The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is a standout choice for small families, offering a perfect balance of practicality, efficiency, and a touch of luxury. With its third row of seats—something no other compact SUV offers—it stands out as an excellent option for families who need extra space without stepping up to a larger, more expensive vehicle. While the third row may be best suited for children or short trips, it’s a rarity in this segment and adds a significant level of versatility for families with small children.
One of the Outlander’s biggest strengths is its upscale interior. Mitsubishi has done an impressive job making the cabin feel a class above its competitors. Soft-touch materials and quilted leather seats give the Outlander a luxurious feel, making it a comfortable place to spend time. The available 12-speaker Yamaha audio system elevates the in-cabin experience even further, providing crisp, clear sound.
Technology also gets a major upgrade in the 2025 Outlander. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen, which replaces the previous 9-inch display, provides a larger, more intuitive interface. It seamlessly integrates with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring that both navigation and entertainment are easily accessible. The updated styling, both front and rear, gives the Outlander a more modern, refined appearance that keeps it looking fresh in the crowded compact SUV segment.
For eco-conscious families, the Outlander offers an available plug-in hybrid powertrain, providing an efficient and environmentally friendly option. The plug-in hybrid model not only offers great fuel economy but also allows for short electric-only trips, which can be especially useful for daily commutes. While the standard Nissan-sourced 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 181 horsepower may lack excitement, it offers enough power for what you’d expect in this class.
In terms of driving dynamics, the Outlander benefits from suspension upgrades that improve its ride quality and steering feel, making it more comfortable and easier to handle. However, it’s not the most exciting SUV to drive, and it doesn’t offer the same level of driving engagement as some of its competitors. Additionally, while the third row adds valuable seating, it’s relatively cramped, making it best suited for small children rather than adults.
The pricing for the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander starts at just over $31k, making it a good value for families that need more seats than its rivals, like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. Sadly we’ll have to wait til a later date for the Outlander Plug-in hybrid to get the same updates as the gas-powered version.
At the end of the day, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander is a strong contender for small families looking for a spacious, upscale, and value oriented SUV. Its luxurious interior, available plug-in hybrid powertrain, and third-row seating make it an appealing option for those who want more versatility.