7 Reasons to Love the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport—But Let’s Not Forget the Fun Flaws
When the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport rolled into dealerships earlier this year, it didn’t just drive into showrooms, it made an entrance. It’s a compact SUV that stays true to the Mitsubishi DNA. This isn’t your neighbor’s boring family hauler—it’s got personality. But like every good thing in life, there are a few quirks worth mentioning, with a dash of humor, of course.
Overview of the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
So, what’s the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport all about? Well, it’s a compact SUV that combines a unique design, solid all-wheel drive performance, and a value-packed price. Mitsubishi Motors North America has carved a niche in the affordable SUV market, and the Outlander Sport proves they're not going anywhere soon. And while there are plenty of shiny, tech-heavy SUVs out there, this one delivers on reliability and features, with a few trade-offs along the way.
Is it the most high-tech vehicle out there? No. Will it get you through a snowstorm with Mitsubishi’s all-wheel control? You bet it will.
Pricing and What’s New for 2025
First, let’s talk about the money. The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport starts at around $26,000, and if you go all in on the premium trim with all the bells and whistles, you’re looking at roughly $31,000. This keeps it competitive within the compact SUV segment, with the added benefit of Mitsubishi's legendary 10-year/100,000-mile warranty.
According to Alex Collantes, owner of Avenue Motors car dealership, “It’s one of the best warranties in the business. You can drive this thing for a decade without worrying about huge repair bills.”
New Features for 2025:
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Standard rear seat alert—because who hasn’t forgotten a bag of groceries in the backseat?
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A revised front lip design for a slightly sportier look.
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Updated tech with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard on a 7.0-inch touchscreen.
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Available heated front seats and panoramic sunroof for those who like their drives toasty.
Performance and Powertrains: Let’s Talk Engines
Here’s where the 2025 Outlander Sport plays it safe... maybe too safe. You get two engine options:
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A 148-hp 2.0-liter four-cylinder.
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A 168-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
Both engines are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). And while the CVT does its job, it's not exactly a fun experience—think of it as a reluctant student doing homework the night before it’s due.
Now, don’t get us wrong—the Outlander Sport will get you from A to B. But if you're looking for the thrill of a turbocharged rush, you won’t find it here. You’re more likely to feel like you’re slowly coaxing the SUV into doing its job. That being said, Mitsubishi's All-Wheel Control system shines, providing excellent traction in less-than-ideal conditions.
Pros:
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Reliable all-wheel drive system.
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Solid fuel economy for a small SUV (up to 30 mpg on the highway).
Cons:
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Unrefined CVT transmission that can sometimes feel like it’s hunting for the right gear.
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Power output is, let’s say, "leisurely."
Interior: Comfortable Enough—But Where’s the Luxury?
Step inside the Outlander Sport, and you’ll find an interior that’s functional, if not exactly inspiring. Don’t expect Audi-level refinement here, but for a compact SUV at this price point, you get what you need. The standard front heated seats and available panoramic sunroof add a nice touch of comfort for those chilly mornings, while the horizontal air vents give the dashboard a more modern feel.
Here’s a secret: the back seat isn’t massive, but it’s fine for kids or your friendly dog. Adults might want to sit up front unless they’re into that cramped-economy-seat-on-a-plane kind of experience.
What’s Nice Inside:
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Heated steering wheel—perfect for winter drives.
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The rear seat alert is helpful for preventing any "oh no I forgot something!" moments.
What Could Use Some Work:
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Rear legroom is a bit tight for taller passengers.
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Materials are basic—lots of hard plastics.
Competitors: Does the Outlander Sport Stack Up?
The compact SUV market is a crowded field. How does the Outlander Sport compare to others like the Chevrolet Trax and Honda HR-V?
Well, let’s just say if you're looking for the fanciest ride, maybe the Honda HR-V is more your style. It’s got the luxury feel and refined performance. But if you want something with unique styling and standard all-wheel drive at a great price, the Outlander Sport deserves your attention.
Here’s a fun fact—Mitsubishi Motors vehicles isn’t trying to be something it’s not. It’s a no-nonsense SUV that focuses on the basics: reliability, practicality, and value. In Alex Collantes’ words, “You’re not buying this for the luxury leather seats—you’re getting it for the peace of mind that it’ll start every morning.”
Who’s the Competition?
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Honda HR-V: More refined, but lacks the all-wheel drive at a base price.
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Chevrolet Trax: Competitively priced, but not as stylish as the Outlander Sport.
Advanced Tech and Driver Assistance: Solid, but Not Flashy
If you’re a gadget lover, the 2025 Outlander Sport might not give you the latest bells and whistles, but it checks off the essentials. Lane departure warning and blind-spot monitoring are standard, giving you that extra peace of mind on the highway. Plus, Mitsubishi Connect adds a little tech magic, offering remote start, vehicle status updates, and even emergency assistance.
While it won’t have you feeling like you’re in a spaceship (looking at you, Tesla), the Outlander Sport has a mid-cycle refresh that brings enough tech to keep things interesting.
Outlander Sport Combines Affordability with Solid Value
When it comes to affordability, this is where the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport really shines. Mitsubishi is known for building solid, dependable vehicles without charging an arm and a leg. The long warranty adds a layer of security for those worried about long-term reliability.
In terms of overall longevity, expect the Outlander Sport to last well over 200,000 miles if properly maintained. That’s more than enough time for several cross-country trips or countless errands around town.
What About Plug-in Hybrids?
For those wondering if Mitsubishi Motors will soon offer a plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander Sport, the short answer is...not yet. While the Outlander PHEV exists, the Outlander Sport remains strictly an internal combustion engine option—for now. If you’re environmentally conscious, it’s worth keeping an eye on Mitsubishi’s plans for the future.
Final Thoughts: Is the Outlander Sport Worth It?
So, should you buy the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport? If you’re in the market for a reliable, affordable, and capable compact SUV, it’s a strong contender. It won’t win any drag races or turn heads with cutting-edge tech, but it’ll get you where you need to go with minimal fuss—and isn’t that what we all really want from a car?
Plus, the standard all-wheel drive makes it a great choice for those who live in areas with rough weather. Just be prepared for a few quirks along the way—like explaining to your passengers why the engine’s taking its sweet time to get up to speed.
For more details, head to your local Mitsubishi dealer, and take one for a spin. Mitsubishi Motors vehicle may just surprise you with its solid, no-nonsense approach.
In the words of Alex Collantes: "It’s the SUV for people who don’t need an SUV to tell them they’ve arrived—it just gets the job done."
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport shares the same advanced vehicle architecture as the Eclipse Cross, which gives it a solid foundation and improved stability on the road. The front and rear styling has been refreshed to give it a sleeker, more modern appearance, appealing to those who prefer bold SUV body styles. One of the practical enhancements is the decision to add rear seat alert as a standard feature, improving safety for families with children. While the Outlander Sport seats five, the Eclipse Cross SE trim offers more flexibility with up to seven passengers in its larger configuration. The integration of rear motors in future plug-in hybrid models is something to look forward to, as Mitsubishi continues to innovate its lineup.