Overview

What's New for 2025

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is available with a standard gas engine or as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The standard gas-only Outlander is offered in ES, SE, SE Black Edition, SEL, and SEL Platinum Edition trims. The PHEV model is available in ES, SE, SE Ralliart, SEL, SEL Black Edition, and SEL Platinum Edition trims. Gas models come standard with front-wheel drive and available all-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is standard on the plug-in hybrid models. The SEL Black Edition is the popular trim, but we recommend the SEL plug-in hybrid model. We'll explain why.

ES

The base ES includes 18-inch alloy wheels, fabric seat upholstery, a third row of seats (seven-passenger capacity), remote keyless entry and ignition, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mitsubishi-connected services, a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, automatic dual-zone climate control, forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, a blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert, automatic reverse braking, rear parking sensors, a rear-seat passenger reminder, automatic high beams, and a driver attention monitor. Opting for all-wheel drive in any trim level adds more drive modes, a windshield wiper de-icer, and headlight washers.

SE

The SE trim adds 20-inch alloy wheels, LED fog lights, power-folding and heated side mirrors, a power liftgate, keyless entry, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, an eight-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, synthetic leather upholstery, a 9-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, navigation, rear USB ports, HD Radio, a multi-view camera system, rain-sensing wipers, front parking sensors, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning.

SE Black Edition

The gas-only SE Black Edition adds the following upgrades to the regular SE: 20-inch black alloy wheels, black front and rear bumpers, black door-handle trims and side mirrors, and a digital instrument panel.

SE Ralliart

Available only as a plug-in hybrid, the SE Ralliart gets special 20-inch wheels and distinctive exterior trim.

SEL

The SEL adds a wireless charging pad, leather upholstery, driver's seat memory settings, a four-way power-adjustable passenger's seat, heated rear seats, rear door sunshades, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and automatic three-zone climate control.

The SEL PHEV is our pick of the trim lineup. It includes additional comfort features as well as available options packages.

SEL Black Edition

The plug-in hybrid-only SEL Black Edition gets the same black wheels and trim as the SE Black Edition.

SEL Platinum Edition

The SEL Platinum Edition makes an impact with black paint, a silver roof, and several other interior and exterior styling enhancements.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander non-hybrid features a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine putting out 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque, teamed with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). It's adequate for driving around town, but getting up to 60 mph takes longer than 9 seconds, and passing once you get there is a challenge.

Though the engine is lackluster, the Outlander handles well with quick responses and confidence-inspiring control even at higher speeds. It keeps road and wind noise at bay, and only the worst potholes jar passengers. Even rough road surfaces don't rattle the Outlander's composure. Drive modes are Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Normal, and Eco. All-wheel-drive models also get a Mud mode for better off-road performance. The Outlander can tow up to 2,000 pounds. But given its already strained acceleration, towing isn't likely to be a pleasurable experience.

The plug-in hybrid engine delivers stronger performance, featuring a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine matched to two electric motors (one each for the front and rear axles) that are fed by a 20-kWh lithium-ion battery mounted in the floor. Combined output is 248 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque, enough to move the PHEV to 60 mph in about 7 seconds.

Increases in horsepower and torque make this engine far more responsive. It is also the only plug-in hybrid currently available that can use DC fast charging, which takes the battery pack from 10% to 80% in just 38 minutes. In electric-only mode, the Outlander PHEV should return 38 miles of driving range.

The Nissan Rogue has less horsepower from its non-hybrid engine, but its lower weight helps give it stronger acceleration. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is much more powerful and quick, while the plug-in Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sorento trail by only a fraction of a second. The Honda CR-V has a peppy turbocharged engine that makes highway merges and acceleration effortless, as well as a responsive hybrid model.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) hasn’t released estimates for the 2025 Outlander; however, the gas-powered 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander is rated at 24 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway with all-wheel drive. Choosing front-wheel-drive improves highway fuel economy to 31 mpg. They're good numbers, but not particularly strong for the class. With 38 miles of EV range per charge, the PHEV could be an excellent choice for those with shorter commutes and access to chargers. But once its battery is depleted, the PHEV's fuel economy is disappointingly comparable to that of gas-only Outlanders.

The Nissan Rogue gets a wide range of fuel economy figures, depending on the trim, but its highest gas ratings are better than the Outlander's. The Volkswagen Tiguan has lower fuel economy all around, while the Honda CR-V has a more fuel-efficient gas engine. The plug-in Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sorento have a shorter EV range but much better fuel economy when the battery is depleted. The Toyota RAV4 Prime has a longer EV range and better fuel economy.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet rated the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander, but it awarded the very similar 2024 Outlander four out of five stars for overall, frontal, and rollover crash protection. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hasn’t released ratings for the 2025 model, but gave the 2024 Outlander and Outlander PHEV top ratings of Good in all tests and named them both 2023 Top Safety Picks.

Standard features include forward-collision mitigation with pedestrian detection, driver attention alert, rear-seat passenger reminders, automatic high beams, blind-spot warning with lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, rear automatic emergency braking, cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Options include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning, front parking sensors, and traffic sign recognition.

The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is a solid contender in the compact-SUV segment. It's one of the few with three rows of seating, and its cabin is nicely appointed. Extensive standard safety features and a large standard infotainment screen with good connectivity enhance its appeal. Its plug-in hybrid lineup makes it an even more compelling option. Those who want fuel economy from a standard gas engine will prefer the Honda CR-V or Nissan Rogue, but neither offers a third row. The Toyota RAV4 has a more responsive engine, and the Subaru Forester provides standard all-wheel drive and a lower starting price.

The Outlander PHEV is an admirable pick, though the plug-in Hyundai Tucson is more affordable and is comparable when it comes to efficiency. The Kia Sorento is in the same boat, but it's only available in a rather expensive top trim. The Toyota RAV4 Prime is one of the most efficient and its starting price is only slightly more than that of the Outlander PHEV.

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Honda CR-V

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Hyundai Tucson

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Kia Sorento

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Nissan Rogue

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Subaru Forester

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota RAV4

Mitsubishi Outlander vs. Toyota RAV4 Prime