Cars

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander: Full Review, Specs, and Price

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander: Full Review, Specs, and Price

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander has arrived with a bold vision for the future of SUVs—offering refined styling, enhanced technology, improved fuel efficiency, and a competitive price point. As one of Mitsubishi's most popular models, the Outlander continues to evolve to meet the expectations of modern drivers who demand versatility, safety, and smart engineering. With a sleek redesign, advanced driver-assist features, and a well-appointed interior, the 2025 model stands out in the crowded midsize SUV segment.

Whether you're a family on the go, an outdoor enthusiast, or a city commuter, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander delivers a compelling blend of comfort, performance, and value. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive into every aspect of the vehicle—from exterior design and interior features to engine performance, safety ratings, trim levels, and pricing. Let’s explore what makes the 2025 Outlander a strong contender among rivals like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Exterior Design: Bold, Modern, and Functional

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander continues the brand’s commitment to the Dynamic Shield design language, featuring a bold front grille, sharp LED headlights, and a sculpted hood that gives the SUV a confident road presence. The updated fascia includes a wider, more aggressive lower intake and integrated fog lights, enhancing both aesthetics and aerodynamics.

Along the profile, the Outlander boasts a sleek roofline, muscular wheel arches, and available 18- or 20-inch alloy wheels. The rear design is clean and modern, with LED taillights that stretch across the tailgate and a sporty rear diffuser. Available roof rails add utility for outdoor gear, while the overall stance remains stable and grounded, reflecting the SUV's all-wheel-drive capability.

One of the standout visual elements is the panoramic sunroof option on higher trims, which floods the cabin with natural light and gives the vehicle a more upscale appearance. Mitsubishi also offers a range of exterior colors in 2025, including Quartz White Pearl, Ruby Red Metallic, and Deep Chestnut, allowing buyers to personalize their SUV to match their lifestyle.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander exterior profile with modern design and LED lighting

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander, and you're greeted by a cabin that blends premium materials, intuitive layout, and cutting-edge technology. The interior has been significantly upgraded since the previous generation, moving firmly into the midsize SUV mainstream in terms of comfort and refinement.

The dashboard features a dual-screen setup: a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster (on SEL and higher trims). The interface supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both wirelessly, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. Additional features include built-in navigation, a premium Rockford Fosgate audio system, USB-C charging ports, and a wireless charging pad.

Seating is a major highlight. The Outlander offers three rows of seating, accommodating up to seven passengers. The second-row seats slide and recline, providing flexibility for legroom or cargo space, while the third row is suitable for children or short trips. Available Nappa leather upholstery, heated front and second-row seats, and tri-zone climate control elevate comfort across all trim levels.

Cargo space remains competitive, with 14.9 cubic feet behind the third row, 45.4 cubic feet with the third row folded, and up to 85.3 cubic feet when both rear rows are collapsed. The power liftgate with hands-free access (available on higher trims) makes loading and unloading easier, especially when your hands are full.

Engine and Performance: Efficient and Confident

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is powered by a 2.5-liter MIVEC 4-cylinder engine that produces 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an advanced CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) that delivers smooth acceleration and excellent fuel economy. Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard, with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) available as an option on most trims.

The S-AWC system is one of the Outlander’s most impressive features. It uses sensors to monitor road conditions and distributes power between the front and rear wheels while also managing torque vectoring between the rear wheels. This results in superior traction, stability, and handling—especially in inclement weather or off-pavement conditions.

Fuel efficiency remains a strong point. The EPA estimates that the 2025 Outlander achieves 23 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, and 25 mpg combined with FWD. Models equipped with S-AWC see a slight dip to 22/27/24 mpg, but the trade-off in enhanced grip and control is often worth it for drivers in snowy or rugged terrain.

On the road, the Outlander delivers a quiet, composed ride. The suspension has been tuned to minimize road noise and absorb bumps, making it ideal for long family trips or daily commutes. Steering is light but responsive, and the SUV handles curves with surprising confidence for its class.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Safety is at the heart of the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander. Every trim comes standard with Mitsubishi’s e-Assist suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which includes:

Higher trims, such as the SEL and GT, add features like Traffic Sign Recognition, Driver Attention Alert, and a heads-up display. The Outlander also includes a host of passive safety features, including seven airbags, a rigid RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body structure, and active roll mitigation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet released crash test ratings for the 2025 model, but the 2024 Outlander earned a 5-star overall safety rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) also awarded the previous model a Top Safety Pick+, and the 2025 version is expected to maintain or exceed those results thanks to further refinements in structural integrity and ADAS calibration.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is available in five trim levels: ES, LE, SE, SEL, and GT. Each trim builds on the previous with more features, comfort, and technology. Pricing starts at an attractive $27,995 MSRP for the base ES trim (FWD), making it one of the most affordable three-row SUVs on the market.

