The off-road upgrades don’t go as far as Subaru’s Wilderness models
Mitsubishi has just announced the debut of the first-ever Trail Edition of the 2025 Outlander, based on the regular Outlander SE. Think of it as Mitsubishi’s alternative to Honda’s TrailSport, Toyota’s RAV4 Woodland, or Subaru’s Wilderness models, although as we’ll see, the Outlander Trail Edition lacks many true off-roading credentials and falls firmly into the camp of compact SUVs posing as true off-roaders.
The timing of this 2025 Outlander Trail Edition’s release is curious, since Mitsubishi has already outlined the updates for its 2026 range. Nevertheless, let’s take a look at what this more rugged Outlander gets you.
Tougher Looks Than Other Outlanders
Mitsubishi
Mitsubishi calls this the first dedicated off-highway styling and equipment package for its compact crossover. Many of the changes are cosmetic, such as new 18-inch wheels and a black graphic package. The hood features Trail Edition decals in a combination of matte and gloss black. Elsewhere, you can spot a Trail Edition badge on the rear hatch, black trim updates for the front/rear skid bumper garnish, extended black fender trim, side-protector trim pieces on the doors, and black covers for the door handles and mirrors. Around the grille, there is Dynamic Shield trim in black.
Although all-wheel drive is standard, you can also get that on other Outlanders, and Mitsubishi has made no mention of any other mechanical upgrades that would enhance off-roading capabilities. The same 2.5-liter engine with 181 horsepower and 181 lb-ft should be used, given that this is a 2025 model; 2026 Outlanders will get a new 1.5-liter turbo-four with a mild hybrid system.
Even Subaru’s tiny Crosstrek Wilderness gets better ground clearance, superior approach/departure angles, and a special X-Mode for various terrains. These are some of the changes Mitsubishi could have implemented to make the Outlander Trail Edition more capable.
Minor Interior Changes And Various Accessories Available
Inside, the Outlander Trail Edition gets all-weather floor mats and an all-weather mat system in the cargo area. This model comes with an eight-speaker Yamaha sound system, heated front seats, synthetic black leather/suede upholstery, and a power panoramic sunroof. It also gets the third row from other Outlanders, a unique feature in the compact crossover class, but third-row space is extremely cramped for adults.
Mitsubishi does offer some enticing accessories for customers who enjoy the outdoors. The Trail Edition can be personalized with extras like Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail A/T tires, a Thule Caprock flat-rack roof rack, and accessories for carrying items like canoes, bicycles, and surfboards. The chunky tires should at least help with grip on looser surfaces.
“Outlander has been a reputational, sales, and brand-level home run for Mitsubishi Motors since we launched this new-generation model in 2021,” said Mark Chaffin, president and CEO of MMNA. “With updates to interior styling, drivability, and now the addition of the fantastic Trail Edition to widen interest in the vehicle even further, the 2025 Outlander absolutely must be on every compact SUV shopper’s list.”
The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Trail Edition starts at $39,295, making it around $4,100 more expensive than the SE AWD trim it’s based on. At that price, we’d be tempted to go for the more luxurious SEL instead. It’s less than $1,000 pricier but adds leather seats, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and various other high-end features. Mainly, the SEL emphasizes what the Outlander does well, which is to operate as a comfortable on-road crossover.
