The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander pioneers a new path for the sport-ute in the concept ‘I-Fu-Do-Do’ ... c’mon how could I resist using that Japanese phrase meaning authentic and majestic?
After a couple of days at the recent L.A. launch of a much-tweaked version of the brand’s top selling SUV in Canada, I’ll say there’s good evidence to claim authenticity.
And it was interesting to learn that most of the refreshed edition’s improvements were in response to customer feedback.The folks at Mitsu listen.
First impression: This seven-seater is pleasing on the eye and continues to be a leader among SUVs, most of which resemble each other to a greater or lesser degree. Big bruiser of a front suggests it’s a powerful beast and I like the rear quarter look.
Now for those tweaks and changes. The storage in the armrest has been increased by 45 per cent to 4.2 litres. I may not be the kind of guy that thinks litres when looking at cabin storage but I can tell you it’s a whopping increase in space to toss stuff.
The cupholders have been moved forward to a spot next to the gear shift, this making them more easily grabbed when quick caffeination is required. Can you believe that I’m writing about cupholders? Well, yes, because clearly enough people concern themselves about these little details that can annoy after you have crashed so much cash on a car only to find everyday use points out shortcomings.
Love this detail. The cupholders can hold two 1.3-litre mugs and each tilts at a different angle. One sits at 93 degrees, the rear at 87 degrees, so that the caps of two identical cups clear each other. Even the cellphone charging pads are tilted and shaped to accommodate varying model sizes.
In collaboration with Yamaha, Mitsubishi audiophiles have developed a custom sound system.
Strategically placed sound insulation material reduces more than 0.5dB in road noise and nearly 6dB in overall sound isolation compared to the 2024 model. And while we’re getting really techy, the steel hood and front fenders improve the vehicle’s NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) damping characteristics.
Okay, enough of that. Dump the home stereo system and just move into the garage when you want to get a concert experience. Whatever I listened to, be it heavy metal or classical, it sounded better than my home system.
Mitsubishi says the interior reflects Japanese “omotenashi”, which loosely translates as “hospitality.” But that’s not all. Mitsu claims the word “suggests a level of thoughtfulness that goes beyond, to the point of anticipating a guest’s needs and wants, and always taking the next step to deliver surprise and delight.”
Hence the changes to the cupholders, I guess.
The Outlander features full LED lighting inside and out. The 12.3” navigation screen was easy in itself to navigate! The multi-zone automatic climate control was among the best I’ve experienced. It delivers in comfort and operation.
Oh yes, the drive.
Before you ask, it does feature a full suite of driver-alert and safety features but then that’s expected nowadays.
Six drive modes. Tried them all but for mainly city driving around L.A. it was hard to mimic the snow of the B.C. interior. Past experience of the model’s super all-wheel drive tells me it’s definitely competent when called upon power through the winter mush.
Some work on the steering offers more of a feel in the wheel. For keeners that’s important but I doubt most folks more concerned with getting from A to B in comfort will embrace that subtlety.
The desire for a comfortable ride is more than achieved in the city and on the freeway. The 2.5-litre DOHC four-cylinder power plant is perky enough even with all seven seats occupied and a rear full of baggage.
The fuel economy of 9.8/7.84 L/100km is not bad for the size of vehicle. I should say a plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander found its way to my place when I got home with still better fuel economy, not surprisingly. That said, though labelled a 2025 model it will be later this year before the plug-in version of the refreshed model I drove in California appears. I’ll wait to review it when it arrives.
One more thing. I drove with the delightful David Chao, from Automotive Press. David always measures the paint thickness of any car he tests. Thicknesses are usually 100 to 120 µm, but the Mitsubishi is thicker at about 160 to 170. The thicker the paint, the more durable the vehicle is. Thank you David!
The base Outlander starts at $35,298 rising to $47,498 for the top of the line Premium edition.
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