Reviewing Mitsubishi’s 2025 SUV Range: What’s New, What’s Aging, and What’s Next
- Marc Gonzalez
- Jun 28
- 5 min read
Since the beginning of the year, we’ve had the chance to drive all of Mitsubishi’s latest models. While most people know Japan’s “big four” automakers: Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Mazda, Mitsubishi often gets overlooked in North America. That’s a shame, considering the brand once had a strong presence in the market. Last year, Mitsubishi revealed a bold plan to make a comeback, including the exciting announcement of a brand-new vehicle, their first in nearly ten years! That got us thinking: it’s the perfect time to give you a quick overview of their current lineup as of June 2025.
There are four models on sale: the RVR (Outlander Sport in the U.S.), Eclipse Cross, Outlander, and Outlander PHEV. We’ll break them down here and link to our previous reviews of the Outlander and Outlander PHEV. Let’s dive in!
Mitsubishi RVR (Outlander Sport)
The subcompact Mitsubishi RVR, also known as the Outlander Sport, made its North American debut at the 2010 New York Auto Show. At the time, the subcompact SUV segment was still emerging, and Mitsubishi’s decision to create a taller, SUV-style version of its popular Lancer sedan proved to be a smart move. The RVR quickly became one of the brand’s best-sellers, riding the early wave of crossover popularity. Its original Light Blue launch colour was iconic, though now just a nostalgic memory 15 years later.
Today, the RVR is starting to show its age. The exterior design hasn’t seen a significant update since 2019, and even that was more of a refresh than a redesign. Inside, the cabin feels dated, with many components like the gauge cluster, steering wheel, and climate controls essentially unchanged from a decade ago. While this lack of innovation is disappointing, it does mean that these parts have a proven track record for durability. Under the hood, the RVR offers two four-cylinder engine options: a base 2.0L producing 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque and a more powerful 2.4L MIVEC engine (as tested) delivering 168 hp and 167 lb-ft of torque. The ride quality is decent, though road noise is noticeable. Still, for those seeking the most affordable all-wheel-drive vehicle on the market, the RVR is a compelling option.
With Mitsubishi’s industry-leading warranty, strong reliability, and solid resale value, the RVR is a practical, no-frills choice. However, it’s more of a logical purchase than an emotional one. One final tip: skip the top-tier Noir or GT trims; our test model was priced at $35,798, and there are better options at that price point. The SE or SEL trims offer much better value for your money.
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
The Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross ranks as the second-largest vehicle in the Japanese automaker’s lineup. It’s 182 mm (7.17 in) longer than the RVR, but its design sets it apart entirely. With a bolder exterior, a more aggressive front fascia, and a distinctive split rear window, it stands out visually. While it offers more cargo space (23.4 cu. ft. or 663L), its higher price, about $2,600 more, can be hard to justify, especially since it doesn’t feel like a significant upgrade over the smaller RVR.
One welcome improvement is the updated infotainment system. The clunky touchpad interface introduced in 2017 has been replaced (as of the 2021 refresh) with a more user-friendly setup that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, the powertrain is underwhelming. Despite the 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine being marketed as more fuel-efficient than the RVR’s 2.4L engine, real-world testing showed otherwise: the RVR averaged 8.9L/100km compared to the Eclipse Cross’s 9.5L/100km.
Priced between $29,398 and $38,498, the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross occupies a tricky spot in the lineup, especially when buyers could opt for the more budget-friendly RVR or the more spacious Outlander. That said, it offers strong resale value, dependable performance, and a distinctive style that might attract drivers seeking something outside the ordinary.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Before diving into the latest Outlander, let’s take a moment to revisit the Outlander PHEV. We’ve had the opportunity to drive it multiple times, and our appreciation for it has only grown with each experience. While we won’t go into too much detail here, you can check out the full article; the essentials are clear: this is a standout plug-in hybrid. And we’re not alone in thinking so. Since its release, the Outlander PHEV has driven a noticeable uptick in Mitsubishi’s sales. Its design might be a bit unconventional, especially up front, but the interior is pretty standard, the powertrain is solid, and the cargo space is generous for its class. The option to seat seven is a big plus, and the seats are comfortable.
The powertrain has proven to be highly reliable, having been in use for nearly a decade. The larger battery makes all-electric driving more practical, and in near-freezing conditions, we averaged 4.6L/100km on gas and 22.7kWh/100km on battery power. One of its standout features is fast charging, which is still rare among PHEVs, though we do wish it charged faster than the typical 15–20kW. As for the electric range, it’s officially rated at 61 km (38 mi), but we managed to reach 70 km, which helped improve our fuel economy over the week. A refreshed version of the Outlander PHEV is currently available in Japan and is expected to arrive here by the end of the year or early next year. In the meantime, if you’re in the market for a well-rounded hybrid that offers excellent value, the current generation is worth considering.
Mitsubishi Outlander
The gasoline-powered Mitsubishi Outlander received a quiet refresh in February 2025. After spending a few days behind the wheel, it’s clear that while it won’t blow you away, it does offer some meaningful improvements over last year’s model. Exterior updates include larger LED taillights and a redesigned set of wheels, which are the most noticeable changes. Look closely, and you’ll spot a subtly revised front grille. A new paint option, Moonstone Grey, also joins the lineup. Inside the cabin, the upgrades are more substantial. The latest Brick Brown leather interior adds a warm, inviting feel, giving the space a cozier and more upscale vibe. Notable new features include a Yamaha Dynamic Sound System, ventilated front seats, and a larger 12.3-inch display that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Outlander continues to offer impressive versatility, with seating for seven (though the third row remains snug) and one of the largest cargo capacities in its class—up to 1,822 litres (64.3 cu. ft.).
Performance-wise, the powertrain remains unchanged: a dependable 2.5L 4-cylinder engine producing 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft of torque. It’s not the quickest or most fuel-efficient SUV out there, but it’s well-suited to the vehicle’s character. Speaking from personal experience, I’ve driven a 2022 Outlander for three years, racking up nearly 75,000 km (46,000 miles) with only routine maintenance like oil changes and alignments. It’s been a reliable and enjoyable ride, one I’d choose again without hesitation.
With pricing between $35,598 and $47,498, there’s a version of the Outlander to fit a variety of needs and budgets.
There it is, the complete breakdown of the Mitsubishi lineup in North America. While it’s far from perfect, the Japanese automaker can only grow from here, as its sales figures have shown from last year, with the duo Outlander/Outlander PHEV firmly leading the way. The new plan announced a couple of months ago looks promising, with a slew of new models coming in the upcoming months; hopefully, Mitsubishi will be truly back!
Disclaimer: Mitsubishi has lent us this vehicle for a one-week press loan. We have no affiliation with Mitsubishi Canada. The above reflects our personal opinion of the cars referred to above.
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