2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Review

Mitsubishi’s popular Outlander has been refreshed, and while it doesn’t look considerably different on the outside, it gets a number of new features, a quieter cabin, and improved handling.

The updates apply to the gas-only version of the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander; the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version will likely be renewed soon. Unusually for an SUV of this small size, it has three rows of seats.

The gas-only Outlander comes in five trim levels, starting with the ES at $37,648, including a non-negotiable delivery fee of $2,050. At the other end, my GT Premium tester starts at $49,548. Mine was further embellished with two-tone paint for an extra $900, bringing it to $50,448 before taxes.

Styling 8 / 10

The odd placement of the front lights aside, the Outlander sports a solid design, with a smooth profile and handsome rear end, and especially with any of the trio of two-tone treatments, including this shade of Moonstone Grey paint and black roof. There are new wheel designs, with 18-inch alloys on the three lower trims, and 20-inch wheels on the SEL and GT trims.

Changes to the simple but handsome cabin design include a larger console bin and an improved wireless charger, while the cup holders have been moved for easier access and with the two at slightly different angles, so lids stay separated. All trims now get a 12.3-inch touchscreen, while last year’s models had eight- or nine-inch displays, depending on trim.

Safety 8 / 10

This new Outlander hadn’t yet been fully crash-tested by the United States National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) at the time of this writing. All trims now come with a front centre airbag, which deploys between the driver and passenger to prevent them banging into each other in a crash.

Standard driver-assist technologies include emergency front and rear braking, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, cruise control, and driver attention alert. Upper trims add adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, traffic sign recognition, and blind-spot assist.

Features 8 / 10

In addition to the larger centre screen, the Outlander now comes with Yamaha stereos with six speakers in most trims and 12 in the GT; interior LED lighting; and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats in the SEL and GT. The GT Premium now adds a new camera-based rearview mirror.

The entry-level ES trim includes dual-zone climate control, heated cloth front seats, an auto-dimming mirror, and a cargo privacy cover. The SE adds a panoramic sunroof, power-folding mirrors, three-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, wireless charger, and hands-free tailgate; but you must go another level to the LE for a power driver’s seat, and to the SEL for a matching power passenger seat. The LE adds faux leather, while the GT goes for real cowhide.

User-Friendliness 9 / 10

In a world where so many functions are handled through screens, the Outlander’s controls are refreshingly simple and can help reduce distraction. There are dials for the temperature, buttons for the fan speed and seat heaters, and a knob for stereo volume. The weak point here is the console’s decorative gloss-black and aluminum trim, which creates a nasty glare in sunlight.

It’s easy to fold the second- and third-row seats, and while you have to remove the third row’s comically-tall head restraints to do so, it’s a simple operation and they store in a cubby under the cargo floor.

Practicality 8 / 10

With its third row folded down, the Outlander doesn’t have as much cargo space as most of its two-row competitors, but it should still handle most grocery or luggage chores; and if necessary, it can tow as much as 907 kg (2,000 lb). That third row is very tight, even if second-row passengers slide their chairs ahead, but then if you want a compact SUV but occasionally have to move more than five people, the Outlander can do it. Those at the very back will be cramped, but at least they’ll get where they’re going.

Comfort 9 / 10

That third row aside, the Outlander is a comfortable vehicle, especially with the 2025 version’s extra sound-deadening material that improves cabin noise levels. The seats are supportive and include ventilation with the GT Premium, as well as heated outboard seats and separate temperature control for those in the second row in the SEL and up. The ride is composed, although you’ll feel road imperfections through the lower-profile tires on the GT’s 20-inch rims.

Power 7 / 10

The Outlander gets a refresh but its engine is unchanged: a 2.5L four-cylinder engine that makes 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque, and with an automatic continuously-variable transmission (CVT). It’s not the most powerful in the segment, where the Toyota RAV4 makes 203 hp and the Ford Bronco Sport gets as much as 238 hp. It gets you where you want to go, but it can feel a bit sluggish; and when you want to move away from a stop moderately, there’s an annoying moment of hesitation before it takes off. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it could be smoother and more responsive.

Driving Feel 8 / 10

The refresh includes retuned steering and suspension, and this plus its tight turning circle makes it a pleasant driver. It feels light on its feet and easy to take through city traffic, and then it’s equally composed and well-planted at highway speeds. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard, which Mitsubishi calls super all-wheel control (S-AWC). In addition to increasing torque to the front or rear wheels as needed for traction, it also brakes individual wheels to tuck the vehicle tighter into curves. Its selectable drive modes include ones for snow, mud, or gravel.

Fuel Economy 8 / 10

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) rates the Outlander at 9.7 L/100 km in the city, 7.7 on the highway, and 8.8 combined; and in my week with it, I hit that combined figure on the nose. Despite the extra weight from its new sound-deadening insulation, it’s a hair better than the 2024 Outlander was at 8.9. As before, it takes regular-grade gas.

That combined figure is within decimals of close competitors, where the Toyota RAV4’s is 8.5; the Ford Bronco Sport’s entry engine is good for 8.7; and the Hyundai Tucson matches it at 8.8. The Outlander PHEV, which hasn’t yet received the gas-only version’s updates, is rated for 61 km of electric-only driving once it’s been plugged in and charged. When that depletes, it automatically switches to conventional gas-electric hybrid operation and self-charging its battery; but in that mode, it’s rated for 9.0 L/100 km combined.

Value 8 / 10

The Outlander ranges from $37,548 to $49,448 and fits within two-row competitors such as the Toyota RAV4, which starts at $35,615 to $47,235; the Hyundai Tucson at $36,699 to $42,399; and the Ford Bronco Sport, at $40,690 to $51,190. From there, three-row models above those get pricier: The Toyota Highlander starts at $52,440; the Hyundai Santa Fe at $44,549; and the Ford Explorer at $53,180 (all prices including delivery). The Outlander also comes with a comprehensive warranty (which covers almost everything) for five years/100,000 km; and a powertrain warranty for 10 years/160,000 km.

The Verdict

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander occupies an unusual niche: it’s a compact SUV with three rows of seats, and the only other one right now is the Mercedes-Benz GLB-Class, which can be optioned with a third row but for around $20,000 more than the Mitsubishi’s base price. It’s not meant for hauling a full house every time, but the Outlander will do it when it’s needed and without a larger-three-row footprint and price. Add in the 2025 updates and the warranty, and this could be the right pick for shoppers with the occasional need for extra seating.