First Drive: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Offers Affordable Luxury
Mitsubishi's all-new 2025 Outlander is sure to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts who don't want to compromise on space, comfort, or capability. I recently had the opportunity to test their flagship SUV in beautiful Los Angeles, across a wide variety of city driving, open highways, and it wouldn't be a California test without taking the Outlander up and down a few winding canyon roads.
There is a reason the Outlander is one of Mitsubishi's top-selling vehicles in the United States—it's an affordable three-row SUV that checks all the boxes for adventurers or families who like to hit the open road. This latest model elevates the driving experience with premium features that make it feel more upscale than its price tag suggests.
From its refined styling to its comfortable ride, the 2025 Outlander is not a boring SUV to drive—it's actually quite exciting to be behind the wheel of.
I did not get the chance to drive some of the lower-end trims but having been in the Platinum edition, it certainly had a premium interior featuring quilted leather upholstery, a soft-touch dashboard, and overall minimalist, yet intuitively placed controls. The design is a nice blend of modern tech and understated accents making your experience at the wheel feel less busy on the eyes.
Another upgrade worth mentioning is the digital rearview mirror, which seamlessly integrates with the interior's classy feel. The 12.3-inch digital display delivered a wealth of information without being overly complicated. I cannot forget to mention that this SUV comes with a collapsible third row, which deploys effortlessly to add additional seating when needed. While the third row isn't the most spacious, it's still a great option for growing families needing an extra seat or two.The Outlander's updated exterior is not revolutionary compared to previous model, but it does incorporate a handful of refinements that make it more distinctive, especially in the higher-end trim. The high-positioned daytime running lamps and the smoothed front upper grille give it a premium look without taking away from its ruggedness.
The available 18- or 20-inch wheels and the tasteful flaring along each side of the vehicle also add to its overall road presence without being obnoxious. In my opinion, Mitsubishi did a great job of blending an aggressive look without being overly flashy.
On this first drive, I tested out Mitsubishi's Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), which delivered a responsive and confident performance, particularly on those tight canyon turns. With five drive modes—Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Snow, Mud/Gravel, it's clear Mitsubishi really wanted to answer drivers' needs in making a smoother and more adaptable driving experience.
While the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine produces a modest 181 horsepower, it handled steep inclines with ease. It doesn't quite have that sporty driving feel you might find in other performance-based SUVs but I don't think that's what Mitsubishi was trying to achieve with the Outlander. Instead they've prioritized a smooth, comfortable drive and in that regard, the 2025 Outlander certainly achieved its goal.
One of the most exciting upgrades for the 2025 Outlander is the debut of Yamaha's first ever in-car sound system integration available in a North American vehicle. Available in two levels—Premium and Ultimate—however all trim levels benefit from Yamaha's wealth of experience in creating unique sound, not just the premium trims. Both configurations are able to produce punchy bass with clear mids and highs.
Mitsubishi went the extra mile by not only prioritizing the sound engineering but they also incorporated additional insulating materials to dampen any noise coming from outside the vehicle. This noise mitigation was noticeably effective even without sound as it drew out the loud bustling boulevard sounds of Los Angeles. Aesthetically, the speakers feature a beautiful metal grille with traditional Japanese patterns, further reinforcing the Outlander's refined yet functional design.
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is an affordable, adventure-ready three-row SUV that delivers a smooth and dependable ride. The addition of Yamaha's premium audio system—which might be overlooked by some—is certainly a wonderful addition to this year's model if you truly savor your music listening experience.
With four trim levels, each offering unique features, the Outlander ensures that drivers can find the right combination of features to match their budget. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a family road-tripper, or simply someone who appreciates a well-rounded SUV, the new Outlander definitely deserves a test drive.
Engine: 2.5-liter, MIVEC DOHC, inline-4
Horsepower/Torque: 181 hp/181 ft-lbs
Transmission: CVT
Towing Capacity: 2,000 pounds
Fuel Economy: 24/31 mpg (2WD) | 24/30 mpg (S-AWC)
Price: From $29,645
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