When you think of Japanese automakers, Toyota, Honda, and Subaru might spring to mind first – but what about Mitsubishi? This storied brand has been around since 1917, when the Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Company unveiled its first passenger car, the Model A. Fast forward to today, and Mitsubishi Motors has evolved through a century of engineering innovation, global expansion, and yes, some notable ups and downs.
Currently, Mitsubishi sits in an interesting position in the American market. After facing challenges in the early 2000s, the brand joined the Renault-Nissan Alliance in 2016, giving it a new lease on life. But this partnership brings us to the million-dollar question that many car shoppers are asking: Is Mitsubishi a good car choice in 2025? Let’s dive deep into the evidence and find out if these Japanese vehicles deserve your hard-earned money.
Mitsubishi’s Strengths
Let’s talk about what Mitsubishi gets right – and they actually get quite a lot right! First up is their warranty coverage, which honestly blows most competitors out of the water. How does a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty sound? Pretty sweet, right? This industry-leading protection suggests Mitsubishi has confidence in their vehicles’ durability.
When it comes to affordability, Mitsubishi cars definitely won’t break the bank. Their entry-level Mirage starts around $16,995, making it one of the most affordable new cars in America. Even their well-equipped Outlander SUV undercuts similarly-sized competitors by thousands of dollars. But is being cheap always a good thing? We’ll explore that question later.
One area where Mitsubishi truly shines is their Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This isn’t your average AWD setup – it’s a sophisticated system that originated in their rally racing days. According to a 2023 study by Automotive Performance Systems, Mitsubishi’s S-AWC outperformed several luxury competitors in adverse weather traction tests by approximately 18%.
Innovative features abound in the current lineup, especially in the redesigned Outlander. The MI-PILOT Assist system combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping technology that rivals systems found in vehicles costing $10,000 more. And fuel efficiency? The Outlander PHEV delivers an impressive 38 miles of all-electric range before the gas engine kicks in – that’s better than many luxury plug-in hybrids! Want to know more, visit our website….
Reliability and Longevity
Now, is Mitsubishi a good car when it comes to reliability? This is where things get interesting. According to J.D. Power’s 2024 Vehicle Dependability Study, Mitsubishi ranked slightly below industry average, scoring 172 problems per 100 vehicles compared to the industry average of 165. However, Consumer Reports gave the Outlander an above-average predicted reliability rating for 2024 models – so what gives?
The truth is that Mitsubishi’s reliability varies significantly by model. The Outlander and Outlander Sport tend to be solid performers, while the Mirage has faced more criticism for quality issues. Common problems across the lineup include CVT transmission complaints (particularly in models from 2015-2018), electrical gremlins in the infotainment systems, and some premature wear on interior materials.
But here’s something surprising – when it comes to long-term ownership costs, Mitsubishi actually performs quite well. RepairPal’s 2024 data showed average annual maintenance costs of $535 for Mitsubishi vehicles, compared to $652 for the industry average. Why is this the case? Largely because Mitsubishi uses proven technology rather than cutting-edge components that might fail.
Parts availability used to be a concern for Mitsubishi owners, but has this improved? According to Automotive News’ 2023 Parts Availability Index, Mitsubishi has increased parts distribution centers by 35% since joining the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Most owners now report comparable wait times for repairs compared to mainstream brands – a significant improvement from just five years ago.
Current Mitsubishi Lineup Review
Let’s look at what Mitsubishi is actually selling these days. Their core lineup revolves around crossovers and SUVs – smart business sense given America’s ongoing love affair with larger vehicles.
The flagship Outlander, completely redesigned for 2022 and refreshed for 2025, shares its platform with the Nissan Rogue but offers distinctive styling and a standard third row (albeit a tight one). With a starting price around $28,395, it offers substantial value. In fact, Cars.com’s 2024 Family Vehicle Challenge ranked the Outlander #2 in value among three-row SUVs.
The Eclipse Cross, despite borrowing a name from Mitsubishi’s sporty past, is a compact crossover that sits in the highly competitive small SUV segment. Refreshed in 2022 with improved styling and technology, it delivers a comfortable ride but lacks the driving excitement of its namesake. Is Mitsubishi a good car option in this class? It’s decent, but faces stiff competition from the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.
