Car Review: 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Has Below Average Cost, Above Average Features

EAST HADDAM, CT -At $44,675 fully loaded (and delivered with a full tank of gas), the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is clearly below the current U.S. average new car price which, according to Kelley Blue Book, is $48,724.  

But when you start to go through the features and specifications list, it’s obviously an above average alternative. Particularly in high-line SEL trim.

As a relatively small-volume, limited-market manufacturer, Mitsubishi has worked hard to set itself apart in the ever-crowded sport utility crossover segment. Its current Outlander relies on Nissan Rogue underpinnings to reduce manufacturing cost, which makes a lot of sense on paper.

The truth is, though, the common Nissan-Mitsu powertrain could be a bit more refined. A 2.5-liter, four-cylinder Direct Injection engine delivers a somewhat raspy 181 horsepower and coincidentally, 181 lb.-ft. torque. It works OK (24 City/31 Hwy MPG) but wails a little when you put the pedal to the metal. So does the chassis.

It’s mated to an eight-speed Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is somewhat of an oxymoron. Because by definition, CVT’s don’t have fixed ratios. They can be programmed to mimic shift points, though. And when it comes to this Nissan-made example, it was a bit wishy-washy as they usually are in the way in which output is distributed, so the Outlander is so saddled by association.

Giving credit where credit is due, Mitsubishi instilled its own sense of style into the Outlander, creating a unique identity despite the shared underbody origins. For 2025, a new front grille, LED headlight treatment, LED taillight design and delicate, 20-inch alloy wheel package serve to refine its distinctive stance. 

It’s also truly right-sized for what’s becoming a more congested world around us, because it’s neither too big nor too small. It’s tall and broad shouldered, and in harmony with its surroundings. The Outlander offers good ingress and egress, but outward visibility is constrained a bit up front by a high, blocky hoodline.

The aesthetic appeal was built upon a forward moving presence, that was intended to be both “authentic and majestic.” The chiseled lines of a “Dynamic Shield” front fascia, with obtrusive lower light clusters, are quite bold to say the least. Interestingly, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander achieved four Overall NHTSA Safety Stars while the Nissan Rogue on which it’s based rates five. That is assumedly the result of its brand-specific, front and rear end treatments. 

On the inside where owners spend the vast bulk of their time, the Outlander proved above average and was considerately updated for 2025. According to the factory media materials, the refreshed interior includes “a new center console design more focused around ease of use and comfort, new colors, upgraded features and a significantly upgraded audio system (from Yamaha) on all trim levels.” This is the first time that Yamaha has developed an in-car audio system for a North American-market vehicle.

Mine featured luxurious and luscious medium Brown Semi-Aniline Leather appointed upholstery that’s perforated and diamond tufted along with quilted, Brick Brown synthetic Leather door inserts. A 12.3-inch Digital Display tablet supplements a 12.3-inch Digital Driver Instrumentation package. And the expansive list of accommodating appointments just accelerates from there.

Leather-wrapped shift knob and a likewise heated steering wheel, eight-way power adjustable heated and ventilated driver’s seat, heated second row seats, third row seating (with fixed head restraints that unfortunately stick up like popsicles), LED footlights, Power Panoramic sunroof, 3-zone automatic climate, rear door sunshades, and more – for something below average new-car cost.

The list of standard safety and security features is just as extensive. In fact, the window sticker lists 29 such subsystems that are dedicated to owner and occupant well-being. There are also such graciously appreciated niceties as all-wheel drive, a front windshield wiper de-icer and a hands-free power liftgate.

But, wait, there’s more. In keeping with an advantage that newfound Korean competition fostered (that other Japanese brands haven’t followed) the Okazaki-made Mitsubishi includes a standard, 10-year/100,000-mile confidence-inspiring Limited Powertrain Warranty along with free 2-year/30,000-mile Limited Maintenance. In light of all the recent tariff turmoil, there’s already talk of assembling the Outlander in an underutilized Nissan U.S. manufacturing plant which could further support its established price/value advantage.

If you’d like to “Drive your Ambition” as Mitsubishi says, you can certainly do so for less than the average cost of a new car in an Outlander. And you’ll simultaneously be rewarded with an above average level of content and consideration. While simultaneously having something that everyone else doesn’t.

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(Photos courtesy of Mitsubishi unless otherwise noted.)