2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Review - America's Last Compact 3-Row SUV Is Quirky, But Worth A Look
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Date: 2025-08-02
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Comments and reviews: 20
nikolayrayanov2895
I think Mitsubishi has done a great job with the refresh. The new petrol version you guys have in the US and Canada is definitely a much better car than it was before. In Europe we got the new PHEV, it's 306 hp (225 kW, battery is about 10-12% bigger (22, 7 kWh, which effectively gets you over 60 miles (to be honest if you are mindful of the pedal, coast with B0, and just use the paddle shifters when stopping should be over 70 miles. Of course, price is also bigger compared to the old generation. Talking about a roughly 20% increase (we only have the PHEV in Europe; the petrol version is not available. Btw, the PHEV was the best-selling PHEV in Canada for 2024.
They have done a great job with soundproofing, the way the car feels and drives, and I think the new multimedia and cameras are great. As for the Yamana sound system, especially the premium one, I don't think I've ever heard a better one. I'm especially impressed by the fact that it takes into account rain and AC.
The 1. 5 turbo engine of Mitsubishi is not bad at all, and in APAC and China, it's already mated to a HEV system, so I think Mitsubishi will try to go in this direction, first introduce 1. 5 petrol only, then, in a few years, offer it as a HEV.
They are also constantly doing tweaks. I've heard of a few other changes expected for the 2026 PHEV in Europe as well (minor changes.
The only thing I don't like, and I think they did overlook, are the new paddle shifters. They feel really, really cheap. I love my 2020 Canadian GT PHEV and love to play with those magnesium paddle shifters to get the best mileage possible. When I drove the new PHEV the other day, I was left disappointed by how low-quality, cheap plastic they have used for the new model's paddle shifters. But the fact that this is the only minus I found tells you Mitsubishi has done a great job and built a really, really solid vehicle.
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I think Mitsubishi has done a great job with the refresh. The new petrol version you guys have in the US and Canada is definitely a much better car than it was before. In Europe we got the new PHEV, it's 306 hp (225 kW, battery is about 10-12% bigger (22, 7 kWh, which effectively gets you over 60 miles (to be honest if you are mindful of the pedal, coast with B0, and just use the paddle shifters when stopping should be over 70 miles. Of course, price is also bigger compared to the old generation. Talking about a roughly 20% increase (we only have the PHEV in Europe; the petrol version is not available. Btw, the PHEV was the best-selling PHEV in Canada for 2024.
They have done a great job with soundproofing, the way the car feels and drives, and I think the new multimedia and cameras are great. As for the Yamana sound system, especially the premium one, I don't think I've ever heard a better one. I'm especially impressed by the fact that it takes into account rain and AC.
The 1. 5 turbo engine of Mitsubishi is not bad at all, and in APAC and China, it's already mated to a HEV system, so I think Mitsubishi will try to go in this direction, first introduce 1. 5 petrol only, then, in a few years, offer it as a HEV.
They are also constantly doing tweaks. I've heard of a few other changes expected for the 2026 PHEV in Europe as well (minor changes.
The only thing I don't like, and I think they did overlook, are the new paddle shifters. They feel really, really cheap. I love my 2020 Canadian GT PHEV and love to play with those magnesium paddle shifters to get the best mileage possible. When I drove the new PHEV the other day, I was left disappointed by how low-quality, cheap plastic they have used for the new model's paddle shifters. But the fact that this is the only minus I found tells you Mitsubishi has done a great job and built a really, really solid vehicle.
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boborambow
I wish there were more 3 row small vehicles. Some of my favorite cars right now are this Outlander and the Mercedes GLB. Small and efficient. But you know a lot buyers just look at a spec sheet and see that cars without the 3rd row, even though they could fit it, have more cargo room. Even though it’s not really usable cargo room. How many people are loading up their cars regularly to the roof
Also, the folding middle seat! Gosh, it drives me NUTSSSSS! That mainly European cars do that. It is so convenient. It’s half the reason, genuinely, we leased a Nissan rogue 6 or so years ago. We use it constantly in the winter for skiing. So the fact they have that is an automatic bonus above all the other competition.
With the tax credit, the Outlander PHEV lease is definitely the way to go. I will be curious to see the lease, and other leases, after the credit expires.
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I wish there were more 3 row small vehicles. Some of my favorite cars right now are this Outlander and the Mercedes GLB. Small and efficient. But you know a lot buyers just look at a spec sheet and see that cars without the 3rd row, even though they could fit it, have more cargo room. Even though it’s not really usable cargo room. How many people are loading up their cars regularly to the roof
Also, the folding middle seat! Gosh, it drives me NUTSSSSS! That mainly European cars do that. It is so convenient. It’s half the reason, genuinely, we leased a Nissan rogue 6 or so years ago. We use it constantly in the winter for skiing. So the fact they have that is an automatic bonus above all the other competition.