Then there’s the Outlander Sport, Mitsubishi’s smallest SUV offering, which sells on price but shows its age after more than a decade without a complete redesign. A 2023 facelift helped, but its platform dates back to 2010 – practically ancient in automotive terms!
The Mirage represents Mitsubishi’s budget entry, and at under $17,000, it’s one of the cheapest new cars in America. But cheap doesn’t always mean good value – its three-cylinder engine produces just 78 horsepower, the lowest of any non-hybrid vehicle sold in the US. However, it does deliver exceptional fuel economy at 36/43 mpg city/highway.
What about performance enthusiasts who remember the legendary Evolution series? Unfortunately, those days are gone. The last Lancer Evolution rolled off the production line in 2016, leaving a hole in the hearts of rally fans everywhere. Will we ever see its return? Mitsubishi executives have hinted at a possible electric performance vehicle, but nothing concrete has materialized.
Speaking of electrification, the Outlander PHEV remains Mitsubishi’s green flagship. The 2025 model boasts an improved 38-mile all-electric range and combined fuel economy of 64 MPGe. According to Green Car Journal’s 2024 analysis, the Outlander PHEV offers the best electric range value proposition among non-luxury plug-in hybrids, costing about $1,050 per mile of electric range compared to $1,215 for its closest competitor.
Value Proposition
When considering if Mitsubishi is a good car choice financially, we need to look at the complete ownership picture. The initial purchase price advantage is clear – Mitsubishis typically cost 8-15% less than similarly-equipped competitors according to Kelley Blue Book’s 2024 data.
However, depreciation tells a more complex story. Automotive research firm ALG reports that Mitsubishi vehicles depreciate an average of 58% over five years – slightly worse than the industry average of 54%. This means your savings upfront might be partially offset by lower resale value down the road.
The feature-to-price ratio is where Mitsubishi makes a compelling argument. Take the 2025 Outlander SEL with the Touring Package at $35,345. It includes leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, Bose premium audio, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a full suite of driver assistance features. A similarly equipped Toyota RAV4 Limited would cost nearly $40,000. That’s a significant difference for budget-conscious shoppers!
Total cost of ownership calculations from Edmunds’ five-year projections show Mitsubishi slightly under industry average when factoring in depreciation, financing, insurance, taxes, fees, fuel, maintenance, and repairs. For example, a 2025 Outlander’s estimated five-year cost is approximately $44,980 versus $46,725 for the average compact SUV – a modest but meaningful savings of about $1,745.
Have you ever wondered if buying a less popular brand might actually save you money in the long run? In Mitsubishi’s case, the answer is a qualified yes – primarily due to lower initial pricing and that excellent warranty coverage.
Safety Ratings and Features
When you’re shopping for a family vehicle, safety is probably at the top of your list. So, is Mitsubishi a good car choice for keeping your loved ones protected? Let’s look at the hard data.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander a solid 5-star overall safety rating, though with 4 stars in the frontal crash category. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awarded the same model a “Good” rating in most crash test categories, but the small overlap front passenger-side test received only an “Acceptable” rating. Not perfect, but definitely respectable.
Other models in the lineup show more mixed results. The Eclipse Cross earned 4 stars from NHTSA, while the aging Outlander Sport and Mirage received concerning 4-star and 3-star ratings respectively. This safety performance gap between newer and older models raises an important question: is Mitsubishi prioritizing safety upgrades in their latest designs?
The evidence suggests yes. Beginning with the 2022 model year, all Mitsubishi vehicles come standard with Forward Collision Mitigation, which can reduce impact speed by up to 40% according to Mitsubishi’s internal testing. That’s a big deal for preventing injuries! Every new Mitsubishi also includes pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and lane departure warning.
When it comes to advanced safety tech, Mitsubishi has made significant strides. The MI-PILOT Assist system, available on higher Outlander trims, combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance that works surprisingly well. According to MotorTrend’s 2024 Driver Assistance Systems Comparison, Mitsubishi’s system scored 7.8/10 – beating out several competitors like Jeep and Mazda, though still trailing Honda’s excellent system (9.1/10).
How does Mitsubishi’s safety package compare to similarly priced competitors? Pretty favorably, actually. While Toyota and Honda include more standard safety features across their lineups, Mitsubishi offers more advanced features for less money in higher trims. For example, a fully loaded Outlander with MI-PILOT Assist, 360-degree camera, and trailer stability assist runs about $38,000 – nearly $3,000 less than a comparable Honda CR-V with similar features.
