By: Joshua Lee
December 25, 2025
For many families, the modern car hunt is a juggling act. You want the space and confidence of an SUV, while still being smarter about fuel costs and emissions. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV GT Noir S-AWC makes a strong pitch to those caught between practicality and progress. It is ideal for families who aren’t ready to go fully electric but want a vehicle that fits their lifestyle, both in the city and at the cottage.
The Outlander has come a long way from its boxy roots, and the Noir edition gives it a well-deserved dose of sophistication. Our Graphite Grey Outlander is dressed in blacked-out accents. The grille, mirror caps, roof rails, badging, and 20-inch alloy wheels are all finished in gloss black, creating a sleek and cohesive look. Despite its bold presence, it doesn’t scream for attention. The design feels confident and clean, and for a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV, the Outlander Noir’s curb appeal easily outpaces most of its mainstream rivals.
Underneath the stylish bodywork sits one of the most practical plug-in systems on the market. The Outlander PHEV pairs a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors, one at each axle, to create an electric all-wheel-drive setup. This system makes a combined 248 horsepower and 332 lb-ft. of torque. On the road, the Outlander PHEV feels smooth and confident. Off the line, the electric motors deliver instant torque, so acceleration feels lively and effortless in city driving. There is no traditional transmission. Instead, a single-speed reduction gear drives the electric motors, with the gas engine stepping in seamlessly when extra power or range is needed.
We also like how customizable the regenerative braking is. Using the paddles behind the steering wheel, drivers can adjust how aggressively the system slows the car when lifting off the accelerator. Turn it up, and you can drive almost entirely with one pedal in city traffic. Parents will appreciate this during stop-and-go school runs. The regenerative system also feeds energy back into the battery, squeezing out extra range without needing to plug in.
The Outlander’s plug-in setup offers an electric-only range of about 60 km. Using a Level 2 home charger, a full charge takes roughly 6.5 hours. There is even a DC fast-charging port, which is rare among plug-in hybrids, that can bring the battery to 80% in about 40 minutes. Once the battery runs low, the gas engine takes over smoothly, acting as both a generator and power source. In combined driving, the Outlander is rated at 3.6Le/100km and 9.0L/100km using just gasoline. The handoff between electric and gas power is smooth enough that passengers may not even notice when it happens.
Open the door and you’re met with a cabin that feels far more polished than you’d expect from Mitsubishi a few years ago. The Noir edition adds dark trim details, contrasting stitching, and a black headliner that creates an upscale atmosphere. Families will appreciate the practicality built into the design, including wide-opening doors, easy-to-clean materials, and thoughtful storage throughout. The front seats are supportive and feature massage functions, while the reclining second row offers heated seats and sunshades. Climate controls are straightforward, and visibility is excellent. The Outlander technically seats seven, although the third row is best suited for kids or short emergency use. Legroom is tight and access isn’t the easiest, but with the third row folded, cargo space opens up to 872L, or 1832L with both rear rows down.
The infotainment setup feels fresh and family-friendly. The 9-inch touchscreen is intuitive with crisp graphics, and the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster clearly displays everything from battery range to energy flow. Our model includes a nine-speaker Bose audio system, three-zone climate control, panoramic sunroof, wireless charger, and a 10.8-inch head-up display.
Safety and driver-assist tech are also well covered. Mitsubishi’s MI-PILOT Assist system includes adaptive cruise control, lane-centering, and traffic sign recognition. There is also blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and a 360-degree camera system that proves especially helpful in tight underground garages or suburban driveways.
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts at $48,698 for the ES trim, while the Noir edition is priced at $60,598. There are five trim levels in between for buyers who want to add features without going all-in.
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV Noir S-AWC isn’t trying to be a luxury SUV or the quickest plug-in hybrid on the market. Its few weak spots, like the cramped third row and modest EV range compared to fully electric vehicles, are outweighed by its strengths. It delivers a smooth and confident drive, a flexible plug-in system, and approachable pricing for families who want to ease into electrification without losing the convenience of gasoline. It stands out as one of the most well-rounded and quietly impressive SUVs available today.
