By Kimatni D. Rawlins
The Mitsubishi Outlander has been cruising U.S. roads for over two decades now and continues to see year-over-year sales increases. The seven-seat, three-row SUV can be a winner for consumers looking for a Japanese crossover blessed with sporty styling, rugged capabilities, evolving technology, and value pricing.
I jetted to Los Angeles where Mitsubishi set up its 2025 Outlander media drive and press event from Edge Studios to coincide with donations and relief efforts for victims of the catastrophic Los Angeles fires. Working with corporations who care about our communities and rightfully give back in times of need is always a blessing. In this case, Mitsubishi donated to four charities: Pasadena Humane, American Red Cross, Los Angeles Fire Department, and World Central Kitchen (WCK), which kept affected residents fed throughout the ordeal. Since my lifestyle is predicated on health and wellness with a focus on nutritional eating, I was paired with WCF for the relief efforts. Bravo Mitsubishi!
At Edge Studios I was impressed by the vehicle’s chiseled body, updated “Dynamic Shield” grille, dazzling 20″ two-tone alloy rims wrapped in Toyo all-season tires, tall LED headlamps, power liftgate with adjustable height controls, power panoramic sunroof, and the curated interior that immediately caught my attention. According to Mitsubishi, the design ethos is designated from the phrase “I-Fu-Do-Do,” which equates to “authentic and majestic” in Japanese. While everyone demanded the new Moonstone Gray hue, my drive partner Scotty Reiss and I selected a top-of-the-line Outlander SEL in Graphite Gray with a blacktop roof and a Brick Brown-themed cabin highlighted by diamond stitching, perfect for filming. An ES and SE trim are also at your disposal. Moreover, A Black Edition will arrive shortly.
“This new Outlander is bold, powerful, strong and stands out on the road,” said Mark Chaffin, Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.’s president and CEO. “Since the launch of this generation of Outlander in 2021, the vehicle has been key to Mitsubishi Motors’ successes here in the U.S. and around the world.”
One of the most significant changes of the updated Outlander is the addition of the new Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate (12 speakers and subwoofer) and Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium (8 speakers) audio systems. Created through passion and technology, Yamaha replaced the prior Bose system. With a long 130-year and innovative musical instrument history, this is the first time Yamaha has implemented a vehicle setup in North America. The two Japanese brands collaborated due to similar values and philosophies, such as the speaker grilles, which showcase a trendiness of Japanese patterned motifs. From digital to acoustic sound, Yamaha utilizes the talents of Sound Meisters (exceptional sound engineers) to create rhythmic emotion. The Yamaha Ultimate was particularly engaging, as I discovered when jamming to the melodious flow of “Thee Sacred Souls.”
A few other Outlander changes include the Horizontal Axis interior design theme, the usage of enhanced materials, a refreshed center console, aluminum pedals, LED interior lights, ventilated front seats, a frameless digital rearview mirror (though I’m not a fan) with the Homelink garage door opener, and the digital touchscreen display which went from 9” to 12.3” thankfully. The size of the prior infotainment system was definitely too small. Within the cabin, I also appreciated the double-pained windows for noise reduction, genuine aluminum trim, multi-view cameras, smartphone wireless charging, window shades, physical knobs, dynamic navigation graphics, a 12.3” Digital Driver Display instrument cluster, and USB-c ports. In the rear, the third row folds out from the floor, but its use is for emergencies or small kids since long hauls would be uncomfortable.
The Outlander felt smooth, quick, and somewhat energetic on the road. Though, I would like more throttle response from the 2.5L DOHC 4-cylinder gasoline engine that distributes a respectable 181-horsepower and 181 lb.-ft. of torque. It pairs with an 8-speed sport mode CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) with paddle shifters featured behind the Outlander’s leather-wrapped steering wheel. Six drive modes are selectable through a rotary dial to help tackle adverse weather or to venture effortlessly through icy, wet, or muddy terrain. They include Normal, Eco, Mud, Gravel, Snow, and Tarmac mode (rapid acceleration on dry roads).
Available in FWD, the Outlander’s superpower is actually Super All-Wheel Control, aka S-AWC, which is Mitsubishi’s patented all-wheel drive (AWD) system. Together with a retuned suspension and updated steering, S-AWC will allow the SUV to literally run circles around you in any weather conditions, especially wintry. A confident driver is a safer driver, making the Japan-engineered AWD extraordinary. S-AWC has been around since 2007 on the Evolution and 2010 for the Outlander XLS, offering traction, stability, and handling performance. In fact, the godfather of S-AWC, Sawase-san, chief engineer at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Japan was in attendance during a previous winter drive in Canada to showcase the AWD system’s incredible technologies. This man belongs in a rally series because he’s gifted behind the wheel. The Outlander S-AWC creates superior gripping and agility capabilities for various driving tasks. Moreover, when an explosive maneuver is required, the Outlander moves dramatically from right to left with aplomb.
The starting MSRP for the 2025 Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC I tested is just $38,795 (excluding $1,495 destination/handling) while my outfitted package totaled $44,675. Also, expect the Mitsubishi Motors Confidence plan consisting of a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and two years of complimentary limited maintenance. Safety and convenience packages include Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Alert, Automatic High Beam, Hill Descent Control, Traffic Sign Recognition, and much more.
Unquestionably, progress must continue for Mitsubishi to take over the consciousness of auto buyers since Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, and Kia also come to mind when you think of Asian automakers. But the plan is simple for the brand as customers only need to experience the Outlander directly to become believers.