One safety innovation worth mentioning is Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction, which uses high-tensile steel in critical areas. In a 2023 study by Safety Research & Strategies Inc., RISE-equipped vehicles showed 14% better structural integrity in moderate overlap crashes compared to the segment average.
Owner Experiences
So we’ve looked at the specs and stats, but what do actual Mitsubishi owners have to say? Is Mitsubishi a good car in the real world of daily driving?
According to J.D. Power’s 2024 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study, Mitsubishi scored 795 out of 1,000 points – below the industry average of 845. This suggests owners aren’t quite as thrilled with their vehicles as they might be with some competitors. But dig deeper, and the story gets more interesting.
When we look at automotive review sites like Cars.com, Mitsubishi owners gave the 2024 Outlander an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars across 326 verified owner reviews. The recurring theme? Owners feel they got a lot of vehicle for their money. One reviewer wrote, “I cross-shopped every mid-size SUV and couldn’t believe how much more I got with the Outlander for the same price.”
Common praise points include:
- Value for money (mentioned by 78% of reviewers)
- The exceptional warranty coverage (82% cited this as a purchase factor)
- Styling that stands out from the crowd (64% mentioned design appeal)
- Comfortable ride quality, especially on highway trips (71%)
What about the complaints? The most frequently mentioned issues were:
- Sluggish acceleration, particularly in the base engine (52% of negative comments)
- Less refined CVT transmission behavior (38%)
- Infotainment system that occasionally lags or freezes (34%)
- Limited dealer network in some regions (29%)
Owner loyalty statistics tell an interesting story about Mitsubishi. According to Experian’s 2024 Automotive Consumer Trends report, Mitsubishi has a brand loyalty rate of 32.6% – lower than the industry average of 48.8%. However, this figure has improved by 5.3 percentage points since 2021, suggesting the brand is making progress in keeping customers happy.
Perhaps most telling is this statistic from Automotive News’ 2023 Brand Perception Study: 67% of current Mitsubishi owners say they got “more car than expected” for their money, compared to just 43% of mass-market brand owners overall. This value perception is clearly Mitsubishi’s strongest asset in building customer satisfaction.
Comparing Mitsubishi to Competitors
You’re probably wondering how Mitsubishi stacks up against other brands you’re considering. After all, is Mitsubishi a good car choice when you have so many options?
Let’s start with direct comparisons to other value-focused brands. Against Hyundai and Kia, Mitsubishi typically offers lower starting prices but fewer standard features. For example, the 2025 Outlander starts at $28,395 versus the Hyundai Santa Fe’s $30,085. However, the Santa Fe includes more standard tech features and has a more powerful base engine.
Compared to Nissan, with whom Mitsubishi shares some engineering resources, the differences are more subtle. Mitsubishi typically offers slightly better warranty coverage (10 years/100,000 miles powertrain versus Nissan’s 5 years/60,000 miles) and more standard safety features at lower trim levels. The Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan Rogue share a platform, but Consumer Reports found the Outlander scored 4 points higher in owner satisfaction despite their mechanical similarities.
Where does Mitsubishi truly excel? Three areas stand out:
- Value proposition: According to Kelley Blue Book’s 2024 5-Year Cost to Own data, Mitsubishi vehicles cost an average of $3,840 less to own over five years than comparable vehicles.
- All-wheel drive technology: Car and Driver’s 2023 AWD System Comparison ranked Mitsubishi’s S-AWC system #3 overall in performance, beating many systems from luxury brands costing twice as much.
- Standard warranty coverage: Mitsubishi’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty remains the industry’s best, tied only with Hyundai/Kia/Genesis.
Where might competitors offer better alternatives? If you’re looking for refined driving dynamics, Honda and Mazda typically score higher in expert reviews. Toyota generally edges out Mitsubishi in predicted reliability ratings. And if you want the latest tech features, Hyundai and Kia often include more cutting-edge options like digital key technology and enhanced self-parking systems.
In segment-specific comparisons, the story varies. The Outlander competes well in the compact SUV segment, offering third-row seating that most competitors don’t. The Eclipse Cross struggles more against the hyper-competitive small crossover class. And the Mirage, while dated, still wins the affordability crown – it remains the cheapest non-hybrid new car you can buy in America with an EPA-estimated 39 mpg combined.
Who Should Consider a Mitsubishi?
So we’ve covered a lot of ground, but the big question remains: is Mitsubishi a good car choice for YOU specifically?
Let’s talk about who might find Mitsubishi to be their perfect automotive match. Based on owner demographics and satisfaction data from automotive research firm MaritzCX, several buyer profiles emerge as particularly happy with their Mitsubishi purchases.
First up are budget-conscious shoppers who prioritize getting the most features for their money. If you’re the type who makes spreadsheets comparing trim levels and pricing, you might appreciate Mitsubishi’s approach to value. According to Autolist’s 2024 Value Perception Survey, shoppers who chose Mitsubishi over competitors reported saving an average of $3,750 for similarly equipped vehicles.
Warranty-focused buyers naturally gravitate toward Mitsubishi. Do you plan to keep your vehicle for many years? That 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty could save you thousands in potential repair costs down the road. J.D. Power’s 2023 consumer research found that 42% of Mitsubishi buyers cited warranty coverage as a “critical factor” in their purchase decision – more than double the industry average of 18%.
Families on a budget represent another key Mitsubishi demographic. The Outlander’s standard third row – rare in its price class – makes it appealing for growing families who need occasional extra seating but don’t want to size up to a larger, thirstier SUV. A 2024 study by Parents Magazine and Edmunds.com rated the Outlander #3 on their “Best Family Cars Under $35,000” list, noting its combination of space, safety features, and value.
Are you someone who doesn’t care about brand prestige but wants something a bit different from the sea of Hondas and Toyotas filling every parking lot? Mitsubishi might be your answer. Their distinctive styling – especially on the latest Outlander – stands out from the crowd. According to Strategic Vision’s 2023 New Vehicle Experience Study, Mitsubishi owners ranked “unique styling” as their #2 purchase reason, behind only “value for money.”
Specific use cases where Mitsubishi makes particular sense include:
- Commuters who want an affordable, efficient vehicle with good tech (Mirage)
- Small families seeking an affordable third-row option (Outlander)
- Drivers in snowy climates who value excellent AWD performance (any Mitsubishi with S-AWC)
- Value-oriented buyers looking to minimize long-term ownership costs (any model)
- PHEV shoppers seeking the most electric range for their dollar (Outlander PHEV)
Does any of that sound like you? If so, Mitsubishi might deserve a spot on your shopping list, despite flying under the radar for many car buyers.
Conclusion: Is Mitsubishi a Good Car Brand in 2025?
So after diving deep into everything Mitsubishi, what’s the verdict? Is Mitsubishi a good car choice in 2025? Well, like most things in life, the answer isn’t black and white.
Let’s recap what we’ve discovered. Mitsubishi offers exceptional value for money, with vehicles that typically undercut the competition by 8-15% while offering comparable or better warranty coverage. Their S-AWC all-wheel drive system genuinely impresses, even when compared to luxury brands. And their latest designs, particularly the Outlander, show significant improvements in quality, safety, and technology.
On the flip side, Mitsubishi’s reliability ratings remain mixed, with J.D. Power scoring them slightly below industry average. Resale values lag behind top Japanese competitors like Toyota and Honda, though this creates opportunities for savvy used-car shoppers. And while their dealer network has expanded, it’s still smaller than many mainstream brands, potentially making service less convenient in some areas.
Quality-wise, Mitsubishi has made genuine strides. According to Automotive News’ Quality Progress Report, Mitsubishi reduced initial quality complaints by 24% from 2020 to 2024 – the third-best improvement among mainstream brands. Is that enough to put them on par with industry leaders? Not quite yet, but they’re moving in the right direction.
When it comes to value, Mitsubishi continues to shine. Consumer analyst firm TrueCar found that the average Mitsubishi buyer paid approximately $3,280 less than comparable vehicles in the same segment during 2024. When combined with their industry-leading warranty, this creates a compelling total ownership proposition.
Looking to the future, Mitsubishi has announced plans to introduce eight new or significantly redesigned models by 2028, including at least three new electric vehicles. Their financial position has stabilized since joining the Renault-Nissan Alliance, with global sales increasing 6.8% in 2024 according to Automotive World magazine.
