The midsize crossover market is crowded, but the three-row 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC still finds a way to shine and stand out. This automaker does a masterful job of combining captive design, interior comfort, and practical versatility while maintaining a fair price starting at around $39K and $45K fully equipped with multiple options to make the most frugal smile.
Refined for 2025, my Outlander was dressed in a stealthy Moonstone Gray Metallic with a contrasting black roof to deliver an upscale presence upon sight. The 20-inch, two-tone alloy wheels; silver roof rails; spoiler; and futuristic LED lighting from nose to tail—including headlights, fog lights, and distinctive combination tail lamps—further raise its curb appeal.
Under the hood, a 2.5-liter DOHC 4-cylinder engine provides adequate pep with direct injection paired to an eight-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a smoother ride. Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, and multiple drive mode selector—Tarmac, Gravel, Snow, Normal, Eco, and Mud—boosts the confidence to handle whatever road conditions Mother Nature presents the drive. I also appreciated the paddle shifters, and the shift-by-wire technology provided an escape from the normalcy of traditional gear shifters. The respectable 26 mpg combined (24 city/30 highway) provides some wallet relief with lesser trips to the gas station as well.
Inside, the SEL’s cabin feels more premium than its price suggests including all the extra packages. Semi-aniline leather-appointed seating with brick brown accents, ventilated front seats, and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel provide generous comfort for especially long-distance excursions. More pilot perks include a 12-way power seat with memory linked to the key fob, an updated 12.3-inch full digital driver display, 10.8-inch Head-Up Display, digital rearview mirror, and a 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate sound system to elevate the driving experience. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; navigation; and multiple USB-C ports keep every passenger powered up. Three-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, rear door sunshades, and even LED foot lighting collectively make the cabin even more pampering for up to seven people.
Safety is evidently a priority for Mitsubishi as well. Numerous features ease the mind including MI-PILOT Assist featuring Navi-link; adaptive cruise control with stop & go; lane keep and lane departure prevention; forward collision mitigation with pedestrian detection; blind spot warning with lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert; and rear automatic emergency braking. Multiple airbags—including front center and driver/passenger knee airbags—plus electronic stability control, hill start assist, and trailer stability assist make adventures especially to mountainous environs a welcomed option.
Ownership benefits sweeten the deal, including a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, five years of unlimited-mile roadside assistance, and two years of complimentary maintenance. I’m not mad at that reassurance.
Overall, the Mitsubishi Outlander SEL 2.5 S-AWC delivers with its 2025 upgrades in numerous departments, including design and technology. So whether it’s bobbing and weaving through the city or feeling adventurous for a long excursion, this SUV steps up to the plate.
Fuel Economy: 24 city/30 highway/26 combined
Price: Starts at $38,795 (MSRP); reviewed in the SEL trim and including $3,050 Premium Package; $1,400 Launch Package, and destination is $45,930.
For more information, visit Mitsubishicars.com.