With the tax credit, the Outlander PHEV lease is definitely the way to go. I will be curious to see the lease, and other leases, after the credit expires.
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ivanpen8264
3rd row it's very useful. We traveled from Miami to Tampasix people and a dog. It's all about adjusting the first two rows of seats to make room for the third row, and placing the shorter people in the third row. We were very comfortable, and that way we avoided having to take two vehicles. With just one vehicle, we were able to make the trip, and everything went great. I love your reviews. I always look forward to seeing a new one. I had been waiting for you to do the one on the Mitsubishi Outlander. Thank you so much for your work. You're a very objective person, and you speak with a lot of knowledge. Thank you!
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3rd row it's very useful. We traveled from Miami to Tampasix people and a dog. It's all about adjusting the first two rows of seats to make room for the third row, and placing the shorter people in the third row. We were very comfortable, and that way we avoided having to take two vehicles. With just one vehicle, we were able to make the trip, and everything went great. I love your reviews. I always look forward to seeing a new one. I had been waiting for you to do the one on the Mitsubishi Outlander. Thank you so much for your work. You're a very objective person, and you speak with a lot of knowledge. Thank you!
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markmiller3279
The Sorento always made more sense as a part-time third row crossover. The smaller ones don't fit anyone very well. With kids required to be in booster seats for a number of years, getting them in and out of a very small third row isn't very practical. You might get a few years where they fit back there, but then they get too tall.
Better to just get something a little bigger that can handle kids for longer, like the Sorento or Highlander, or just jump all the way up to larger options like the Telluride or Grand Highlander. If you keep your cars until they die, the annual cost difference will be modest.
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The Sorento always made more sense as a part-time third row crossover. The smaller ones don't fit anyone very well. With kids required to be in booster seats for a number of years, getting them in and out of a very small third row isn't very practical. You might get a few years where they fit back there, but then they get too tall.
Better to just get something a little bigger that can handle kids for longer, like the Sorento or Highlander, or just jump all the way up to larger options like the Telluride or Grand Highlander. If you keep your cars until they die, the annual cost difference will be modest.
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TheMELTDOWN911
Honestly I LOVE the 2. 5L Nissan engine with the CVT transmission, my 2022 SEL Launch Edition is smooth as butter, no turbos, no supercharger, very simple setup, I have driven it for 43K miles I have to report NO visits to the dealer for any corrective maintenance only for oil changes, is kind of boring because I have own only Chrysler & Jeep vehicles all my life so I was used to going to the dealership every month or every 2 weeks to fix something! LOL!
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Honestly I LOVE the 2. 5L Nissan engine with the CVT transmission, my 2022 SEL Launch Edition is smooth as butter, no turbos, no supercharger, very simple setup, I have driven it for 43K miles I have to report NO visits to the dealer for any corrective maintenance only for oil changes, is kind of boring because I have own only Chrysler & Jeep vehicles all my life so I was used to going to the dealership every month or every 2 weeks to fix something! LOL!
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MugatuJag
Am I the only one insanely perplexed as to why Mitsubishi decided to spend the time and money into putting a completely new audio system from Yamaha into a car that's been around for years and should be getting a completely new Gen in the next two years. I'm very interested in hearing the new Yamaha system both the bass and the up level. but very odd.
Then again it's Mitsubishi so I guess there doesn't need to be a Rhyme or Reason LOL
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Am I the only one insanely perplexed as to why Mitsubishi decided to spend the time and money into putting a completely new audio system from Yamaha into a car that's been around for years and should be getting a completely new Gen in the next two years. I'm very interested in hearing the new Yamaha system both the bass and the up level. but very odd.
Then again it's Mitsubishi so I guess there doesn't need to be a Rhyme or Reason LOL
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dankendell8324
Sorry, why to reviewers continue to mention and recommend Mitsubishi To the vast majority of the US, this is an instant orphan auto. It may have a storied past but for most of us the nearest dealership is 100 mi away and service is only m-f 9-5. Why would I do this logistics nightmare when honda, toyota and hyundai are plentiful
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Sorry, why to reviewers continue to mention and recommend Mitsubishi To the vast majority of the US, this is an instant orphan auto. It may have a storied past but for most of us the nearest dealership is 100 mi away and service is only m-f 9-5. Why would I do this logistics nightmare when honda, toyota and hyundai are plentiful
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keytothegate68
The 2026 engine will be a 1. 5 Liter Turbo. Consider yourself lucky if you get the current engine. There are motorcycles that use 1. 5 Turbo and this is supposed to be a three row SUV where somehow 7 people should fit. The only improvement the current model needs is to get rid of the third seat and replace it with a spare tire.
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The 2026 engine will be a 1. 5 Liter Turbo. Consider yourself lucky if you get the current engine. There are motorcycles that use 1. 5 Turbo and this is supposed to be a three row SUV where somehow 7 people should fit. The only improvement the current model needs is to get rid of the third seat and replace it with a spare tire.
