This week we’re taking a look at the refreshed 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL, a larger than compact-but smaller than midsized SUV that was completely redone in 2022. Technically, this a 3-row SUV, but don’t think of it as that. Consider this to be a two row with a lot of cargo area or use the 3rd-row for your small dog. Just so you know, the Outlander is a joint venture vehicle with Nissan and is based on the same platform as the popular Nissan Rogue.
Exterior
The exterior of the Outlander struck me as very attractive when I walked up to it, especially with the Moonstone Gray paint hue that is so popular these days and a black roof really sets it off.
The in-your-face front fascia has LED driving lights on top, with LED headlights below. I like the big chrome grill, and there are distinctive lines that run along the sides. The flat roof is unusual for today, most slope down, and I like the way it looks with an oversized spoiler on the back.
The 20” chrome wheels with black accents are just beautiful, and it is refreshing to see something other than solid black wheels for a change.
Performance
Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (non-turbo) that is hooked to a continuously variable transmission with shift paddles. While I don’t love CVTs, this one is not annoying, it simulates shifts, and you can actually use the shift paddles and feel a difference. My tester is the Super All-Wheel control system. Horsepower is rated at 181, and it also has 181 pound-feet of torque. From a performance standpoint, I prefer the plug-in hybrid like the last Outlander I reviewed back in 2023, it was terrific.
There are different drive modes available on the console-mounted drive-mode selector that sits just behind the gearshift lever—simply rotate it to cycle through Eco, Normal, Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, and Mud. Tarmac is the substitute for sport mode, and it does make a slight difference in the performance.
Interior
Where this Outlander SEL really shines is when you open the door to reveal a truly luxurious interior, and that is not an exaggeration. This is the SEL trim, which is next to the top-of-the-line Platinum edition, but I can’t imagine how the interior would be any nicer than this one.
The leather seats are not only beautiful, but comfortable, with diamond-quilted designs on them that match the door panels. Stitching is everywhere, including across the dash. This Brick Brown color on the interior looks very rich and elegant.
When you hit the start button, a colorful 12.3inch digital instrument cluster that blends modern digital graphics with traditional analog-style gauges comes to life, delivering both crisp visuals and familiar functionality. It has a multi-information display, a digital speed readout, outside temperature gauge, and configurable safety and drive mode alerts. It is well placed with no glare, making it easy to see. The center console is well done housing the gear shifter, the drive mode knob, the auto hold button, a wireless charger, and USB ports.
Above that, is a 12.3” touchscreen where you operate the sound system, the navigation system, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, real-time information, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is fast, easy to operate, and is one of the best I’ve seen. The cameras are crystal clear and have cross-traffic alert.
2nd row occupants get nice seat back pockets with a place for you cell phone. They also get heated seats, their own temperature controls, USB and USB-C ports, and the 2nd row seats slide and recline.
Now to the 3rd row seats, which should not be there. As I said earlier, do not consider this a 7-passenger SUV, it’s not. Plan to keep the 3rd row seats down and enjoy the cargo area. If you want to put children back there, it would be tight even if they are very small. You have to remove the headrests to fold them down, which is, frankly, antiquated by today’s standards. If you slide the 2nd row seats forward to give the 3rd row more room, the 2nd row is useless. Bottom line: this is a 5-passenger SUV.
Options
Options on my review vehicle include: $795 for the Moonstone Gray paint, the $3,050 Premium package which has semi-aniline premium leather in Brick Brown, headup display, the Yamaha Ultimate sound system, two-tone roof, and a digital rearview mirror with rear camera and HomeLink. The Welcome Package is only $185 and you get a tray mat, carpeted floor mats, and a touch-up paint pen matching the body color.
Finally, the $1,400 Launch Package that includes a Outlander scuff plates, the rear spoiler, a black hood lettering, and ground illumination that shows the Mitsubishi Motors logo.
Standard Features
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL comes standard with three-zone automatic climate control, a power panoramic sunroof with a power cover, 8-way power driver seat with memory and 4-way power passenger seat, heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, heated steering wheel, leather seating, aluminum pedals, front parking sensors, rear privacy glass, capless fuel filler, LED lighting, roof rails, power windows (with one-touch up/down), pushbutton start via FASTKey, remote keyless entry, auto-dimming mirror, manual tilt-and-tele steering, and a Yamaha 8-speaker premium audio system.
Yamaha Sound System
This was my first experience with a Yamaha sound system, and I am super impressed. The Yamaha Premium Sound System with 12 speakers, including dedicated midrange drivers, tweeters, woofers, and a 200mm subwoofer powered by dual amplifiers for a total output of around 1,650 watts.
The system uses specially tuned door panels as acoustic chambers and includes advanced DSP, speed- and climate-compensated volume, and selectable listening modes like Signature, Lively, Powerful, and Relaxing. It’s a collaboration between Yamaha and Mitsubishi, delivering rich, clear audio that rivals premium systems found in more expensive SUVs. As a byproduct, Mitsubishi went to great lengths to quiet the interior of the Outlander to enrich the stereo, but the result was an incredibly quiet cabin and that was not the case in the past.
Safety
On the safety front, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL comes standard with forward collision mitigation, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, driver attention alert, and automatic high beams. It also has RISE which stands for Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution, which is Mitsubishi’s advanced safety body construction combining robust, high-tensile steel cabin reinforcement with engineered crumple zones to absorb and redirect crash energy away from occupants, effectively creating a reinforced safety shell around the passenger compartment.
Ride and Drive
The Outlander drives great, the handling was very good, visibility was great, and in Tarmac mode, the steering was balanced. Acceleration is adequate at best, but if you don’t have a heavy foot, it’ll be OK. Fuel economy is 24 in town, 30 on the highway, and 26 overall.
What You'll Pay
MSRP was a pleasant surprise at $45,930 completely loaded, and that is actually a fantastic value for an attractive 2-row SUV with a lot of cargo area. It also comes with a 10-year, 100,000 mile power train warranty and two years of free maintenance.
Verdict
If you are in the market for a 3-row SUV suitable for adults, this isn’t it, but if five seats for grownups is enough, this should be on your shopping list for sure because it is just a fantastic value. Keep in mind, the plug-in version isn’t a lot more money.
2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL
- What I liked most: The exterior and interior looks and the amazing price.
- What I would change: Just eliminate the 3rd row altogether, and perhaps add a turbo.
- MSRP: Base $38,795, as equipped $45,930 with transportation.
- Fuel Economy: 24 town/30 highway/26 overall.
- Fuel Tank: 14.5 gallons with filler on the passenger side.
- Dimensions: 185.8” long/74.7 with mirrors folded” wide/68.7” high.
- Weight: 3,903 pounds/5,3029 GVWR.
- Trailer Towing: 2,000 pounds.
- Miles When Tested: 1,700 miles.
- Official Color: Moonstone Gray with a Black roof.
- Spare tire: None, repair kit.
- Final Assembly Point: Okazaki, Japan.
- 2025 Outlander in a few words: One of the best values on the market today, and a great SUV.
- Manufacturers website: Mitsubishi
- Warranty: 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, 10-year/100,000 mile power train with roadside assistance, and two-years of free maintenance.
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