Definitely worth a try: The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander

It’s a shame more people don’t consider the Mitsubishi Outlander when shopping for a mid-size crossover for the family.

There are several factors that make it more than worthy of consideration. Chief among them is value, aided and abetted by quality. This is a lot of vehicle for $5,000 to $10,000 less than similarly equipped competitors.

The Outlander straddles the line between compact and mid-size crossovers. The shadow it casts is compact, while the people and cargo space are closer to mid-size.

The third-row seat is small and not easy to access. But while it has those drawbacks, it is there for that occasional need without having to drive and feed a larger vehicle.  Think of it as a bonus bench when you have to ferry that extra player or two to practice or guests are in town.

Pure Mitsubishi, despite hidden Nissan touches

As a result of its partnership with Nissan, the Outlander shares many of its hidden points with the Nissan Rogue. But the interior, drivetrain and all the stuff you see and touch, are pure Mitsubishi.

The fourth generation Outlander has been around in its current guise for four years.

There are very few changes for model year 2025. The visual updates include a new grill, front bumper, taillights and wheel designs. It remains distinct in a field of sameness with a decidedly masculine look.

The changes you can’t see, include revisions to the electric power steering system and new springs and shock absorbers. The result is a smooth ride and an alacrity that belies its size and height.

Inside the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander, you are treated to a very upscale experience.

Fit, finish and overall design and ergonomics are excellent. There is a new centre console and the new “Brick Brown” leather upholstery with diamond stitching on the seats and door panels is decidedly upscale.

For the 2025 model year, a 31-cm infotainment screen replaces the 20-cm unit used previously. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now wirelessly accessible.

Audiophiles will appreciate the 12-speaker, 1650-watt Yamaha Ultimate audio system in the 2025 Outlander.

Crisp, clear sound without the need for excessive volume shows the effort spent integrating the system into this particular vehicle. Yamaha sound engineers say they went to great lengths to compensate for outside interference. It shows.

The front seats are comfy and supportive for a wide range of sizes. The rears are somewhat raised making it necessary for tall folks to stoop when getting in. Visibility is excellent in all directions thanks to a low beltline and lots of glass.

My only gripe with the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is the drivetrain, specifically the performance.

The normally-aspirated 2.5-litre four cylinder does a decent job of motivation but it is far from exciting. This is a fairly large vehicle that would benefit from more than 181 lb. ft. of torque and 181 horsepower.

The sophisticated all-wheel-drive system takes the worry out of winter, especially when paired with a set of quality winter tires.

There are several different drive modes you can play with via a console-mounted knob, but you’ll probably just leave the system to its own devices and never know the difference. The same can be said of the shift paddles on the steering column.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander offers excellent quality, a smooth and quiet ride and the flexibility of a third row of seats for occasional use. But most importantly a full slate of features at a very competitive price.

FACTS & FIGURES – 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander GT S-AWC

PRICE

Base: $46,498

As tested: $49,748 including freight

SAFETY

LED headlights with automatic high beams, headlight washers, lane departure prevention and warning, forward collision mitigation, rear automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, active blind spot assist, rear cross traffic alert, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, front and rear park sensors, driver attention alert

INFOTAINMENT

Type-C USB ports front and second row, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, wireless smart phone charger, embedded navigation, 31-cm infotainment screen, 12-speaker Yamaha Ultimate audio system, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, satellite radio

STANDARD EQUIPMENT

Adaptive cruise control, heated and ventilated front seats, heated second row seats, six-way power driver seat, four-way power passenger seat,  40/20/40 split second row seat, leather appointed seats, three-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, multi-view camera system, heated steering wheel, 31-cm driver information centre, 27-cm colour heads up display, height-adjustable hands-free power liftgate, rear door sunshades, 20-inch alloy wheels, power folding mirrors, panoramic sunroof

SIGNIFICANT OPTIONS

GT Premium package (semi-aniline leather seats, digital rear view mirror) $1,000

MECHANICAL

2.5-litre four-cylinder, 181 horsepower, 181 lb.-ft. of torque, regular fuel, continuously variable automatic transmission, all-wheel-drive. NRCan rating (litres/100km city/highway): 9.8/7.9

DIMENSIONS

Length, 4,710 mm; width, 1,862 mm; wheelbase, 2,706 mm; weight, 1,790 kg

COMPETITION

Kia Niro, Toyota RAV4 Prime