Mitsubishi Outlander Trail Edition - Rugged Style Meets Daily Practicality

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We'll start by saying: no one's confusing the Mitsubishi Outlander with a Jeep Wrangler anytime soon. But that doesn't mean Mitsubishi doesn't want to tap into the outdoorsy, roof-rack-and-muddy-boots lifestyle that compact SUV buyers seem to crave right now. Enter the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Trail Edition, the brand's first-ever stab at giving its family-friendly crossover a whiff of rugged style. Is it a real rock-crawler? Nope. But it does come with all-terrain tires, blacked-out trim, and enough Thule gear to make a Subaru jealous.

This isn't an off-roader for boulder fields. It's for Target parking lots after a rainy trail run. And honestly? That's not a bad thing.

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Mitsubishi Outlander

SUV

2025

Base: $29,645

Base Trim Engine 2.5L I4 ICE

Base Trim Transmission CVT

Base Trim Drivetrain Front-Wheel Drive

Base Trim Horsepower 181 HP @6000 RPM

Base Trim Torque 181 lb.-ft. @ 3600 RPM

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Mitsubishi Goes Trail-Ready (Sort Of)

Mitsubishi isn't new to the dirt. The brand has a motorsport legacy, with 12 wins at Dakar and a stack of WRC trophies to prove the badge once prioritized going superfast on the rough track. But the Outlander Trail Edition isn't trying to recapture those rally glory days. Instead, it's Mitsubishi's first "off-highway styling and equipment package," which is PR-speak for "we added cool-looking gear and some light-duty upgrades."

Based on the mid-level SE trim, the 2025 Trail Edition starts at $39,295, which is squarely in compact SUV territory. That price gets you standard Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) -- a legitimately good AWD system -- along with a long list of goodies that make the Trail Edition more adventure-ready... at least in appearance, and maybe slightly in practice.

Positioned between soft-roaders like the Subaru Forester Wilderness and style-first crossovers like the Kia Sportage X-Pro, the Trail Edition tries to walk a fine line: giving the Outlander a tough, outdoorsy edge without actually redesigning the vehicle structurally. The result? It's more of an "active lifestyle package" than a trail-conquering monster -- but hey, most buyers weren't planning on getting way out there anyway.

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Visual Upgrades Do Most Of The Talking

Let's be honest: what really makes the Trail Edition stand out is the look. Mitsubishi leans hard into the blackout treatment here, giving the Outlander matte-and-gloss black hood graphics, extended black fender flares, blacked-out Dynamic Shield grille trim, and black mirror caps, door handles, and roof rails. It's a stealthy, athletic vibe, and it works.

The standout visual feature, though, is the new 18-inch black basket-weave wheel design. It's the first time Mitsubishi has used this pattern on an Outlander, and it gives the Trail Edition a more planted, ready-to-rumble appearance -- even if it's more about form than function.

A "Trail Edition" badge on the rear hatch and black trim accents on the bumpers and lower body panels round out the look. It's enough to make you think twice before calling this a mall-crawler, even if that's where most will end up.

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Here's where things get interesting: dealer-installed accessories are at the heart of the Trail Edition experience. Mitsubishi partnered with Thule to offer a serious lineup of outdoor-lifestyle-friendly gear. That includes a Caprock flat-rack roof system, with options for kayak, paddleboard, bike, fishing rod, and even awning attachments.

The Outlander also gets Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail all-terrain tires in a 235/60R-18 size, which is a solid step up from the standard rubber. Add in optional mountain-themed side graphics, and you've got a crossover that can absolutely play the part of weekend warrior.

And because these accessories are available directly through Mitsubishi dealerships, you can order a Trail Edition, deck it out with your favorite upgrades, and drive it off the lot fully equipped with no waiting for parts or shipping delays. That's a win for busy adventurers (or people who want to look like one on Instagram).

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Cabin And Tech Carry Over With Some Perks

Inside, the Trail Edition gets the same upgraded interior as the rest of the 2025 Outlander lineup -- plus a few exclusives. Expect combination synthetic leather and suede seats, heated front seats, and a power panoramic sunroof. And to keep your devices juiced on the trail (or the Starbucks drive-thru), there are five USB-C ports and wireless charging.

The Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium Audio system with eight speakers is standard, adding some sonic punch to your Spotify playlist of "forest ambiance + acoustic guitar." And yes, Mitsubishi made sure the all-weather floor mats are specific to the Trail Edition, including a logo-embossed cargo mat that still allows access to the Outlander's unique third-row seating -- something few compact SUVs even offer.

You also get tech like Mi-Pilot Assist with adaptive cruise control and traffic-jam assist, LED lights, headlight washers, and heated windshield wipers -- the kind of winter-friendly touches that actually matter when you're headed to the ski lodge.

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TopSpeed's Take

So, no, the Outlander Trail Edition isn't about to dethrone the Bronco or conquer the Rubicon Trail. But it doesn't have to. Mitsubishi has crafted a sharp-looking, lightly upgraded SUV that nods to outdoor adventure without pretending to be something it's not.

If you want real off-road chops, there are other options. But if you're looking for a comfortable, tech-loaded daily driver that can carry your bikes, boards, or weekend gear and look good doing it, the Outlander Trail Edition makes a solid case for itself. It's trail-ish -- and that's probably just right. Hey, you don't have to be riding a horse to wear cowboy boots, do you?