ES ($27,995)

The ES is a well-equipped entry-level model featuring 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, cloth upholstery, a 9-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, and the full e-Assist safety suite. It’s ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want modern features and safety.

LE ($29,995)

The LE adds value-focused upgrades, including third-row seating (standard), roof rails, rear privacy glass, and additional interior storage. It’s a popular choice for families who need extra space without paying for luxury extras.

SE ($31,995)

The SE introduces more comfort and convenience with leatherette upholstery, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat, a power liftgate, and a larger 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The SE also offers optional S-AWC all-wheel drive for $1,800 more.

SEL ($35,995)

The SEL is the sweet spot for many buyers. It includes S-AWC standard, along with Nappa leather seats, heated second-row seats, a panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker Rockford Fosgate premium audio system, and tri-zone climate control. The SEL also features a hands-free power liftgate and 20-inch wheels.

GT ($38,795)

The top-of-the-line GT trim delivers the most premium experience. Highlights include unique GT badging, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, auto-dimming mirrors, and advanced safety features like Traffic Sign Recognition and a heads-up display. The GT also has a sport-tuned suspension for improved handling.

All trims are eligible for destination fees, which add approximately $1,295 to the final price. Mitsubishi also offers several package options, such as the Premium Package on the SE and SEL, which adds a heated steering wheel, ventilated front seats, and a 360-degree camera.

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV: A Greener Alternative

In addition to the gasoline-powered model, Mitsubishi continues to offer the 2025 Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), a standout in the eco-friendly SUV segment. The PHEV combines a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors, delivering a total system output of 248 horsepower.

The PHEV features an all-electric driving range of up to 38 miles on a full charge, making it ideal for short commutes without using any gasoline. Once the battery is depleted, the vehicle operates as a series hybrid, using the gas engine to generate electricity for the motors. Combined fuel efficiency is rated at 81 MPGe in hybrid mode, with an overall range of over 400 miles.

The PHEV comes with a Level 1 charging cable (120V), which fully charges the battery in about 7 hours. With a Level 2 charger (240V), charging time drops to just 3.5 hours. The PHEV also features S-AWC as standard and includes regenerative braking for improved efficiency.

Priced starting at $42,995, the Outlander PHEV is eligible for a federal tax credit of up to $4,502, depending on battery capacity and buyer eligibility. Some states offer additional incentives, making the effective cost even more competitive. The PHEV is available in SEL and GT trims, both featuring premium interiors and advanced tech.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander keeps drivers connected with a robust infotainment system. The standard 9-inch touchscreen runs Mitsubishi’s intuitive interface, offering crisp graphics and responsive touch controls. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across all trims, eliminating the need for cords and improving convenience.

The available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster provides customizable driver information, including navigation prompts, safety alerts, and audio controls. The Rockford Fosgate premium audio system (available on SEL and GT) delivers rich, theater-quality sound with 10 speakers strategically placed throughout the cabin.

For added convenience, the Outlander includes a built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to stream content or stay connected on the go. Voice recognition is enhanced for natural language commands, letting drivers control climate, music, and navigation hands-free.

The vehicle also supports over-the-air (OTA) software updates, ensuring that the infotainment system and driver-assist features remain up to date without requiring a dealership visit. This future-proofing is a significant advantage in an era where technology evolves rapidly.

Driving Experience and Real-World Use

Owners of the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander consistently praise its smooth ride quality, quiet cabin, and ease of use. The CVT transmission, while not sporty, is well-tuned to deliver efficient and linear acceleration. The engine is adequate for daily driving, though it can feel strained during highway merges or when fully loaded with passengers and cargo.

The Super All-Wheel Control system is a standout, especially in regions with harsh winters. Drivers report confident handling on snow-covered roads, with the system effectively managing traction and minimizing wheel slip. The Outlander PHEV, in particular, is praised for its near-silent electric-only operation and low running costs for urban drivers.

Families appreciate the spacious interior, flexible seating, and excellent visibility. The high seating position gives drivers a commanding view of the road, while the wide-opening rear doors make it easy to install child seats. Third-row access is improved over previous models, though taller passengers may still find it cramped for long journeys.

Owners also highlight the low cost of ownership. Mitsubishi offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty on the gasoline model and a 10-year/100,000-mile EV component warranty on the PHEV. Routine maintenance is straightforward