that sections of it have even been scanned and rebuilt at Mitsubishi's proving ground in Japan. Beyond the local chassis retune, which includes a recalibrated electric power steering system as well as revised suspension, the Outlander also now has more noise insulation and different body panel materials to reduce interior noise, vibration and harshness. All that now forms a more solid foundation for the updated Outlander, and the Australian chassis tune will even be used globally by Mitsubishi – perhaps there's some life in our local automotive manufacturing industry after all. Mitsubishi recently invited media to drive the latest Outlander on the very roads it was developed on, allowing us an almost-insider look into the brand's R&D process. Has the new setup hit the spot? The Outlander range now starts at $39,990 before on-roads and extends to $57,990 plus on-roads. That means prices are up by roughly $2000 or $3000 depending on the variant, across the board. Mid-size SUVs are the most popular new-vehicle type in Australia and the huge market segment is also one of the most populous and competitive. The Outlander is traditionally a top-three player in this segment, behind the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, and other similarly priced rivals include the Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and the related Nissan X-Trail. Newer competitors from China also include the Chery Tiggo 8 and MG HS, as well as the BYD Sealion 6 – though the latter is a closer rival for the Outlander PHEV, and updated version of which arrives later this year. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Tweaks here are subtle, but several of the basics have been well honed. Those familiar with the pre-existing Outlander will immediately notice the new screens for infotainment and instrumentation up front, both of which now measure 12.3 inches. Both are sharp and easy to operate. The instrument display may initially appear cluttered thanks to the amount of text and symbols, but this will become normal after some time with the car – there's also a little bit of customisation for gauge style. The infotainment screen is also responsive but shows signs of graphic aging, though this is expected given it's shared with the Nissan X-Trail. It's characterised by the vertical ribbon on the left of the screen, as well as the glossy black buttons underneath. You still get wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, and wireless Android Auto is now available for the first time. Despite the larger screen, Mitsubishi has kept the Outlander's climate system isolated and completely physical, which is a welcome move. It features an array of buttons plus two dials and a simple digital screen, in a setup that is clear and easy to fiddle with on the move. Our only complaint is that it's finished in glossy black plastic, and the same can be said for the large centre console in the middle. This will quickly attract fingerprints and smudges. That said, this area is now more practical than ever. Mitsubishi says it listened to customer feedback to redesign the layout of the centre console, which involved moving the cupholders out from under the central armrest for easier access. They're also installed lengthways instead of sideways, again making them easier to use on the move. This has allowed for a cleaner design here, with the gear selector and drive mode dial occupying a large piece of silver plastic. In this area is also a wireless phone charger for all variants bar the base ES, as well as a pair of USB-C ports. It's also worth noting that the drive modes shown on the central dial will depend on whether your Outlander is a front- or all-wheel drive variant – carried over from the pre-update model. Ahead of the driver is a chunky steering wheel, which is finished in leather from LS trim level and up. It's a quality item, and feels nice in the hands thanks to the perforations at each side, while the dull plastic buttons add a level of durable tactility. Leather-trimmed seats are fitted in the top two trim levels, with quilted upholstery and multiple colour finishes also available. These seats are nicely bolstered and offer a strong range of adjustment, while ventilation and massage functions add a touch of luxury. Complementing the seats are soft touch points on the centre and door armrests, finished in the same material. It makes for a very comfy cabin, and it's easy to do long stints behind the wheel as a result. New to the Outlander is a premium audio system, which was developed by Yamaha specifically for this car. All variants except the top Exceed Tourer get the more 'standard' of the two sound systems available, but the sound produced is of exceptional quality. The range on hand is impressive, with deep bass tones and more nuanced high-pitch sounds both equally clear. Upgrading to the Ultimate system in the Exceed Tourer takes things up another notch, but you won't be missing out if you opt for a lower trim level. You also have the option to adjust how sound travels to you, primarily by setting which seat should be the focus. It's a high-quality standard feature, and paves the way for Yamaha to be involved in future Mitsubishi products too. Moving to the back reveals a spacious area, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The seats are relatively comfortable, while the recline angle is adjustable using large tabs next to the head restraints. Passengers here have the luxury of a simple climate control interface on the back of the centre console. Two USB-C ports are also fitted from Outlander LS and up, while the top-spec Exceed Tourer gets heated outboard seats. Mitsubishi has also added some pouches on the front seatbacks for phones and the like, though we find the central cupholders to be strange. There is an armrest that folds from the back of the middle seat, but you need to fold down the entire middle seat if you want cupholders – a unique setup that creates a gaping hole into the boot. There have also been tweaks to five- and seven-seat variant options, as the Exceed and Exceed Tourer are now five-seat only. The only seven-seat (really a 5+2) model available to us was the Aspire, which offers a child-sized third row best used for short trips. When not in use, the third row folds neatly into the boot floor, while the head restraints tuck into their own nook. Boot capacity varies between each seating configuration, with 163 litres being the smallest in seven-seat vehicles, expanding to 485 litres in five-seaters. The maximum capacity across all seven-seaters is 1461 litres, while Exceed and Exceed Tourer grades offer the most of the five-seaters at 1473 litres. That means there's enough space to fit cargo for a whole family, even if the quoted volume is smaller than some rivals. For comparison, the outgoing Subaru Forester offers a maximum capacity of 1768 litres, while a non-hybrid Tucson offers 1860 litres. To sweeten the Outlander, a powered tailgate is standard from Aspire level and up, while all five-seat models get a full-size alloy spare wheel, which is pretty rare these days. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Powering the updated Outlander is the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine as before, which pushes out 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque. It's mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations. We didn't get enough time in any one Outlander during Mitsubishi's launch drive to record an accurate real-world fuel economy figure, so we'll follow this up when we get one for testing. