Quickies: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

It’s been a while since we last drove the winner of #VOTY2021. 

Yes, we drove the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV since. However, our prior wheel time stints in the internal combustion version was beyond fulfilling. That included a run to a Midwest Automotive Media Associationevent outside of Chicago. 

By the way, that award was last seen in the lobby at the headquarters of Mitsubishi Motors North America in Franklin, Tennessee. 

However, a lot has happened to the “regular” Outlander since handing off the award to Mitsubishi Motors. The 2025 model year yielded a mid-cycle refresh that focused on a few visual updates, the addition of a Trail trim level, and a serious technology update. I had to find out whether the updates help continue the cause of what is truly a hidden gem in the SUV segment. 

Exterior-wise, the shape remains the same. It is all in the details, such as a trio of solid piano black panels in the upper part of the Dynamic Shield grille area. Mitsubishi left everything else in the front clip alone, including the LED headlamp units in each side of the grille area and the driving lamps/turn signals up top. 

The profile and the rest of the 2025 Outlander also remained untouched. It is a very compelling “floating” roofline, with a squared off C-pillar glass that is a part of its signature design. The doors open wide with greater access into the cabin, and the tailgate opens high and wide. The horizontal LED taillamps add a nice touch to the rear end of the 2025 Outlander. 

Our test vehicle is the middle-of-the-pack SE trim level with the Technology Package upgrade. That adds a set of 20-inch two-tone alloy wheels that look great with the rest of the 2025 Outlander. The package also adds a panoramic sunroof to the mix. 

Inside, it might seem that it looks similar to our #VOTY2021-winning test vehicles. A closer look shows a cleaner 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that is part of the Technology Package. The graphics and information are clean and decipherable. There were no changes to the controls, except for a new satin chrome Park button on the transmission “shifter.”

The biggest change is in the infotainment package. The touchscreen is larger, now at 12.3-inches diagonally. You still have wireless smartphone mirroring, along with a wireless device charger on board.

However, it is the speaker system that makes the headlines here. The 2025 Outlander is the first application of a Yamaha-branded speaker system in any automobile. The multi-hyphenate corporation has supplied engines and components in the past – and still do, to an extent. However, its high-end audio playback and reproduction technology has never appeared in an automobile.

In the SE Technology model, Yamaha supplies an eight-speaker system to the mix. That includes a subwoofer in the cargo hold. Even with just eight speakers, it is a wonderful sound. You also have various adjustments for volume compensation for air conditioning, rain, and speed. 

If you need an even bigger sound, the SEL Platinum Edition will add four more speakers to the mix. Even with eight speakers, the 2025 Outlander becomes a more pleasant place to take a drive in. 

The SE trim wears a combination of synthetic leather upholstery with suede inserts. The front seats were comfortable and supportive.  The second-row seats can be folded in a 40/20/40 split. They offer good space overall. One of the selling points of the 2025 Outlander is its third row of seats. They’re fine for small children, but you can easily fold them down and hide the headrests inside the hidden compartment in the cargo hold. 

One reason why it would be best to fold down the third row is the small 11.7 cubic foot cargo area behind it. The advantage of folding down the third row is to open up the cargo hold to 33.5 cubic feet. You also have a flat loading area that is level to the rear bumper. Fold both rear rows down, and you get 78.3 cubic feet of space. 

For 2025, internal combustion Outlanders are still powered by a 181-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 pound-feet of torque. It is connected to a continuously variable transmission with eight ratios sending power onto the Super All-Wheel-Control all-wheel drive system. 

In our loop, we found that the 2025 Outlander’s internal combustion driveline continues to deliver smooth and solid performance overall. The CVT serves up “shifts” with ease when accelerating and executing highway passing maneuvers. As for fuel economy, it returned an average of 26.3 MPG. 

The best way to describe the driving experience is just simply relaxing. The 2025 Outlander is well dampened at all corners, delivering a smooth ride on various road surfaces.  Maneuverability was also great, thanks to its sharper reflexes and minimal roll. It’s never easy bobbing and weaving through every construction site on the road – there has been so much of that here in Minnesota this year. 

That maneuverability is all thanks to a very good electric power steering system. It yielded a tight turning radius, while providing plenty of control at the wheel. On-center feel was quite good in keeping within the lane. If you want to lock your 2025 Outlander in on longer drives, turn on the MI-PILOT Assist button on the steering wheel. It wrangles key driver assistance features together for a pleasant and stress-free highway driving experience. The braking system was also very good, with great pedal feel. We experienced good stops overall. 

If you’re looking for the right 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander, you are pipped for choice. There are six trim levels available, along with six additional PHEV models. Pricing starts at $29,995. This SE test vehicle equipped with Technology Package came with a sticker price of $39,880. 

We know that this size class of SUVs is highly competitive. Everyone is trying to stand out with a mix of performance, efficiency, space, and comfort. Yet, some people may have forgotten that (a) Mitsubishi is still in the marketplace and (b) the Outlander is a viable choice in that size class. It is a hidden gem that you should seriously consider. 

With that said, now you know why it won #VOTY2021. And, why it is still relevant in the marketplace today.  

Why have you not checked out the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander for your next SUV? Sorry, you no longer have any excuses to do so. 

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by White Bear Mitsubishi, White Bear Lake, MN – our opinions are of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern