Since Mitsubishi’s partnership with Nissan, the Outlander has been the best vehicle that they currently produce. For the 2025 model year, the Mitsubishi Outlander receives a few mid-cycle updates to keep its momentum going.
Performance
Engine – One area that doesn’t see any change is the powertrain. The 2025 Outlander is still powered by a 2.5L naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine which produces 181 hp and 181 lb-ft of torque (135 kW & 245 Nm). Optional is the Plug-In hybrid powertrain but a V6 option is no longer available for this 4th generation Outlander. For everyday commuting, the engine has just enough grunt to get the SUV going at a reasonable pace but be prepared to plan out your overtakes on highways as it’ll take a while for them to be executed.
Fuel Economy – With a body that weighs 1,790 kg (3,946 lbs), the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander gets a respectable 9.7 L/100km (24.2 MPG) in a city and 7.7 L/100km (30.5 MPG) on a highway. During my time with the Outlander, I averaged 8.7 L/100km (27 MPG) which was better than the last time I drove the Mitsubishi Outlander. This time around, I did take this SUV on more highway drives than last time hence the better fuel economy number. However, if you stick to just city driving, I’d highly recommend considering the PHEV version as that will save you a lot more fuel.
Transmission – Mated to this 2.5L engine is a CVT automatic. It’s not as “elastic” feeling in its operation, as in, it’s a bit faster to respond to throttle inputs. It will keep the engine speed at a constant rpm when accelerating before dropping down to save as much fuel as possible. At higher rpms, it will simulate virtual gears. There are paddle shifters on the steering wheel should you want to take over control.
Braking – The brake pedal feel is on the light side in the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander however it firms up the harder you push on it. It is easy to modulate for smooth stops and automatic emergency braking is a standard feature on the Outlander.
Handling – This new Mitsubishi Outlander is a bit more enjoyable to drive than the outgoing model. Steering weight is a bit heavier but not so much that it makes parking the SUV feel like an exercise at the gym. The SUV feels more planted around corners but it’s far from being a sporty SUV like the Mazda CX-5. Once change for this model year is a slight tune for the steering feel. On center, it has an ever so slightly firmer feel than the previous model year.
The seating position of the Outlander is high up so you get good visibility but the car feels a lot wider than it actually is from behind the steering wheel. On paper, it is physically larger by a few centimeters over its Rogue cousin but it’s about the same size as the Kia Sorento and that SUV didn’t feel quite as big from behind the steering wheel.
The Outlander comes standard with S-AWC in Canada. In the United States, the AWD system is optional. This is a 4WD system that uses the brakes to control side to side wheel slip and an electronically controlled differential with a clutch for front & rear power transfer. The Outlander has 6 different drive modes to choose from; Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, & Mud.
Comfort
Ride Comfort – The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander has a compliant ride over most bumps and poorly maintained roads. It’s not the most plush ride but it’s not the most firm ride either. However, it’s the seats that provide the most comfort with plenty of support for your back in addition to soft and well padded cushions. But it’s the driver’s seat that has more adjustability. The passenger seat is only a 4-way seat even on this GT trim.
Interior Space – The Outlander has more space for both front and 2nd row occupants than its Nissan Rogue cousin. In fact, it has a similar amount of space as slightly larger SUVs such as the Chevrolet Blazer or Nissan Murano. Additionally the Mitsubishi Outlander also has a 3rd row. But that 3rd row should only be used if you find yourself in a pinch. If you plan on using the 3rd row more often, you should consider a larger 3-row SUV such as the Hyundai Santa Fe or move to a minivan like the Toyota Sienna. Tiny does not begin to accurately describe just how little space there is in the 3rd row of the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Behind the 3rd row seats, the 2025 Outlander has 308 L (10.8 cu-ft) of cargo space. Fold the rear seats down and that number increases to 866L (30.6 cu-ft) with maximum capacity being 1,822 L (64.3 cu-ft) with the 3rd and 2nd rows folded. One thing to note, the 2nd row seats do not fold completely flat. They have a bit of an incline.
Noise, Vibration, & Harshness – The Outlander is relatively quiet on highways when it comes to wind and road noise. Not much intrudes into the cabin. But the engine gets very noisy when accelerating – especially above 2,000 rpms – and it is not a pleasant sound.
Odds and Ends
Pricing – The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at a reasonable $35,598 CAD ($29,645 USD, ES FWD) for the ES trim with S-AWC. This GT with S-AWC will cost you just over $10,000 CAD more at $46,498 CAD ($38,795 USD, SEL S-AWC).
Gadgets – Just like many other SUVs on the market, the 2025 Outlander comes standard with a comprehensive suite of convenience features. In Canada, the base Outlander comes equipped with heated seats, LED headlights, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & wireless Android Auto integration, keyless entry, push button start, dual zone automatic climate control, and cloth upholstery.
Upgrade to the top spec trim and the Outlander will have a panoramic sunroof, power liftgate, head-up display, fully digital driver display, 3-zone climate controls, quilted leather upholstery, heated 2nd row seats, heated steering wheel, and rear sunshades among other features. This 2025 Outlander receives a new Yamaha stereo system with 12 speakers. I’m not much of an audio connoisseur but to my ears, this system delivers good audio levels.
Another change for the 2025 model year is the addition of the latest infotainment system. This is the same system that is found in newer Nissan vehicles with it having the same menu structure and even the same font type.
Interior Design – At first glance, the cabin of the Outlander is nearly identical to that of the Nissan Rogue. But there are a few differences. It’s like that old saying in school, “Yes, you can copy my work but make sure that it’s different enough so that the teacher doesn’t notice”. The Mitsubishi Outlander, has the same general dashboard layout, same 9-inch touchscreen, same buttons on the steering wheel, and a similar shifter. But the gear selector feels more robust in the Outlander as does the drive mode selector. For 2025, the center console has been “rearranged” with the cup holders now being in-line with the gear selector and drive mode selector along with the parking brake switch being right below them.
Exterior Design – The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander received an ever so slight exterior refresh. It has a different bumper design, slightly different taillights, and new wheel designs. The latter is the most noticeable change as the other two changes are hard to tell unless you get a 2024 and this 2025 Outlander side by side.
Safety – The 2025 Outlander comes standard with a comprehensive suite of advanced driver and safety aids. The only options that change with higher spec trims are adaptive cruise control with stop & go functionality, traffic sign recognition, lane keep assist, and active blind spot assist which are included in this GT trim.
Warranty – Like all other Mitsubishi vehicles, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is covered by a 10 year / 160,000 km powertrain warranty and a 5 year / 100,000 km new vehicle warranty. In the United States, it’s 10 years / 100,000 miles for the powertrain. The new vehicle limited warranty is 5 years or 60,000 miles. For more information on Canadian warranty, click here. For USA warranty information, click here.
Conclusion – The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander remains as one of the less expensive 3-row crossover SUVs on the market. But, if you require a 3-row SUV and plan on using those back seats often, consider going for a larger 3-row SUV or a minivan. If you don’t ever think that you’ll use the 3rd row, again, think about a less expensive 2-row SUV. This Outlander is for those smaller families that once in a while, will need to transport their kids’ friends and require that 3rd row of seating.
Thank you to Mitsubishi Canada for providing the vehicle. www.Mitsubishi-Motors.ca
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander GT Gallery
