Mitsubishi’s Outlander carves out a niche in the compact crossover scene by fitting three rows of seating into a smaller footprint. That clever packaging puts it up against two-row crossovers such as the Nissan Rogue and Subaru Forester, yet it also encroaches on territory occupied by larger three-row models like the Kia Sorento. For buyers craving extra passenger space without going full-size, it offers a smart alternative.
DESIGN
Mitsubishi’s latest Outlander keeps its bold personality intact, though recent updates aim to smooth out the edges. A slimmer grille and sleeker headlight design give it a more refined touch, yet the layered surfaces and chrome flourishes still create a busy appearance. The unusual two-tier lighting setup—LEDs perched high with main beams below—adds to the Outlander’s unconventional front-end identity, which continues to spark mixed reactions.
Dressed in Moonstone Gray Metallic with a black roof, our test vehicle cut a more polished figure from the side. Sharper body lines give it a cleaner look in profile, while the rear keeps things subtle with minimal flair. Step inside, and the dashboard stretches wide with a modern layout, featuring a crisp 12.3-inch screen above tactile physical controls. Interior similarities to the Nissan Rogue are evident, thanks to shared engineering beneath the surface.
Seat comfort up front earns high marks, and the second row provides generous legroom for adult passengers. Space in the third row remains tight, making it more suitable for kids or occasional use. Car seats can be a tight squeeze in that back row. With those seats folded, cargo expands to an impressive 80 cubic feet—making the Outlander one of the more functional options in its class for families or road trips.
Driver assistance comes generously equipped, with features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, and pedestrian-detecting automatic braking included across the board. Earning an IIHS Top Safety Pick boosts its safety credentials, although a four-star NHTSA rating slightly tempers that confidence. Our test vehicle also featured the $1,400 Launch Package, adding cosmetic extras like a rear spoiler, door sill illumination, scuff plates, and a black hood emblem for a more customized appearance.
PERFORMANCE
Ride comfort and steering feel take a noticeable step forward in the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander, adding polish to its driving experience. Under the hood, a 2.5-liter inline-four delivers 181 horsepower, though its pairing with a CVT still leaves performance lacking. Acceleration feels drawn out, and the engine hums loudly under pressure. Despite that, the chassis remains settled over rough patches, giving the Outlander a composed, everyday driving demeanor.
Compared to its Nissan sibling, the Outlander feels more sorted from behind the wheel. Power delivery from the 181-hp engine is predictable but underwhelming, with the CVT holding revs without much urgency. Push it hard, and engine noise becomes a cabin companion. Yet on winding roads, handling is surprisingly capable—steering feels confident, and body motions stay in check, adding a layer of control that boosts driver confidence.
VERDICT
Pricing for the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC starts at $38,795. With optional extras totaling $5,640, plus destination and handling fees, the final cost of our test model reached $45,930. That puts it in a price bracket where larger and more powerful competitors start to enter the picture, making its value proposition dependent on priorities like seating flexibility and available features.
Competition
The Outlander faces competition from several angles. Although it shares a platform with the Nissan Rogue, the Rogue’s turbocharged three-cylinder engine delivers quicker acceleration. What sets the Outlander apart is its plug-in hybrid variant, which the Rogue doesn’t offer. The Toyota RAV4 also competes with its variety of powertrains and an affordable hybrid, though its five-passenger seating may not meet the needs of larger families.
Shoppers focused on practicality and fuel savings might also consider Honda’s CR-V, though its hybrid lineup trails behind Toyota’s in range and performance. For those who occasionally need three-row seating, Kia’s Sorento offers more cabin room and a hybrid version that can return 30 mpg or better. Anyone eyeing a top-trim Outlander might also cross-shop the larger Kia Telluride, which packs more muscle and space at a surprisingly similar price point.
Disclosure: An earlier version of this review mistakenly stated that neither the Rogue nor the Outlander offered a plug-in hybrid option. While the Rogue doesn’t, the Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid is available. When the 2026 model arrives, it will receive the same design and feature updates as the gasoline version, along with updates tailored specifically to the plug-in hybrid powertrain.