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is where the big changes have taken place, but before we dive in it's important to set the scene. As mentioned, the roads south of Adelaide were the test bed for the updated Outlander. The road Mitsubishi chose to demonstrate this was Inman Valley Road outside Normanville – a twisty, hilly road with loads of bumps and holes specifically chosen to unsettle cars at speed. For the record, suspension changes include a smaller-diameter front anti-roll bar to compliment the revised steering system (see below), recalibrated front and rear shock absorbers with revised rebound and compression damping, and recalibrated front and spring rates. To best demonstrate the difference between old and new, Mitsubishi took the unusual step of wheeling out a pair of 2024 Outlanders and allowing us to drive them along this road back-to-back with their updated counterparts. Put simply, it's night and day. Where the old model would clatter over bumps and skittle about with an unsettled feel mid-corner, the updated version stays planted and shrugs off most significant hits. It feels much more capable of soaking up bumps and inspires more confidence behind the wheel. And all this while offering greatly reduced body roll, making the Outlander a bit more sporty to drive. The updated Outlander also feels more substantial and refined on the road, with fewer knocks, rattles and vibrations to boot – it's admittedly difficult to pinpoint the impact of revised body materials or increased cabin insulation (there's also a new isolator added to the transmission tunnel and a steel bonnet to reduce engine noise and vibration), but we don't doubt they're all part of the overall improvement in cabin refinement. There's also a "more dynamic" Bridgestone Alenza tyre for the 20-inch alloy wheels standard on Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer variants, while ES and LS grades carryover their more comfort-biased tyres on fresh 18-inch alloy designs. Naturally, the Outlander still falls short of the plush cushioning offered in more expensive and luxurious mid-size SUVs, but it's now far more comfortable than it used to be and a good match for its direct competitors. The other significant part of the local chassis tune was its electric power steering system (EPS), which was overly light and vague in the outgoing model. Mitsubishi says the EPS was recalibrated to improve the vehicle's on-centre feel, steering linearity and feedback to improve handling and ensure easy manoeuvrability at parking speeds. And indeed the revised EPS makes the car feel more stable at speed and less prone to being thrown off by mid-corner bumps, and makes it steer more directly around centre. The updated steering complements the revised suspension perfectly. You now get acceptable feedback from the wheel when turning, and more stability in a straight line, and it's easy to throw the car around without worrying about whether the front end will comply. The Outlander is by no means a corner carver, but it's now more than capable of keeping itself settled and sorted once roads get more technical and speed picks up. We also struggled to induce any serious understeer in the updated model, whereas we heard clear tyre squeal in the 2024 version. Mitsubishi has tuned the electric power steering to be light at low speed but firmer at higher speeds, which makes the Outlander feel more stable on the highway while keeping easier to steer in carparks and the like. Some road noise still makes its way inside, particularly in higher-spec variants with 20-inch wheels and tyre. It's better than it was before, but we'd still expect smaller wheels to be the better option if cabin refinement is your priority. This is also true if you want to take the Outlander on unsealed roads, as the 20-inch wheel/tyre combo has less compliance and forgiveness when its thinner sidewall hits rocks or potholes. Mitsubishi's new design for this wheel may not be for everyone either. We don't love the brake feel, as we find it to be a bit too squishy. Trying to brake progressively will often end with the driver applying more force than anticipated, and the point at which the brakes begin to properly bite is relatively long and undefined in the pedal's travel. The throttle can also be touchy at low speed, though selecting Eco mode dulls its response. This makes it harder to trundle through gridlock traffic or carparks smoothly and comfortably. Unchanged for this Outlander is its naturally aspirated engine and CVT transmission combo, which is still shared with the X-Trail. The powertrain is merely adequate for this SUV, capable of getting it up to speed smoothly and in an acceptable time. Laying into the throttle will force the CVT to kick down a couple of 'gears', which can give the impression of a traditional torque converter auto. The engine will then scream into life, revving with a grating sound as it heaves to get the Outlander moving – especially uphill. Combine this with a CVT that pretends to upshift and you get a powertrain that is as capable as it needs to be, but one that can be a bit dull and unpleasant hen pushed harder than normal driving. Other tweaks have been applied to the Outlander's safety systems, including a new driver attention monitoring system like the one that debuted here in the current Triton ute. Despite running the latest version of the brand's software, many of the same complaints carry through here. It will still beep at you if it detects you're looking away from the road ahead for too long, which can happen even if you're only glancing at the side mirrors, for example. It will also throw a warning saying your face can't be detected if you have sunglasses on. This is disappointing, but it's not nearly as bad as the distraction monitoring system was in early examples of the new Tritons. Most of the time, the Outlander will warn you once and then pipe down, instead of persisting with annoying beeps and bongs. On a more positive note, the car's adaptive cruise control can confidently keep up with traffic, while the associated lane-centring function is competent without being overbearing. Its passive lane-keep function will vibrate the steering wheel loudly if you start crossing the line, but it won't wrestle you for control. And you have the same good visibility out of the vehicle as before, which is now supported by a frameless rear-view mirror with auto-dimming. Also standard is a surround-view camera to help with parking, completing what is now a much more cohesive safety package for one of Mitsubishi Australia's best-selling models. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are still five trim levels for the Outlander, encompassing a full range of standard gear. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander ES equipment highlights: Outlander LS adds: Outlander Aspire adds: Outlander Exceed adds: Outlander Exceed Tourer adds: To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Mitsubishi Outlander has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted in 2022. Standard safety equipment includes: Aspire grades and above get Mi-Pilot, which combines lane centring and Traffic Jam Assist functions. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Like the wider Mitsubishi Australia range, the updated Outlander is backed by a 10-year, 200,000km warranty if it's serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. Otherwise the standard warranty is five years or 100,000km (whichever comes first). Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first). Individual service pricing for the Outlander is outlined below: To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Outlander was already a strong seller, and these updates not only feel like Mitsubishi is attempting to stamp its mark on a market segment owned by Toyota, but also show how important the model for the Japanese brand. Enlisting Japanese engineers to help develop and test the upgraded model in our backyard is a move that underlines the importance of both the Outlander and the Australian market to Mitsubishi, and it benefits Mitsubishi Australia's top-selling model greatly. It's now more compliant and handles better, while feeling more refined and sure-footed. It feels perfectly suited to Australian roads (funnily enough), and we're sure the brand will take pride in the fact this tune will now be used globally. If one of your reasons for looking past the Outlander in the past was its rough ride, it's worth going for another test drive in the updated version. Even just sitting in one to see the updated interior layout and tech will be worth your time. Beyond that and even though prices have increased, it's still difficult to argue against the value proposition presented by the Outlander. You get loads of standard gear across the range, and there should be something for everyone across both seating configurations and drivetrains. As for everything that hasn't changed, Mitsubishi told us it employed an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" policy. That means the adventurously bold styling remains with minor tweaks, which at least means the Outlander is recogniseable in a crowd. While the engine and CVT combo may not be terribly fun, you do get a reliable powertrain that will go about its work without any fuss. A turbocharged engine would liven things up more, but there's nothing really wrong with what we have now. We're very interested to see what the updated Outlander PHEV will bring later this year, as Mitsubishi has promised a similar treatment to what this model has received. Despite its higher cost, the PHEV has long been the more compelling and efficient Outlander, so we're keen to test the upgraded version. Until then, you could do much worse than the updated petrol Outlander, which has hit top form its latest iteration. Interested in buying a Mitsubishi Outlander? Let CarExpert find you the best deal hereMORE: Explore the Mitsubishi Outlander showroom Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD review
