In a market where others want to overachieve, the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport doesn’t pretend to thrill, and that’s kind of the point. It forges its path as a reliable subcompact crossover that gets the everyday in-city tasks done without complaints.
Sure, it’s long overdue for a full makeover, but the 2025 model gets a wee facelift, enough to keep it appealing for budget-conscious buyers who want some road presence with their practicality. Here’s what we love about the latest Mitsubishi Outlander Sport model.
Improved Styling
At first glance, the 2025 Outlander Sport doesn’t look much different from the standard Outlander, but a few bodywork cues confirm that it is in a class of its own. The most obvious are the covered blacked-out grille and angular LED headlights, which leave you with a good first impression. Mitsubishi maintained its Dynamic Shield design for the new Outlander Sport and added bolder contours to the lower bumpers for a sportier vibe and more distinctive face.
Sharp, sloping lines flow along the sides, flanked by power-folding mirrors and 18-inch black alloy wheels with new designs. And the rear follows up with bold badging, wraparound LED taillights, a rear diffuser, and dual exhaust accents that combine to give off a wide stance. We think the roof rails are a buzzkill, but with those striking paint options, the 2025 Outlander Sport has no trouble stealing the spotlight.
Simple Cabin with Modest Space
Mitsubishi understandably downsized the Outlander Sport interior to fit the price tag, so it seats five, unlike the regular Outlander SUV, which has space for seven. Regardless, we expected better than a monochrome layout for a car with an attractive exterior. Wrapped in durable black plastic, the dashboard quietly plays host to a simple setup of screens and knobs that get the job done without trying to be too fancy. It’s all black inside with red stitching on higher trims, and the soft-touch materials are commendable. Impressively, the steering wheel and front seats are heated, and there’s a panoramic sunroof, although some features are absent in certain market regions and locations.
The center console has been rearranged to free up more legroom in front (41.6 inches), while 36.3 inches of legroom at the back keeps most passengers comfortable for regular daily drives. For a subcompact SUV, the 2025 Outlander Sport provides a fair total cargo volume of 49.5 cubic ft. Although some competitors like the Nissan Kicks (60 cubic ft) and Hyundai KONA (63.7 cubic ft.) offer more room, the Outlander Sport’s trunk is enough for a weekend trip or shopping runs. And when the need arises, the optional rooftop platform can step in to haul the extra luggage.
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Powered Enough to Get Things Done
The 2025 Outlander Sport may not dazzle, but it doesn’t need to. Its base 2.0L 4-cylinder engine manages 148 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque, just enough to keep things moving. The 168 hp 2.4L engine option (available only on SEL trim) can be more exciting, especially when used with the optional all-wheel control (AWC). Surprisingly, the Outlander Sport is quick despite its modest power output. With a 60mph time of 8 seconds, it’s faster than some rivals (think Volkswagen Taos and Chevrolet Trax) with about 8.8 seconds on their base trims.
A standard front-wheel drive and the INVECS III CVT system get the Outlander Sport going with ease, even though it could use quicker response. Normal, Wet, and Gravel drive modes are available to help drivers navigate almost all road conditions. In addition, fuel efficiency clocks in at around 26 mpg, but if you’re cruising in the peak SEL trim, it drops to 25 mpg combined. While the Outlander Sport isn’t built to tow, it compensates with a total payload of 827 pounds, including the additional rooftop space.
Smart Tech and Connectivity Features
The 2025 Outlander Sport cabin leaves much to be desired, but its tech game brings some heat to the segment. At the base level, the crossover keeps you connected with a 7-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and a USB port. An 8-inch touchscreen comes at a little extra charge, and you get an infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Hands-free audio controls tune a four to six-speaker audio system, and there’s a push-button start and standard remote keyless entry. You can also activate the smartphone app connectivity feature for added security and control.
The Outlander Sport doesn’t underrate safety either. Starting with the SE trim, owners can access Forward Collision Mitigation and Lane Departure Warning. Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert are also on the menu to keep you covered when you’re backing out of a tight spot.
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Pricing and Trim Options
Mitsubishi offers the 2025 Outlander Sport in five trim options, each successive trim bringing minor price bumps and worthy updates. For example, the auto-dimming rear-view mirror absent on the base trim is available in the other 2.0 options. Two-tone stitching and 18-inch wheels are available on 2.0 LE and above, while the SEL trim, highest on the lineup, gets the more powerful 2.4 inline-four engine. Below is a breakdown of the Outlander Sport trims and their starting MSRPs.
| 2.0 S | 2.0 | 2.0 LE | 2.0 SE | 2.4 SEL |
| $23,745 | ES $25,745 | $26,445 | $27,745 | $28,545 |
Which to Buy? Considering that the Outlander Sport is already budget-friendly and the differences in trim prices are almost negligible, the choice is usually between 2.0L engine options and the peak 2.4 SEL trim. The LE is a sweet spot if you’re content with decent power. It gets you 18-inch alloy wheels, nice stitching, and some driver assist tech for a price tag below $30k, including taxes and location factors. Otherwise, the top SEL trim becomes the obvious pick for its 168 horsepower and upscale touches.
2025 Outlander Sport Vs Others
In a segment where some rivals deliver better performance for similar budget prices, the latest Outlander Sport model has some convincing to do. Also, its interior is a tad too simple to compete with rivals like Nissan Kicks and Kia Niro, which offer upscale cabin experiences. Regardless, the Outlander shines best when the demand is practicality, and it’s got enough style to stand out in the modern subcompact SUV category. Given its competitive pricing and trim options, it’s an excellent choice for first-time buyers and budget-friendly shoppers.
