Mitsubishi's Outlander utility vehicle has long been a popular choice with buyers in the market for a reasonably sized SUV. This is at least partly due to its rugged looks, spacious cabin and available plug-in hybrid power system.
The current-generation model, which was launched for 2022, owes its existence to the similar Nissan Rogue, which arrived a year earlier and is the template for the Mitsubishi version (both Nissan and Mitsubishi along with Renault are members of the same consortium).
The Outlander looks and drives like a larger model. Surprisingly, compared to the Honda CR-V there乌鸦传媒檚 barely any sizable difference between the two, other than about a 2.5-inch difference in body height that favours the Outlander.
For 2025 the Outlander, one of only three vehicles in Mitsubishi乌鸦传媒檚 lineup, receives minor 乌鸦传媒� as in barely noticeable 乌鸦传媒� changes to the bodywork. The interior乌鸦传媒檚 floor console has been redesigned for extra storage capacity and there乌鸦传媒檚 a new standard Yamaha sound system. Mitsubishi also saw fit to add more sound insulation to ensure a quieter cabin.
There乌鸦传媒檚 no change to the Outlander乌鸦传媒檚 standard three rows of seats that provide space for seven passengers. But like the recently redesigned Hyundai Santa Fe that received an added third row it乌鸦传媒檚 best occupied by small children and/or pets. Both second- and third-row seats are split folding, which lets you configure a variety of passenger and cargo arrangements.
Back for 2025, the base 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine is rated at 181 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.
The Outlander PHEV (plug-in hybrid) version, which physically remains unchanged for 2025, comes with a 350-volt battery pack that supports the 114-horsepower front motor and 134-horsepower rear motor. Both combine with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder to produce 248 horsepower and 332 pound-feet.
All-wheel drive is standard with both variants.
Both the gasoline-only and PHEV power systems are linked to continuously variable transmissions with built-in steps that somewhat mimic a geared automatic.
Fuel economy for the base 2.5 is rated at 9.7 l/100 km in the city, 7.7 l/100 km highway and 8.8 l/100 km combined.
With the battery fully charged the PHEV is rated at 3.6 l/100 km in combined city/highway driving and provides an estimated 61 kilometres of range before the gasoline engine engages. With the battery depleted that number increases to 9.0 l/100 km combined.
The 2.5 nonhybrid is reasonably nimble and somewhat growly under hard acceleration. But the updated suspension setup does a decent job of soaking up the pavement乌鸦传媒檚 lumps and bumps. With its greater torque the Outlander PHEV gets up to speed at an even faster clip, but, not surprisingly, the harder you push it, the sooner the estimated battery range will become depleted. Driven at lower speeds and in stop-and-go traffic is where the PHEV stands out.
All Outlanders come with seven selectable drive modes including Eco, Normal, Tarmac (pavement), Gravel, Snow and Mud that vary the engine, transmission and steering programming.
Towing capacity for the gasoline Outlander is only 2,000 pounds. That reduces to 1,500 pounds for the PHEV.
The base Outlander ES costs $37,600 or $50,700 for the base ES S-AWC PHEV, including destination costs. Included in the prices are dual-zone climate control, six-speaker audio system, 8.0-inch display plus a grouping of active-safety technologies such as blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert that assists when backing up.
Depending on the trim, the rest of the field comes with items such as a power-adjustable driver乌鸦传媒檚 seat, heated front seats, 9.0-inch touch-screen with navigation, and a multi-view camera.
The range-topping GT Premium edition ($49,500) is fitted with tri-zone climate control, quilted leather seat covers, a power-adjustable passenger seat panoramic sunroof and a 12.3-inch digital driver乌鸦传媒檚 information display.
The new Outlander Trail edition that乌鸦传媒檚 fitted with special off-road content is expected later this year.
From a style and content perspective, Mitsubishi乌鸦传媒檚 top-selling Outlander stands apart from the other utilities in their class. Factoring in the PHEV edition adds to the Outlander乌鸦传媒檚 something-for-everyone approach.
