2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed Review

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed AWD.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Exceed is the premium petrol variant of Mitsubishi’s fourth-generation medium SUV, combining a five-seat cabin with all-wheel drive and a broad equipment list. Its appeal remains rooted in practicality and ease of use, while a revised Australian-tested suspension package gives this updated model more composure on varied road surfaces than its predecessor.

Power comes from a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine producing 135kW and 244Nm, paired with a CVT automatic transmission and driving all four wheels. It is not the strongest-performing engine in the medium-SUV class, particularly at higher speeds, but its initial response is adequate for urban traffic and everyday overtaking. The steering is light, visibility is good and the turning circle makes the Outlander straightforward to place in tight streets and car parks.

The MY25 suspension changes are among the most meaningful updates. Revised front and rear dampers, a new anti-roll bar and a sharper steering rack improve stability through corners and provide greater confidence on country roads. The Exceed’s 20-inch wheels contribute to its substantial appearance, although their lower-profile tyres transmit sharper bumps, potholes and speed humps more clearly than smaller-wheel versions. At highway speeds, improved noise, vibration and harshness control helps create a quieter environment for longer trips.

Inside, the Exceed distinguishes itself with quilted leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, tri-zone climate control and a digital rear-view mirror. Power adjustment for the front seats and driver lumbar support add useful comfort on extended drives. Some piano-black trim around the centre console and dashboard is less practical, since it readily displays fingerprints, dust and scratches, but the overall layout is functional and the driving position offers generous steering-wheel and seat adjustment.

The updated 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is now fitted across the Outlander range. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, factory satellite navigation, AM/FM and DAB+ digital radio, and an eight-speaker Yamaha sound system. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging and several USB-C ports improve day-to-day convenience. Mitsubishi’s connected services use a 4G SIM to provide functions including live traffic information, vehicle location, collision notifications, breakdown assistance, geo-fencing, curfews and remote vehicle controls.

As a five-seat SUV, the Exceed offers useful passenger and cargo space. Rear-seat legroom remains comfortable behind a tall front occupant, while the second row includes dedicated climate controls, air vents, USB-C charging ports, sun shades and a folding armrest with cupholders. Wide-opening doors, ISOFIX points and top-tether anchors make child-seat access practical. The panoramic sunroof reduces rear headroom somewhat for taller passengers, but the cabin remains well suited to carrying adults and family equipment.

Boot capacity is 485 litres with the rear seats in place and expands to 1,473 litres when they are folded. A flat-folding centre armrest provides a pass-through for longer items, while the cargo area includes tie-down points, a 12V outlet and storage recesses. A full-sized alloy spare wheel beneath the boot floor is a useful inclusion at a time when many SUVs use a space-saver or puncture repair kit.

Safety equipment is extensive. Standard systems include forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, driver attention monitoring, traffic-sign recognition, hill-descent control and a surround-view camera with front and rear parking sensors. Higher-grade models also receive Mitsubishi’s Mi-Pilot system with lane centring and traffic-jam assistance. The Outlander carries a five-star ANCAP rating from 2022 testing, although the lane-keeping and driver-monitoring systems can be over-sensitive in some situations.

The petrol Outlander’s claimed combined fuel use for this AWD configuration is between 7.8 and 8.1L/100km, with the review recording 8.5L/100km over mixed town, country and highway driving. It uses a 55-litre tank and can run on 91 RON petrol. Overall, the Exceed is a generously equipped and highly practical medium SUV whose revised chassis broadens its capability, even if its ride on 20-inch wheels and modest engine performance leave room for stronger rivals.

Other highlights include Body type: Wagon; Powertrain: Unleaded petrol; Transmission: CVT automatic 8 speed; Engine or motor: 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol, 135kW.