Trust us, you're looking at the updated Mitsubishi Outlander. It may not look all that different, but that doesn't mean nothing has changed. Outside, the front and rear bumpers have been tweaked, and there are new wheel designs for each different size. You can also option the Outlander in a new Moonstone Grey signature paint colour. Inside are new screens, a reconfigured centre console, different colourways, adjustments to five- and seven-seat availability across the range, and a premium sound system engineered in collaboration with Yamaha. But it's what's under the skin that matters most. Mitsubishi says it has listened to feedback (and criticism) from Australian customers and media to improve and refine the driving experience offered by the Outlander, and the culmination of that is what you see here. The popular mid-size SUV has received a substantial Australian ride and handling retune, developed and tested on hilly rural roads south of metropolitan Adelaide, which hold a special importance for the Japanese brand that developed and produced vehicles in South Australian until 2008. Mitsubishi has conducted countless runs on roads in the area for the best part of 25 years, using it to develop cars like the Australian-built 380 of the early 2000s, and the Magna, Colt, Sigma and Galant before that. The roads are so useful that sections of it have even been scanned and rebuilt at Mitsubishi's proving ground in Japan. Beyond the local chassis retune, which includes a recalibrated electric power steering system as well as revised suspension, the Outlander also now has more noise insulation and different body panel materials to reduce interior noise, vibration and harshness. All that now forms a more solid foundation for the updated Outlander, and the Australian chassis tune will even be used globally by Mitsubishi – perhaps there's some life in our local automotive manufacturing industry after all. Mitsubishi recently invited media to drive the latest Outlander on the very roads it was developed on, allowing us an almost-insider look into the brand's R&D process. Has the new setup hit the spot? How much does the Mitsubishi Outlander cost? The Outlander range now starts at $39,990 before on-roads and extends to $57,990 plus on-roads. That means prices are up by roughly $2000 or $3000 depending on the variant, across the board. Mid-size SUVs are the most popular new-vehicle type in Australia and the huge market segment is also one of the most populous and competitive. The Outlander is traditionally a top-three player in this segment, behind the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, and other similarly priced rivals include the Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and the related Nissan X-Trail. Newer competitors from China also include the Chery Tiggo 8 and MG HS, as well as the BYD Sealion 6 – though the latter is a closer rival for the Outlander PHEV, and updated version of which arrives later this year. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What is the Mitsubishi Outlander like on the inside? Tweaks here are subtle, but several of the basics have been well honed. Those familiar with the pre-existing Outlander will immediately notice the new screens for infotainment and instrumentation up front, both of which now measure 12.3 inches. Both are sharp and easy to operate. The instrument display may initially appear cluttered thanks to the amount of text and symbols, but this will become normal after some time with the car – there's also a little bit of customisation for gauge style. The infotainment screen is also responsive but shows signs of graphic aging, though this is expected given it's shared with the Nissan X-Trail. It's characterised by the vertical ribbon on the left of the screen, as well as the glossy black buttons underneath. You still get wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, and wireless Android Auto is now available for the first time. Despite the larger screen, Mitsubishi has kept the Outlander's climate system isolated and completely physical, which is a welcome move. It features an array of buttons plus two dials and a simple digital screen, in a setup that is clear and easy to fiddle with on the move. Our only complaint is that it's finished in glossy black plastic, and the same can be said for the large centre console in the middle. This will quickly attract fingerprints and smudges. That said, this area is now more practical than ever. Mitsubishi says it listened to customer feedback to redesign the layout of the centre console, which involved moving the cupholders out from under the central armrest for easier access. They're also installed lengthways instead of sideways, again making them easier to use on the move. This has allowed for a cleaner design here, with the gear selector and drive mode dial occupying a large piece of silver plastic. In this area is also a wireless phone charger for all variants bar the base ES, as well as a pair of USB-C ports. It's also worth noting that the drive modes shown on the central dial will depend on whether your Outlander is a front- or all-wheel drive variant – carried over from the pre-update model. Ahead of the driver is a chunky steering wheel, which is finished in leather from LS trim level and up. It's a quality item, and feels nice in the hands thanks to the perforations at each side, while the dull plastic buttons add a level of durable tactility. Leather-trimmed seats are fitted in the top two trim levels, with quilted upholstery and multiple colour finishes also available. These seats are nicely bolstered and offer a strong range of adjustment, while ventilation and massage functions add a touch of luxury. Complementing the seats are soft touch points on the centre and door armrests, finished in the same material. It makes for a very comfy cabin, and it's easy to do long stints behind the wheel as a result. New to the Outlander is a premium audio system, which was developed by Yamaha specifically for this car. All variants except the top Exceed Tourer get the more 'standard' of the two sound systems available, but the sound produced is of exceptional quality. The range on hand is impressive, with deep bass tones and more nuanced high-pitch sounds both equally clear. Upgrading to the Ultimate system in the Exceed Tourer takes things up another notch, but you won't be missing out if you opt for a lower trim level. You also have the option to adjust how sound travels to you, primarily by setting which seat should be the focus. It's a high-quality standard feature, and paves the way for Yamaha to be involved in future Mitsubishi products too. Moving to the back reveals a spacious area, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The seats are relatively comfortable, while the recline angle is adjustable using large tabs next to the head restraints. Passengers here have the luxury of a simple climate control interface on the back of the centre console. Two USB-C ports are also fitted from Outlander LS and up, while the top-spec Exceed Tourer gets heated outboard seats. Mitsubishi has also added some pouches on the front seatbacks for phones and the like, though we find the central cupholders to be strange. There is an armrest that folds from the back of the middle seat, but you need to fold down the entire middle seat if you want cupholders – a unique setup that creates a gaping hole into the boot. There have also been tweaks to five- and seven-seat variant options, as the Exceed and Exceed Tourer are now five-seat only. The only seven-seat (really a 5+2) model available to us was the Aspire, which offers a child-sized third row best used for short trips. When not in use, the third row folds neatly into the boot floor, while the head restraints tuck into their own nook. Boot capacity varies between each seating configuration, with 163 litres being the smallest in seven-seat vehicles, expanding to 485 litres in five-seaters. The maximum capacity across all seven-seaters is 1461 litres, while Exceed and Exceed Tourer grades offer the most of the five-seaters at 1473 litres. That means there's enough space to fit cargo for a whole family, even if the quoted volume is smaller than some rivals. For comparison, the outgoing Subaru Forester offers a maximum capacity of 1768 litres, while a non-hybrid Tucson offers 1860 litres. To sweeten the Outlander, a powered tailgate is standard from Aspire level and up, while all five-seat models get a full-size alloy spare wheel, which is pretty rare these days. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What's under the bonnet? Powering the updated Outlander is the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine as before, which pushes out 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque. It's mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations. We didn't get enough time in any one Outlander during Mitsubishi's launch drive to record an accurate real-world fuel economy figure, so we'll follow this up when we get one for testing. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How does the Mitsubishi Outlander drive? This is where the big changes have taken place, but before we dive in it's important to set the scene. As mentioned, the roads south of Adelaide were the test bed for the updated Outlander. The road Mitsubishi chose to demonstrate this was Inman Valley Road outside Normanville – a twisty, hilly road with loads of bumps and holes specifically chosen to unsettle cars at speed. For the record, suspension changes include a smaller-diameter front anti-roll bar to compliment the revised steering system (see below), recalibrated front and rear shock absorbers with revised rebound and compression damping, and recalibrated front and spring rates. To best demonstrate the difference between old and new, Mitsubishi took the unusual step of wheeling out a pair of 2024 Outlanders and allowing us to drive them along this road back-to-back with their updated counterparts. Put simply, it's night and day. Where the old model would clatter over bumps and skittle about with an unsettled feel mid-corner, the updated version stays planted and shrugs off most significant hits. It feels much more capable of soaking up bumps and inspires more confidence behind the wheel. And all this while offering greatly reduced body roll, making the Outlander a bit more sporty to drive. The updated Outlander also feels more substantial and refined on the road, with fewer knocks, rattles and vibrations to boot – it's admittedly difficult to pinpoint the impact of revised body materials or increased cabin insulation (there's also a new isolator added to the transmission tunnel and a steel bonnet to reduce engine noise and vibration), but we don't doubt they're all part of the overall improvement in cabin refinement. There's also a 'more dynamic' Bridgestone Alenza tyre for the 20-inch alloy wheels standard on Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer variants, while ES and LS grades carryover their more comfort-biased tyres on fresh 18-inch alloy designs. Naturally, the Outlander still falls short of the plush cushioning offered in more expensive and luxurious mid-size SUVs, but it's now far more comfortable than it used to be and a good match for its direct competitors. The other significant part of the local chassis tune was its electric power steering system (EPS), which was overly light and vague in the outgoing model. Mitsubishi says the EPS was recalibrated to improve the vehicle's on-centre feel, steering linearity and feedback to improve handling and ensure easy manoeuvrability at parking speeds. And indeed the revised EPS makes the car feel more stable at speed and less prone to being thrown off by mid-corner bumps, and makes it steer more directly around centre. The updated steering complements the revised suspension perfectly. You now get acceptable feedback from the wheel when turning, and more stability in a straight line, and it's easy to throw the car around without worrying about whether the front end will comply. The Outlander is by no means a corner carver, but it's now more than capable of keeping itself settled and sorted once roads get more technical and speed picks up. We also struggled to induce any serious understeer in the updated model, whereas we heard clear tyre squeal in the 2024 version. Mitsubishi has tuned the electric power steering to be light at low speed but firmer at higher speeds, which makes the Outlander feel more stable on the highway while keeping easier to steer in carparks and the like. Some road noise still makes its way inside, particularly in higher-spec variants with 20-inch wheels and tyre. It's better than it was before, but we'd still expect smaller wheels to be the better option if cabin refinement is your priority. This is also true if you want to take the Outlander on unsealed roads, as the 20-inch wheel/tyre combo has less compliance and forgiveness when its thinner sidewall hits rocks or potholes. Mitsubishi's new design for this wheel may not be for everyone either. We don't love the brake feel, as we find it to be a bit too squishy. Trying to brake progressively will often end with the driver applying more force than anticipated, and the point at which the brakes begin to properly bite is relatively long and undefined in the pedal's travel. The throttle can also be touchy at low speed, though selecting Eco mode dulls its response. This makes it harder to trundle through gridlock traffic or carparks smoothly and comfortably. Unchanged for this Outlander is its naturally aspirated engine and CVT transmission combo, which is still shared with the X-Trail. The powertrain is merely adequate for this SUV, capable of getting it up to speed smoothly and in an acceptable time. Laying into the throttle will force the CVT to kick down a couple of 'gears', which can give the impression of a traditional torque converter auto. The engine will then scream into life, revving with a grating sound as it heaves to get the Outlander moving – especially uphill. Combine this with a CVT that pretends to upshift and you get a powertrain that is as capable as it needs to be, but one that can be a bit dull and unpleasant hen pushed harder than normal driving. Other tweaks have been applied to the Outlander's safety systems, including a new driver attention monitoring system like the one that debuted here in the current Triton ute. Despite running the latest version of the brand's software, many of the same complaints carry through here. It will still beep at you if it detects you're looking away from the road ahead for too long, which can happen even if you're only glancing at the side mirrors, for example. It will also throw a warning saying your face can't be detected if you have sunglasses on. This is disappointing, but it's not nearly as bad as the distraction monitoring system was in early examples of the new Tritons. Most of the time, the Outlander will warn you once and then pipe down, instead of persisting with annoying beeps and bongs. On a more positive note, the car's adaptive cruise control can confidently keep up with traffic, while the associated lane-centring function is competent without being overbearing. Its passive lane-keep function will vibrate the steering wheel loudly if you start crossing the line, but it won't wrestle you for control. And you have the same good visibility out of the vehicle as before, which is now supported by a frameless rear-view mirror with auto-dimming. Also standard is a surround-view camera to help with parking, completing what is now a much more cohesive safety package for one of Mitsubishi Australia's best-selling models. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool What do you get? There are still five trim levels for the Outlander, encompassing a full range of standard gear. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander ES equipment highlights: Five seats 18-inch silver alloy wheels Full-size alloy spare wheel Automatic LED headlights Full LED tail-lights Black cloth upholstery 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay Wireless Android Auto Satellite navigation 8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio 3 x front USB-C outlets Dual-zone climate control 5 terrain drive modes 6 drive modes (AWD only) Outlander LS adds: Seven seats 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels Space-saver spare Roof rails Rain-sensing wipers LED front fog lights Leather-wrapped steering wheel Leather-wrapped gear selector Wireless smartphone charger 2 x rear USB-C outlets Mitsubishi Connect Outlander Aspire adds: 20-inch alloy wheels Adaptive headlights Black leatherette upholstery Powered driver's seat adjustment Heated front seats Heated steering wheel Head-up display Power tailgate Outlander Exceed adds: Five seats 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels Full-size alloy spare wheel Black or grey quilted leather upholstery Ventilated front seats Powered passenger seat adjustment Aluminium pedals Digital rear-view mirror Exterior mirrors with memory, reverse auto-tilt Front door foot lamps Rear cargo floor box with lid Tri-zone climate control Outlander Exceed Tourer adds: Brick Brown semi-aniline leather upholstery 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate 1650W sound system Heated outboard rear seats Massaging front seats To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Is the Mitsubishi Outlander safe? The Mitsubishi Outlander has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted in 2022. Standard safety equipment includes: 8 airbags Autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Driver attention monitor Front and rear parking sensors Hill descent control Intelligent speed assist Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Surround-view camera Traffic sign recognition Aspire grades and above get Mi-Pilot, which combines lane centring and Traffic Jam Assist functions. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool How much does the Mitsubishi Outlander cost to run? Like the wider Mitsubishi Australia range, the updated Outlander is backed by a 10-year, 200,000km warranty if it's serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. Otherwise the standard warranty is five years or 100,000km (whichever comes first). Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first). Individual service pricing for the Outlander is outlined below: To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool CarExpert's Take on the Mitsubishi Outlander The Outlander was already a strong seller, and these updates not only feel like Mitsubishi is attempting to stamp its mark on a market segment owned by Toyota, but also show how important the model for the Japanese brand. Enlisting Japanese engineers to help develop and test the upgraded model in our backyard is a move that underlines the importance of both the Outlander and the Australian market to Mitsubishi, and it benefits Mitsubishi Australia's top-selling model greatly. It's now more compliant and handles better, while feeling more refined and sure-footed. It feels perfectly suited to Australian roads (funnily enough), and we're sure the brand will take pride in the fact this tune will now be used globally. If one of your reasons for looking past the Outlander in the past was its rough ride, it's worth going for another test drive in the updated version. Even just sitting in one to see the updated interior layout and tech will be worth your time. Beyond that and even though prices have increased, it's still difficult to argue against the value proposition presented by the Outlander. You get loads of standard gear across the range, and there should be something for everyone across both seating configurations and drivetrains. As for everything that hasn't changed, Mitsubishi told us it employed an 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' policy. That means the adventurously bold styling remains with minor tweaks, which at least means the Outlander is recogniseable in a crowd. While the engine and CVT combo may not be terribly fun, you do get a reliable powertrain that will go about its work without any fuss. A turbocharged engine would liven things up more, but there's nothing really wrong with what we have now. We're very interested to see what the updated Outlander PHEV will bring later this year, as Mitsubishi has promised a similar treatment to what this model has received. Despite its higher cost, the PHEV has long been the more compelling and efficient Outlander, so we're keen to test the upgraded version. Until then, you could do much worse than the updated petrol Outlander, which has hit top form its latest iteration. Pros Well-sorted local chassis tune Worthwhile interior tech upgrades Strong all-round package Cons
Perth Now
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD review
Trust us, you're looking at the updated Mitsubishi Outlander. It may not look all that different, but that doesn't mean nothing has changed. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Outside, the front and rear bumpers have been tweaked, and there are new wheel designs for each different size. You can also option the Outlander in a new Moonstone Grey signature paint colour. Inside are new screens, a reconfigured centre console, different colourways, adjustments to five- and seven-seat availability across the range, and a premium sound system engineered in collaboration with Yamaha. But it's what's under the skin that matters most. Mitsubishi says it has listened to feedback (and criticism) from Australian customers and media to improve and refine the driving experience offered by the Outlander, and the culmination of that is what you see here. The popular mid-size SUV has received a substantial Australian ride and handling retune, developed and tested on hilly rural roads south of metropolitan Adelaide, which hold a special importance for the Japanese brand that developed and produced vehicles in South Australian until 2008. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Mitsubishi has conducted countless runs on roads in the area for the best part of 25 years, using it to develop cars like the Australian-built 380 of the early 2000s, and the Magna, Colt, Sigma and Galant before that. The roads are so useful that sections of it have even been scanned and rebuilt at Mitsubishi's proving ground in Japan. Beyond the local chassis retune, which includes a recalibrated electric power steering system as well as revised suspension, the Outlander also now has more noise insulation and different body panel materials to reduce interior noise, vibration and harshness. All that now forms a more solid foundation for the updated Outlander, and the Australian chassis tune will even be used globally by Mitsubishi – perhaps there's some life in our local automotive manufacturing industry after all. Mitsubishi recently invited media to drive the latest Outlander on the very roads it was developed on, allowing us an almost-insider look into the brand's R&D process. Has the new setup hit the spot? The Outlander range now starts at $39,990 before on-roads and extends to $57,990 plus on-roads. That means prices are up by roughly $2000 or $3000 depending on the variant, across the board. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Mid-size SUVs are the most popular new-vehicle type in Australia and the huge market segment is also one of the most populous and competitive. The Outlander is traditionally a top-three player in this segment, behind the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, and other similarly priced rivals include the Subaru Forester, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and the related Nissan X-Trail. Newer competitors from China also include the Chery Tiggo 8 and MG HS, as well as the BYD Sealion 6 – though the latter is a closer rival for the Outlander PHEV, and updated version of which arrives later this year. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Tweaks here are subtle, but several of the basics have been well honed. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Those familiar with the pre-existing Outlander will immediately notice the new screens for infotainment and instrumentation up front, both of which now measure 12.3 inches. Both are sharp and easy to operate. The instrument display may initially appear cluttered thanks to the amount of text and symbols, but this will become normal after some time with the car – there's also a little bit of customisation for gauge style. The infotainment screen is also responsive but shows signs of graphic aging, though this is expected given it's shared with the Nissan X-Trail. It's characterised by the vertical ribbon on the left of the screen, as well as the glossy black buttons underneath. You still get wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, and wireless Android Auto is now available for the first time. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Despite the larger screen, Mitsubishi has kept the Outlander's climate system isolated and completely physical, which is a welcome move. It features an array of buttons plus two dials and a simple digital screen, in a setup that is clear and easy to fiddle with on the move. Our only complaint is that it's finished in glossy black plastic, and the same can be said for the large centre console in the middle. This will quickly attract fingerprints and smudges. That said, this area is now more practical than ever. Mitsubishi says it listened to customer feedback to redesign the layout of the centre console, which involved moving the cupholders out from under the central armrest for easier access. They're also installed lengthways instead of sideways, again making them easier to use on the move. This has allowed for a cleaner design here, with the gear selector and drive mode dial occupying a large piece of silver plastic. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert In this area is also a wireless phone charger for all variants bar the base ES, as well as a pair of USB-C ports. It's also worth noting that the drive modes shown on the central dial will depend on whether your Outlander is a front- or all-wheel drive variant – carried over from the pre-update model. Ahead of the driver is a chunky steering wheel, which is finished in leather from LS trim level and up. It's a quality item, and feels nice in the hands thanks to the perforations at each side, while the dull plastic buttons add a level of durable tactility. Leather-trimmed seats are fitted in the top two trim levels, with quilted upholstery and multiple colour finishes also available. These seats are nicely bolstered and offer a strong range of adjustment, while ventilation and massage functions add a touch of luxury. Complementing the seats are soft touch points on the centre and door armrests, finished in the same material. It makes for a very comfy cabin, and it's easy to do long stints behind the wheel as a result. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert New to the Outlander is a premium audio system, which was developed by Yamaha specifically for this car. All variants except the top Exceed Tourer get the more 'standard' of the two sound systems available, but the sound produced is of exceptional quality. The range on hand is impressive, with deep bass tones and more nuanced high-pitch sounds both equally clear. Upgrading to the Ultimate system in the Exceed Tourer takes things up another notch, but you won't be missing out if you opt for a lower trim level. You also have the option to adjust how sound travels to you, primarily by setting which seat should be the focus. It's a high-quality standard feature, and paves the way for Yamaha to be involved in future Mitsubishi products too. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Moving to the back reveals a spacious area, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The seats are relatively comfortable, while the recline angle is adjustable using large tabs next to the head restraints. Passengers here have the luxury of a simple climate control interface on the back of the centre console. Two USB-C ports are also fitted from Outlander LS and up, while the top-spec Exceed Tourer gets heated outboard seats. Mitsubishi has also added some pouches on the front seatbacks for phones and the like, though we find the central cupholders to be strange. There is an armrest that folds from the back of the middle seat, but you need to fold down the entire middle seat if you want cupholders – a unique setup that creates a gaping hole into the boot. There have also been tweaks to five- and seven-seat variant options, as the Exceed and Exceed Tourer are now five-seat only. The only seven-seat (really a 5+2) model available to us was the Aspire, which offers a child-sized third row best used for short trips. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert When not in use, the third row folds neatly into the boot floor, while the head restraints tuck into their own nook. Boot capacity varies between each seating configuration, with 163 litres being the smallest in seven-seat vehicles, expanding to 485 litres in five-seaters. The maximum capacity across all seven-seaters is 1461 litres, while Exceed and Exceed Tourer grades offer the most of the five-seaters at 1473 litres. That means there's enough space to fit cargo for a whole family, even if the quoted volume is smaller than some rivals. For comparison, the outgoing Subaru Forester offers a maximum capacity of 1768 litres, while a non-hybrid Tucson offers 1860 litres. To sweeten the Outlander, a powered tailgate is standard from Aspire level and up, while all five-seat models get a full-size alloy spare wheel, which is pretty rare these days. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Powering the updated Outlander is the same 2.5-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine as before, which pushes out 135kW of power and 244Nm of torque. It's mated to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) in either front- or all-wheel drive configurations. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert We didn't get enough time in any one Outlander during Mitsubishi's launch drive to record an accurate real-world fuel economy figure, so we'll follow this up when we get one for testing. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is where the big changes have taken place, but before we dive in it's important to set the scene. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert As mentioned, the roads south of Adelaide were the test bed for the updated Outlander. The road Mitsubishi chose to demonstrate this was Inman Valley Road outside Normanville – a twisty, hilly road with loads of bumps and holes specifically chosen to unsettle cars at speed. For the record, suspension changes include a smaller-diameter front anti-roll bar to compliment the revised steering system (see below), recalibrated front and rear shock absorbers with revised rebound and compression damping, and recalibrated front and spring rates. To best demonstrate the difference between old and new, Mitsubishi took the unusual step of wheeling out a pair of 2024 Outlanders and allowing us to drive them along this road back-to-back with their updated counterparts. Put simply, it's night and day. Where the old model would clatter over bumps and skittle about with an unsettled feel mid-corner, the updated version stays planted and shrugs off most significant hits. It feels much more capable of soaking up bumps and inspires more confidence behind the wheel. And all this while offering greatly reduced body roll, making the Outlander a bit more sporty to drive. The updated Outlander also feels more substantial and refined on the road, with fewer knocks, rattles and vibrations to boot – it's admittedly difficult to pinpoint the impact of revised body materials or increased cabin insulation (there's also a new isolator added to the transmission tunnel and a steel bonnet to reduce engine noise and vibration), but we don't doubt they're all part of the overall improvement in cabin refinement. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert There's also a 'more dynamic' Bridgestone Alenza tyre for the 20-inch alloy wheels standard on Aspire, Exceed and Exceed Tourer variants, while ES and LS grades carryover their more comfort-biased tyres on fresh 18-inch alloy designs. Naturally, the Outlander still falls short of the plush cushioning offered in more expensive and luxurious mid-size SUVs, but it's now far more comfortable than it used to be and a good match for its direct competitors. The other significant part of the local chassis tune was its electric power steering system (EPS), which was overly light and vague in the outgoing model. Mitsubishi says the EPS was recalibrated to improve the vehicle's on-centre feel, steering linearity and feedback to improve handling and ensure easy manoeuvrability at parking speeds. And indeed the revised EPS makes the car feel more stable at speed and less prone to being thrown off by mid-corner bumps, and makes it steer more directly around centre. The updated steering complements the revised suspension perfectly. You now get acceptable feedback from the wheel when turning, and more stability in a straight line, and it's easy to throw the car around without worrying about whether the front end will comply. The Outlander is by no means a corner carver, but it's now more than capable of keeping itself settled and sorted once roads get more technical and speed picks up. We also struggled to induce any serious understeer in the updated model, whereas we heard clear tyre squeal in the 2024 version. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Mitsubishi has tuned the electric power steering to be light at low speed but firmer at higher speeds, which makes the Outlander feel more stable on the highway while keeping easier to steer in carparks and the like. Some road noise still makes its way inside, particularly in higher-spec variants with 20-inch wheels and tyre. It's better than it was before, but we'd still expect smaller wheels to be the better option if cabin refinement is your priority. This is also true if you want to take the Outlander on unsealed roads, as the 20-inch wheel/tyre combo has less compliance and forgiveness when its thinner sidewall hits rocks or potholes. Mitsubishi's new design for this wheel may not be for everyone either. We don't love the brake feel, as we find it to be a bit too squishy. Trying to brake progressively will often end with the driver applying more force than anticipated, and the point at which the brakes begin to properly bite is relatively long and undefined in the pedal's travel. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert The throttle can also be touchy at low speed, though selecting Eco mode dulls its response. This makes it harder to trundle through gridlock traffic or carparks smoothly and comfortably. Unchanged for this Outlander is its naturally aspirated engine and CVT transmission combo, which is still shared with the X-Trail. The powertrain is merely adequate for this SUV, capable of getting it up to speed smoothly and in an acceptable time. Laying into the throttle will force the CVT to kick down a couple of 'gears', which can give the impression of a traditional torque converter auto. The engine will then scream into life, revving with a grating sound as it heaves to get the Outlander moving – especially uphill. Combine this with a CVT that pretends to upshift and you get a powertrain that is as capable as it needs to be, but one that can be a bit dull and unpleasant hen pushed harder than normal driving. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Other tweaks have been applied to the Outlander's safety systems, including a new driver attention monitoring system like the one that debuted here in the current Triton ute. Despite running the latest version of the brand's software, many of the same complaints carry through here. It will still beep at you if it detects you're looking away from the road ahead for too long, which can happen even if you're only glancing at the side mirrors, for example. It will also throw a warning saying your face can't be detected if you have sunglasses on. This is disappointing, but it's not nearly as bad as the distraction monitoring system was in early examples of the new Tritons. Most of the time, the Outlander will warn you once and then pipe down, instead of persisting with annoying beeps and bongs. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert On a more positive note, the car's adaptive cruise control can confidently keep up with traffic, while the associated lane-centring function is competent without being overbearing. Its passive lane-keep function will vibrate the steering wheel loudly if you start crossing the line, but it won't wrestle you for control. And you have the same good visibility out of the vehicle as before, which is now supported by a frameless rear-view mirror with auto-dimming. Also standard is a surround-view camera to help with parking, completing what is now a much more cohesive safety package for one of Mitsubishi Australia's best-selling models. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are still five trim levels for the Outlander, encompassing a full range of standard gear. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander ES equipment highlights: Five seats 18-inch silver alloy wheels Full-size alloy spare wheel Automatic LED headlights Full LED tail-lights Black cloth upholstery 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay Wireless Android Auto Satellite navigation 8-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio 3 x front USB-C outlets Dual-zone climate control 5 terrain drive modes 6 drive modes (AWD only) Outlander LS adds: Seven seats 18-inch two-tone alloy wheels Space-saver spare Roof rails Rain-sensing wipers LED front fog lights Leather-wrapped steering wheel Leather-wrapped gear selector Wireless smartphone charger 2 x rear USB-C outlets Mitsubishi Connect Outlander Aspire adds: 20-inch alloy wheels Adaptive headlights Black leatherette upholstery Powered driver's seat adjustment Heated front seats Heated steering wheel Head-up display Power tailgate 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Outlander Exceed adds: Five seats 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels Full-size alloy spare wheel Black or grey quilted leather upholstery Ventilated front seats Powered passenger seat adjustment Aluminium pedals Digital rear-view mirror Exterior mirrors with memory, reverse auto-tilt Front door foot lamps Rear cargo floor box with lid Tri-zone climate control Outlander Exceed Tourer adds: Brick Brown semi-aniline leather upholstery 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate 1650W sound system Heated outboard rear seats Massaging front seats To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Mitsubishi Outlander has a five-star ANCAP safety rating, based on testing conducted in 2022. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Standard safety equipment includes: 8 airbags Autonomous emergency braking (forward and reverse) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Driver attention monitor Front and rear parking sensors Hill descent control Intelligent speed assist Lane-keep assist Rear cross-traffic alert Surround-view camera Traffic sign recognition Aspire grades and above get Mi-Pilot, which combines lane centring and Traffic Jam Assist functions. To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Like the wider Mitsubishi Australia range, the updated Outlander is backed by a 10-year, 200,000km warranty if it's serviced by a Mitsubishi dealer. Otherwise the standard warranty is five years or 100,000km (whichever comes first). Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first). 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Individual service pricing for the Outlander is outlined below: To see how the Mitsubishi Outlander stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool The Outlander was already a strong seller, and these updates not only feel like Mitsubishi is attempting to stamp its mark on a market segment owned by Toyota, but also show how important the model for the Japanese brand. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Enlisting Japanese engineers to help develop and test the upgraded model in our backyard is a move that underlines the importance of both the Outlander and the Australian market to Mitsubishi, and it benefits Mitsubishi Australia's top-selling model greatly. It's now more compliant and handles better, while feeling more refined and sure-footed. It feels perfectly suited to Australian roads (funnily enough), and we're sure the brand will take pride in the fact this tune will now be used globally. If one of your reasons for looking past the Outlander in the past was its rough ride, it's worth going for another test drive in the updated version. Even just sitting in one to see the updated interior layout and tech will be worth your time. Beyond that and even though prices have increased, it's still difficult to argue against the value proposition presented by the Outlander. You get loads of standard gear across the range, and there should be something for everyone across both seating configurations and drivetrains. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert As for everything that hasn't changed, Mitsubishi told us it employed an 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' policy. That means the adventurously bold styling remains with minor tweaks, which at least means the Outlander is recogniseable in a crowd. While the engine and CVT combo may not be terribly fun, you do get a reliable powertrain that will go about its work without any fuss. A turbocharged engine would liven things up more, but there's nothing really wrong with what we have now. We're very interested to see what the updated Outlander PHEV will bring later this year, as Mitsubishi has promised a similar treatment to what this model has received. Despite its higher cost, the PHEV has long been the more compelling and efficient Outlander, so we're keen to test the upgraded version. Until then, you could do much worse than the updated petrol Outlander, which has hit top form its latest iteration. 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander AWD Credit: CarExpert Interested in buying a Mitsubishi Outlander? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the Mitsubishi Outlander showroom Well-sorted local chassis tune Worthwhile interior tech upgrades Strong all-round package Pricier than before Uninspiring powertrain combo Imperfect pedal response
Hindustan Times
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- Hindustan Times
Volkswagen Golf GTI starts arriving at dealerships. What this hot hatch offers?