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kubi0461
I can put a fire extinguishing in my vehicle, but it doesn't make it a fire truck any more than this being an actual 3 row vehicle. I'd love this thing without the 3rd row and all of the additional storage it would bring, or at least in PHEV form. I'm not a fan of this regular version, but really like the phev.
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I can put a fire extinguishing in my vehicle, but it doesn't make it a fire truck any more than this being an actual 3 row vehicle. I'd love this thing without the 3rd row and all of the additional storage it would bring, or at least in PHEV form. I'm not a fan of this regular version, but really like the phev.
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rightlanehog3151
Alex, I am so old that I remember the 3rd generation RAV4 with an optional 3rd row. To give the Outlander full credit, it shares a sliding, 40/20/40 second row seat 10: 32 with the generation of RAV4 that offered 3 rows and a V6 option.
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Alex, I am so old that I remember the 3rd generation RAV4 with an optional 3rd row. To give the Outlander full credit, it shares a sliding, 40/20/40 second row seat 10: 32 with the generation of RAV4 that offered 3 rows and a V6 option.
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jonathans. 5663
It's likely that the 1. 5L mild hybrid setup for 2026 will be similar to their implementation in the Chinese market Outlander. 161 bhp and 207 lb/ft of torque. Hopefully we'll see some efficiency gains from the hybrid setup!
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It's likely that the 1. 5L mild hybrid setup for 2026 will be similar to their implementation in the Chinese market Outlander. 161 bhp and 207 lb/ft of torque. Hopefully we'll see some efficiency gains from the hybrid setup!
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crazylala2003
Spot on with the fuel economy clarifications on the PHEV. Based on my experience with my 2023 PHEV when running on empty battery, 23-24 mpg on long trips when going 80 mph, over 30 mpg at lower speeds, and 26 mpg combined.
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Spot on with the fuel economy clarifications on the PHEV. Based on my experience with my 2023 PHEV when running on empty battery, 23-24 mpg on long trips when going 80 mph, over 30 mpg at lower speeds, and 26 mpg combined.
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james2042
No, strongly disagree. Third row is the worst part about this car and that's saying something as it has a cvt. When mitsubishi decides to offer a 2 row version is when I'll buy the phev. Until then I'll just get a rav4 phev.
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No, strongly disagree. Third row is the worst part about this car and that's saying something as it has a cvt. When mitsubishi decides to offer a 2 row version is when I'll buy the phev. Until then I'll just get a rav4 phev.
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valdius85
I wished there was a setting to remove these fake stepped shifts.
My Forester does the same thing and it annoys me.
I only sometimes put the paddle to the floor, making when merging motorways etc.
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I wished there was a setting to remove these fake stepped shifts.
My Forester does the same thing and it annoys me.
I only sometimes put the paddle to the floor, making when merging motorways etc.
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ATLOffroad
Although my heart is with Mitsubishi after owning a 96 Eclipse I would probably buy a Kia Sorento for the extra interior room and the fact you can go 550 miles on a tank of gas in the hybrid.
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Although my heart is with Mitsubishi after owning a 96 Eclipse I would probably buy a Kia Sorento for the extra interior room and the fact you can go 550 miles on a tank of gas in the hybrid.
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faheemabbas3965
The next-Gen Delica that Mitsubishi confirmed is coming to America before 2030 cannot come fast enough.
(Yes they confirmed this, look at Mitsubishi Momentum 2030)
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The next-Gen Delica that Mitsubishi confirmed is coming to America before 2030 cannot come fast enough.
(Yes they confirmed this, look at Mitsubishi Momentum 2030)
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glenf4115
22: 35 RE fuel economy:
Maybe switch fuel efficiency translation to liters rather than imperial gallons The last holdout for imperial gallons are Caribbean islands.
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22: 35 RE fuel economy:
Maybe switch fuel efficiency translation to liters rather than imperial gallons The last holdout for imperial gallons are Caribbean islands.
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Splendid_Lad
In 2025, the only vehicles Mitsubishi offers in the US are crossovers/SUVs. What a sad line up. I always thought of Mitsubishi as the lowest tier of the Japanese brands.
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In 2025, the only vehicles Mitsubishi offers in the US are crossovers/SUVs. What a sad line up. I always thought of Mitsubishi as the lowest tier of the Japanese brands.
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jonathans. 5663
Hey Alex - FYI, the Yamaha system is STANDARD on all trims. You get an 8-speaker system on the lower trims and the 12-speaker system as optional/on the higher trims
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Hey Alex - FYI, the Yamaha system is STANDARD on all trims. You get an 8-speaker system on the lower trims and the 12-speaker system as optional/on the higher trims
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huntmachine4505
Mitsubishi, ax the third row all together and reduce the price $500. Makes more sense than giving consumers a third row that cannot be used by humans.
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Mitsubishi, ax the third row all together and reduce the price $500. Makes more sense than giving consumers a third row that cannot be used by humans.
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