Could Mitsubishi’s Latest Trail Package Signal a Return To Its Off-Road Roots?

Even though compact SUVs often lack the capabilities of their full-size, body-on-frame counterparts, that hasn’t stopped automakers from attempting to imbue such vehicles with a dose of adventurous spirit.

Between the Ford Bronco Sport, the Honda CR-V TrailSport Hybrid and the Toyota RAV4 Woodland Edition, a growing number of crossovers and compacts offer the utilitarian cool of a trail rig without the compromises (and expense) that come with daily driving a hardcore 4×4.

Mitsubishi

With the launch of the 2025 Outlander Trail Edition, it seems that Mitsubishi is now hoping to capitalize on the trend. Could it signal that the brand is looking to return to its off-road roots? 

Adventurous appearance

Before you get too excited, keep in mind that the Trail Edition is mostly appearance-driven. Still, it looks the business, and Mitsubishi is offering tons of factory-backed accessories to ensure that you can equip the SUV for whatever adventures the weekend might inspire. 

Along with some slick rally-inspired decals on the hood, the Trail Edition also sports unique badging, an assortment of blacked-out trim pieces and a set of model-exclusive 18-inch wheels. Assuming that’s not enough flash for you, there’s even an optional mountain-themed graphic.

Mitsubishi

In keeping with the package’s go-anywhere aspirations, Mitsubishi has also made some changes to the Outlander’s interior. All-weather floor mats come standard across all seating positions, and even the rear cargo area features rubberized protection to guard against mud and grime.

Of course, anyone who’s considering the Trail Edition will probably be hauling gear that’s too simply too large to fit inside — even with a folding third-row. To that end, Mitsubishi is offering buyers equipment like a Thule Caprock flat-rack roof rack, a Thule hitch-mounted bike rack and a host of compatible accessories like awnings and canoe mounts.

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Off-road aspirations

Now, even though the Trail Edition doesn’t come fitted with your usual off-road accessories (like a lift or a skid plate), this year’s Outlander does benefit from some suspension tweaks, and the package makes otherwise optional all-wheel drive a standard feature.

In the case of Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, you’re getting five distinct driving modes. By monitoring vehicle speed, ambient temperature, wheel grip, steering input and yaw, the Outlander’s driving characteristics can be tailored to everything from dry tarmac to slippery snow.

Mitsubishi

Having won the Dakar rally 12 times and taken four titles in the World Rally Championship (WRC), Mitsubishi is unquestionably armed with off-road experience.

As such, even though the Outlander Trail Edition can’t match the all-terrain prowess of vehicles like Mitsubishi’s Delica or Lancer Evo, it’s nevertheless a step in the right direction.

Moreover, with the brand having trademarked the Montero name, the launch of the Trail Edition could be teeing Mitsubishi up for a return to the off-road segment.

Mitsubishi

Pricing and availability

Based on the SE trim, the Trail Edition falls in the middle of the Outlander range, above the ES but below premium options like the SEL and Platinum Edition. It’s available now starting at $39,295.

Mitsubishi

2025 Mitsubishi Outlander Trail Edition

• Starts at $39,295

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