Volkswagen Golf GTI, a performance-focused hot hatch that was launched in India a few days ago at ₹53 lakh (ex-showroom), has now started reaching dealerships. The Golf GTI was launched in India as the second GTI badged model after the Polo GTI, which was launched in the country in 2016. The automaker has stated that the Volkswagen Golf GTI's first batch is already sold out in the country, which comprised 150 units. The auto company also said that buoyed by the sales performance of the first batch, it is now planning to bring the second batch of Golf GTI into the Indian market, which will comprise 100 units. The second batch of the hatchback is expected to arrive in India sometime at the end of this year. ₹ 53 Lakhs Offers Expiring soon ₹ 44.9 - 55.9 Lakhs Offers Expiring soon ₹ 48.1 - 49 Lakhs Offers Expiring soon ₹ 54.9 Lakhs Offers Expiring soon ₹ 18.9 - 26.9 Lakhs Offers Expiring soon ₹ 11.5 - 17.6 Lakhs Offers Expiring soon The Volkswagen Golf GTI was launched in India in a single, fully loaded variant. Also, the hot hatch was introduced to the Indian market as a CBU (Completely Built Unit) product. (Also read: Upcoming cars in India) The Volkswagen Golf GTI is available in four different colour options, which are Moonstone Grey, Oryx White, Kings Red Metallic and Grenadilla Black Metallic. Some of the design elements of the newly launched Volkswagen Golf GTI at the exterior include all-LED lighting at the front and rear, 18-inch dual-tone alloy wheels, and dual exhausts with chrome tips. Moving inside the cabin, the car gets a fully digital instrument cluster, a three-spoke steering wheel, a driver-oriented dashboard, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof, among others. It gets seven airbags on the safety front. Powering the Volkswagen Golf GTI is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder TSI petrol engine that is mated to a seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox. The engine churns out 261 bhp peak power and 370 Nm of maximum torque. The engine propels the Volkswagen Golf GTI to accelerate from zero to 100 kmph in 5.8 seconds.
Mint
23-04-2025
- Automotive
- Mint
Haier Kinouchi: AC remotes are unreliable. Can a smart AC be the answer?
Air-conditioners are not easily reviewable, much as we depend on them during our gruelling summer months. As a consumer, you buy an AC, turn it on, find a setting/temperature that is comfortable for you, and that's it. But new-age ACs, like the Haier Kinouchi, go beyond that. They are AI-first ACs and have a nifty smartphone app (works on both Android and iOS), several smart features, and maximum efficiency. The Haier Kinouchi is a 1.6-ton 5-star split AC with AI smarts behind it. Priced at ₹ 49,990, this sleek-looking AC with a 'Kinouchi finish' (essentially, a design element) and high-tech features is looking to compete with companies like Daikin, Panasonic, Mitsubishi and O General, which all have smart ACs in a similar price-range. This one is available in three colourways: Black, Morning Mist and Moonstone Grey, all sleek and modern-looking that will fit the aesthetics of your room. The unboxing and installation of the Haier Kinouchi AC were relatively uneventful. Haier's hassle-free installation is pretty much seamless. As with all split ACs, you get an indoor and outdoor unit, a remote control with 2 AAA batteries, a user manual and warranty card, an indoor unit wall mount, a copper tube, and a power supply cord. Also read: Ready for the holidays: 8 best GMT and Worldtimer watches for globetrotters this summer This is a 1.6-ton (can shift from 0.8T to 1.6T) 5-star AC with a cooling power of 5460W. It uses R32, an eco-friendly refrigerant, is pretty silent at only 47dB and offers 20x faster cooling. Some of the smart and AI goodies include Frost Self-Clean Technology and HEXA Inverter Technology (for improved energy efficiency). The 20-meter airflow (in turbo mode) ensures uniform cooling in the room. All split ACs are similarly designed these days. The difference is that they come in colours beyond the standard white, which many consider boring. The Haier Kinouchi AC I got for review was in the Morning Mist colourway, which blended well with my room's aesthetics. The overall look is clean and modern. An LED display on the right side (which can be turned off) shows the temperature. Although the outdoor unit is rarely seen by consumers (who really inspects/looks at the AC unit on the exterior of their house?), the grill design and Haier logo are elegant. It features a plastic outlet grill and aluminium fins. Using 100% groover copper piping increases the heat exchange efficiency, offering better cooling performance. Haier delivers on what it promises—this 1.6-ton AC is designed for fast and superior cooling in the room, even when temperatures are soaring. I noticed that cooling happened evenly in my fairly large room, thanks to the 20-meter airflow. It adapted to the room quite well and ensured cooling throughout the night. At one point, the temperature of my room, according to the app, was 30 degrees. Turning on the turbo mode, it managed to cool the room down to below 20 degrees in just 15-20 minutes. Haier advertises uniform cooling by a 4-way swing mechanism, which is as effective as it sounds. Once the cooling is done and temperatures have reached suitable levels, you can enable quiet mode to get pin-drop silence, with a few small noises here and there. The AC is relatively quiet even if you just run it with the fan at higher speeds. Energy efficiency is one of the standout features. It's got DC inverter technology and a 5-star BEE rating. The inverter can dynamically adjust the power consumption based on usage patterns, thus reducing energy wastage. There's also an Eco Mode to reduce the output/capacity of the AC during monsoon or cooler weather. But, at times, when I've turned on quiet mode, the fan goes close to zero, and you can feel that the AC is struggling to do its job because it runs at 25-30% capacity in this mode. On the upside, this can stabilise the temperature for a few hours if the room is already cooled. While the Haismart app does the job with aplomb, the remote is the exact opposite. Using the app from the get-go, I could turn on the AC a few minutes before I entered the room. You can also monitor your energy consumption with the app by checking out the 'Electricity Stats' section and 'AI Climate Control, ' which adjusts the cooling 'according to the users' habits and preferences". It worked, but took a few days to hit that optimal temperature. Being able to adjust the temperature according to your sleep cycle by the hour is quite a neat feature as well. The remote, however, failed to sync with the app. One would rather not use an app in the middle of the night and on one occasion, while half-asleep, I picked up the remote to change the temperature, which didn't work. Even turning off the AC takes a few tries if you've first turned on the AC with the app. I understand the remote isn't Wi-Fi enabled, but it's 2025, and surely the two can talk to each other. A common problem with most AC remotes and their inscrutable ways are the vast number of buttons whose functions are pretty much unfathomable, at least without a deep dive into the user manual. Switching to a smart AC with an easy-to-control app seems worth it just for that! Also read: Royal Enfield Classic 650: The 'Raja Gaadi' returns
