The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander arrives as a strong contender in the crowded midsize SUV segment, bringing a blend of practicality, comfort, and value that makes it an appealing choice for families, commuters, and adventurers alike. Redesigned in recent years with an emphasis on quality, capability, and technology, the Outlander has matured from a basic crossover into a well-rounded SUV that stands tall among rivals. For 2025, Mitsubishi continues to refine its offering, focusing on improved powertrain options, updated safety tech, and an interior that’s both comfortable and functional. Whether you’re prioritizing everyday usability, family friendliness, or weekend exploration, the 2025 Outlander strives to impress on every front.

The exterior styling of the 2025 Outlander strikes a good balance between modern design and rugged versatility. At the front, a bold grille with dynamic lines gives the Outlander a confident presence, while sleek LED headlights and fog lamps add a contemporary touch. The SUV’s side profile is characterized by a strong, rising beltline and sculpted body panels that lend visual interest without becoming overly aggressive. Roof rails are standard, and several wheel options are available, ranging from subtle alloys to sportier multi-spoke designs that complement the vehicle’s overall aesthetic. The rear end showcases clean taillight graphics and a well-integrated liftgate, creating a cohesive design that feels tailored for both urban streets and open highways. Overall, the 2025 Outlander’s exterior manages to be stylish and functional without relying on flashy gimmicks.

Under the hood, the 2025 Outlander offers a range of powertrain choices designed to meet diverse driving needs. The standard engine is a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination delivers smooth acceleration and predictable performance for daily driving and highway cruising. Mitsubishi also continues to offer a plug-in hybrid variant, which pairs the same 2.5-liter engine with electric motors and a battery pack. This PHEV setup provides significantly improved efficiency, near-instant torque at low speeds, and an electric-only driving capability that makes it ideal for short commutes or neighborhood errands. Both powertrains are available with all-wheel drive, enhancing traction and confidence in adverse conditions.

Behind the wheel, the 2025 Outlander delivers a comfortable and composed driving experience that aligns well with its family-friendly mission. The steering is light yet communicative, making city driving and parking easier, while suspension tuning strikes a balance between comfort and control. The ride quality is supple over rough pavement, and the SUV tracks with poise on winding roads without feeling unsettled. Acceleration from the standard engine is adequate, though the plug-in hybrid’s electric boost provides noticeably quicker throttle response when merging or passing. Brake feel is linear and predictable, and available all-wheel drive adds stability when cornering or navigating slick surfaces. While the Outlander doesn’t chase sporty dynamics like some competitors, it offers a confident and reassuring overall driving character that suits most everyday scenarios.

Fuel economy is a key strength of the 2025 Outlander, especially for buyers willing to opt for the plug-in hybrid. According to EPA estimates, the standard gasoline Outlander with front-wheel drive achieves around 24 miles per gallon in the city and 30 miles per gallon on the highway, with all-wheel-drive models slightly lower. The PHEV variant shines with a combined gas/electric rating that translates into a very efficient package for mixed commuting and longer trips, and it also provides an EPA-estimated electric-only range that covers many daily errands without consuming a drop of gasoline. These strong efficiency numbers make the Outlander a compelling choice for buyers prioritizing fuel savings and lower operating costs without committing to a fully electric vehicle.

Safety has become an increasingly central consideration for families, and the 2025 Outlander is well-equipped in this area. Mitsubishi has integrated a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance technologies as standard, including forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. Higher trims expand the available safety features with a 360-degree camera system and advanced autonomous features that further support confident driving. While official IIHS and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2025 model are pending at launch, the Outlander’s strong safety structure and previous solid performance in testing suggest that it will continue to earn commendable marks from both organizations.

Stepping inside the 2025 Outlander reveals a thoughtfully designed interior that emphasizes comfort, functionality, and versatility. The cabin offers generous headroom and legroom for both front and rear passengers, with supportive seats and quality materials that elevate the overall feel beyond what its price might suggest. Soft-touch surfaces, tasteful stitch details, and user-friendly controls create an inviting environment for driver and passengers alike. Cargo space is flexible and practical, with a large rear hatch opening to a capacious cargo well that expands significantly when the 60/40 split-folding second row is lowered. For families, the available third row adds seating capacity for up to seven occupants, making the Outlander one of the more accommodating options for growing households.

Technology in the 2025 Outlander keeps pace with expectations for modern SUVs, featuring an intuitive infotainment system anchored by a standard 8-inch touchscreen or available larger display on higher trims. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, making smartphone integration seamless and convenient. Available upgrades include a premium sound system, wireless device charging, multiple USB ports for all seating rows, and a head-up display that keeps vital information in the driver’s line of sight. The digital instrument cluster is clear and easy to read, providing essential driving data without distraction. Connectivity is bolstered by features such as built-in navigation on higher trims and over-the-air update capability that ensures the system remains current over time.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is offered in multiple trims to suit varied buyer needs and budgets. The base ES trim provides strong value with essential technology and safety features, while the LE and SE trims add comfort and convenience upgrades such as heated seats, sunroof, and larger displays. The higher-end SEL and SEL Premium trims further enhance the package with luxury touches, premium upholstery, and advanced driver-assistance options. Pricing for the gasoline models starts in the low-to-mid $30,000 range and climbs into the low $40,000s for fully equipped variants, offering strong value relative to competitors that often charge more for similar feature content. The plug-in hybrid commands a premium for its advanced powertrain but delivers efficiency and performance benefits that justify the additional cost for many buyers.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is a compelling choice in the midsize SUV segment, offering a blend of style, comfort, technology, and efficiency that appeals to a broad range of buyers. Its versatile interior and family-friendly features make it particularly well-suited for households, while the available plug-in hybrid powertrain provides a compelling balance of performance and fuel savings. The Outlander may not be the most sporty or luxurious SUV in its class, but it excels as a practical, well-rounded vehicle that can handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and family trips with equal ease. With strong safety features, modern connectivity, and thoughtful design, the 2025 Outlander proves that Mitsubishi continues to evolve its SUV lineup in ways that meet the needs of today’s drivers without losing sight of value and reliability.

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Design
Performance
Infotainment and Tech Features
Fuel Economy
Value
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JR Chocco
Car fanatic journalist living in the PNW covering all things automotive.
2025-mitsubishi-outlander-review-a-refined-and-versatile-family-suvThe 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is a compelling choice in the midsize SUV segment, offering a blend of style, comfort, technology, and efficiency that appeals to a broad range of buyers. Its versatile interior and family-friendly features make it particularly well-suited for households, while the available plug-in hybrid powertrain provides a compelling balance of performance and fuel savings. The Outlander may not be the most sporty or luxurious SUV in its class, but it excels as a practical, well-rounded vehicle that can handle daily commutes, weekend adventures, and family trips with equal ease. With strong safety features, modern connectivity, and thoughtful design, the 2025 Outlander proves that Mitsubishi continues to evolve its SUV lineup in ways that meet the needs of today’s drivers without losing sight of value and reliability.