2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL AWD: The Brand's Flagship Crossover Receives 3-Year Update

Highlight: A new 12-inch infotainment system has been added to the vehicle for the 2025 model year. 

Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $45,930 (Base model ES: $31,140)

Seating Capacity: 5 to 7 (…Really only designed for 5)

Standard Safety Features: air bags; ABS; a forward collision mitigation system; an electronic blind spot warning system; rear automatic braking system; a rearview camera; a tire pressure monitoring system; and a tire repair kit

Standard Equipment ES: 18-inch wheels;  fabric seats; an 8-inch infotainment screen; paddle shifters; rear privacy glass; a manual operated tilt/telescopic steering wheel; a power lumbar support for a driver’s seat; cloth seats; a 12-inch infotainment screen; a variety of driving modes; a dual zone automatic control system; a remote keyless entry system; three-rows of seating; and a push button ignition system

Standard Equipment SEL S-AWC : 20-inch wheels; leather seats; aluminum sport pedals; leather seats; power front passenger seat; roof rails; ventilated/heated front seats; heated rear seats; a three-zone automatic climate control system; a 12-inch digital driver display system; a heated steering wheel; front door accent with LED illumination; SiriusXM; an 11-inch clear HUD (heads up display) system; rear door pull-up sunshades; a ground Mitsubishi logo; a chrome hood badge; LED front fog lights; heated door mirrors; a leather wrapped steering wheel; a 360-degree camera; keyless entry system; front audible sensors; MiPilot Assist (a co-pilot assist system); a radar activate cruise control system with a stop-and-go system; a lane keep assist system; a lane departure prevention system; traffic sign recognition; a power pull down cargo area; a 2-speaker Yamaha Ultimate audio system; smartphone wireless charging system; rear USB ports; front parking sensors; Amazon Echo Auto; and Mitsubishi Safety Connect Service

Options: Dynamic sound Yamaha Ultimate 12-speakers; synthetic leather door insert with quilting; semi-aniline leather seats; a heads-up display system; digital rearview mirror with rear camera; tonneau cover; touch up paint pen; console tray mat; floor mat carpets; vehicle manuals binder; Outlander scuff plates; body color spoiler; and a black hood emblem 

Other Trims:

ES

SE

Platinum Edition

Standard Audio On Base Vehicle: an 8-speaker AM/FM audio

Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes

Apple CarPlay/Android Auto: Yes

USB Connectivity: Yes
                                                                                                     
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 10 years or 100,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder turbo/181-hp

Towing Capacity: 2,000 lbs

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:
24-city/ 30-hwy

What’s New:  The Outlander receives a mid-cycle styling update. Some of the new features include a 12-inch infotainment screen, ventilated front seats, two additional base speakers and a new center console. 

Why: 

The fascia embodies an in-your-face styling theme

A new 12-inch infotainment system

A compact crossover that attempts to straddle the fence of being a midsize vehicle because of the squeezed-in third row seats

All-wheel drive or front wheel drive

A variety of trims

A high-level of safety driving aids including a co-pilot assist feature on the SEL trim

Mitsubishi ground lighting logo on select trims

A variety of driving modes

20-inch wheels available on select trims

One of the best new-vehicle warranties in the industry

A brake hold feature

A plug-in is available

Ventilated seats are now available

An available panoramic power sunroof

Wireless charging

Power folding side mirrors available

Power liftgate available on select trims

Power front seats on select trims

Heated steering wheel available

Leather seats available

But: 

The third row is literally not useful for adults or kids due to limited legroom despite sliding second-row seats

It's really a 5-passenger vehicle, as opposed to a seven

When the third row is in use, headrests obstruct rear vision

The powertrain team needs to offer a gasoline or hybrid with more horsepower

The SE base pricing trim has risen by $4,100, since being redesigned three years ago

Verdict: At a starting price in the low $30k range, the compact Outlander, which has risen in price by $4,100 since being redesign three years ago, serves as the brand's flagship vehicle. Depending on the trim, buyers can opt for a front-wheel drive or an all-wheel drive configuration.

And while Mitsubishi's portfolio has withered down to a handful of small crossovers, the newly updated 2025 Outlander, with its car-like ride, is worth considering. In fact, this is only three-row vehicle in the compact crossover segment. However, we suggest reserving the third row for small kids when making short trips. For those in need of a third row for longer trips and suitable for adults, too, they'll need to consider larger vehicles like a midsize three-row Kia Telluride or Toyota Highlander.

Overall, the compact Mitsubishi, which can be outfitted with a host of amenities, ranks highly with Consumer Reports and offers one of the best bumper-to-bumper new car warranties in the segment.  Yet, we caution consumers to think twice about stepping into the higher trim levels like the $46,000 SEL we tested. Pricing before negotiations, could possibly go head-to-head with some of the midsize three row crossovers offering more legroom, horsepower and towing capacity. 

Competition: Chevy Equinox; GMC Terrain; Honda CR-V; Kia Sportage; Mazda CX-5;Nissan Rogue; and Toyota RAV4