
Mitsubishi Motors, the Japanese automaker long known for its motorsport pedigree, is aiming to rekindle a sense of rugged adventure in its SUV lineup. With the unveiling of the 2025 Outlander Trail Edition, the company is adding grit and ground clearance to a vehicle already praised for its versatility and value. This new offering marks the brand’s first purpose-built off-road-themed variant of the Outlander, and it brings with it more than just cosmetic changes—it brings attitude.
Built upon Mitsubishi’s SE trim level, the Trail Edition features the brand’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system as standard. This sophisticated all-wheel-drive platform, refined over decades of high-stakes competition in events like the World Rally Championship and the legendary Paris-to-Dakar Rally, helps the Trail Edition navigate everything from muddy trails to gravel switchbacks with enhanced control and confidence. With a starting MSRP of $39,295, the model is positioned to attract buyers looking for a go-anywhere vehicle without sacrificing comfort or tech amenities.
“Since the launch of this new-generation Outlander in 2021, we’ve seen tremendous growth in both sales and customer satisfaction,” said Mark Chaffin, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors North America. “The addition of the Trail Edition underscores our commitment to expanding the Outlander’s appeal—not just as a practical family SUV, but as a true lifestyle vehicle for people who live for the weekend and the wide-open outdoors.”
Visually, the Outlander Trail Edition is hard to miss. It sports a distinctive suite of blacked-out trim pieces and accents that distinguish it from the standard model. A matte-and-gloss “Trail Edition” decal spans the hood, complemented by a dedicated badge on the rear hatch. The front and rear skid bumpers have been modified with new black garnish elements, while side body protection extends across the lower doors and rear corners, providing both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Adding to its aggressive stance are bespoke 18-inch black basket-weave alloy wheels—unique to this trim—framed by extended black fender flares. Black mirror caps, door handles, window surrounds, and roof trim further enhance the Trail Edition’s confident, ready-for-anything presence. The design doesn’t just suggest capability—it insists on it.
Inside the cabin, Mitsubishi has made a clear effort to align form with function. A full set of all-weather floor mats is standard, featuring the Trail Edition logo and designed to resist mud, snow, and debris. The cargo area includes its own durable liner, reengineered to accommodate the Outlander’s segment-exclusive third-row seating—offering flexibility that few in this price range or segment can match.
But what truly elevates the Trail Edition is Mitsubishi’s emphasis on customization. Buyers can enhance their vehicle with a curated suite of dealer-installed accessories, such as Cooper Discoverer Road+Trail AT tires (235/60R-18), mountain-themed vinyl body graphics, and a robust Thule Caprock roof rack. Mitsubishi dealers will also offer a wide array of compatible Thule gear, including mounts for bicycles, canoes, paddleboards, surfboards, fishing rods, and even roof-mounted awnings—making the Trail Edition feel less like a trim package and more like a platform for personal adventure.
What’s more, these accessories are stocked and available through Mitsubishi’s dealer network, which means buyers can fully personalize their Trail Edition before they even drive it off the lot—an increasingly appealing proposition in an era of long delivery times and post-purchase upgrades.
Under the skin, the 2025 Trail Edition benefits from a host of mechanical and technological improvements rolled out across the broader Outlander lineup. These include a retuned steering system for enhanced on-road precision, refined ride dynamics for improved comfort, and a revamped cabin layout featuring larger cupholders and a redesigned center console with an integrated wireless charging pad.
On the technology front, the Trail Edition comes equipped with Mitsubishi’s Mi-Pilot Assist system, which bundles adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping technology with traffic-jam assist for a more relaxed highway driving experience. A panoramic sunroof with a retractable power shade adds an element of openness, while LED headlights and fog lamps ensure visibility even when trails get dark and dusty. Heated front seats, five USB-C ports, and headlight washers round out a features list that is both practical and indulgent.
Audio enthusiasts will appreciate the inclusion of the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium audio system, which uses eight speakers to deliver immersive sound throughout the cabin. This partnership with Yamaha adds a surprising touch of luxury to an otherwise adventure-focused vehicle and sets the Trail Edition apart from competitors in its class.
Mitsubishi also continues to bolster buyer confidence with one of the most comprehensive warranty packages in the industry. All Trail Edition models are backed by a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, a 5-year/60,000-mile new vehicle limited warranty, a 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance program. A new two-year/30,000-mile maintenance plan is also included, covering oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections—making the ownership experience as frictionless as possible.
While the 2025 Outlander Trail Edition may not be a hardcore off-roader in the vein of a Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, it doesn’t try to be. Instead, it offers something increasingly valuable in today’s market: balance. With smart upgrades, bold styling, and real all-weather capability backed by motorsport-proven technology, it