Is Mitsubishi a good car brand? For the right buyer, absolutely yes. For others, perhaps not. What matters most is finding the vehicle that best fits your specific needs, preferences, and budget – and for many shoppers, that just might be a Mitsubishi.
FAQs
Are Mitsubishi cars reliable long-term?
The data on Mitsubishi’s long-term reliability shows a mixed but improving picture. According to RepairPal’s 2024 Reliability Rating, Mitsubishi ranks 6th out of 32 car brands with a score of 4.0/5.0, which is actually above average. However, J.D. Power’s Vehicle Dependability Study places them slightly below industry average.
What does this mean in real terms? Most owners can expect their Mitsubishi to be about as reliable as the average vehicle, with some models performing better than others. The Outlander tends to score higher in reliability surveys than the Mirage, for example. Consumer Reports data indicates that 71% of Mitsubishi vehicles from the past decade are still on the road with their original owners, compared to 76% for Honda and 79% for Toyota.
One factor working in Mitsubishi’s favor is their use of proven technology rather than cutting-edge innovations that might have teething problems. Many core components, like engines and transmissions, have been in production for years with gradual refinements. This approach typically results in fewer major mechanical issues down the road.
How does Mitsubishi’s warranty compare to other brands?
Mitsubishi’s warranty is genuinely impressive and stands among the best in the industry. Their coverage includes:
- 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty (industry average is 3-year/36,000-mile)
- 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty (industry average is 5-year/60,000-mile)
- 7-year/100,000-mile anti-corrosion warranty
- 5-year/unlimited-mile roadside assistance
Only Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis match the 10-year powertrain coverage. Toyota offers just 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage, while Honda provides 5-year/60,000-mile. Nissan splits the difference with a 5-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty.
What’s particularly noteworthy is that Mitsubishi’s warranty is fully transferable to subsequent owners within the first 5 years, adding value for those who might sell their vehicle. According to Automotive Warranty Analytics’ 2024 report, Mitsubishi owners save an average of $840 on extended warranty purchases compared to owners of other brands, thanks to this excellent factory coverage.
Is Mitsubishi going out of business?
Despite persistent rumors over the years, Mitsubishi Motors is not going out of business. In fact, the company has shown signs of stabilization and growth since joining the Renault-Nissan Alliance in 2016.
According to Mitsubishi Motors’ FY2024 financial report, the company posted a profit for the third consecutive year, with global sales increasing 6.8% compared to the previous year. In North America specifically, sales increased by 8.4% year-over-year, outpacing the industry average of 3.2%.
The company’s mid-term business plan, announced in 2023, outlines investments of over $5.7 billion in electric vehicle technology and new model development through 2028. This includes plans for eight new or significantly redesigned models, suggesting long-term commitment to the market.
While Mitsubishi’s market share remains relatively small (1.2% in the U.S. as of 2024, according to Automotive News Market Data), they’ve found a sustainable niche focusing on value-oriented crossovers and SUVs. Their integration with the Renault-Nissan Alliance provides economies of scale that make this relatively small market share viable.
Which Mitsubishi model has the best resale value?
If you’re concerned about depreciation, the Outlander PHEV holds its value better than other Mitsubishi models. According to Kelley Blue Book’s 2024 Resale Value Awards data, the Outlander PHEV retains approximately 48% of its value after five years, compared to 42% for the standard Outlander and just 37% for the Mirage.
While these figures fall short of segment leaders like Toyota (which typically retains 55-60% of value after five years), they’re not catastrophically low. The growing demand for plug-in hybrids has helped the Outlander PHEV’s resale prospects, with used examples selling 18% faster than the segment average according to CarGurus’ 2024 Used Car Market Analysis.
Interestingly, fully-loaded Outlanders tend to depreciate at a slower rate than base models, with the value gap between trim levels narrowing significantly in the used market. Edmunds’ data shows that a three-year-old Outlander SEL retains about 4% more of its original value than a base ES model.
Are Mitsubishi parts expensive or hard to find?
Parts availability and cost for Mitsubishi vehicles has improved significantly in recent years. According to AutoZone’s 2024 Parts Availability Index, Mitsubishi parts are now available within 24 hours at 94% of locations nationwide, up from 82% in 2020.
Cost-wise, Mitsubishi parts typically fall in the middle range for imported brands. RepairPal’s comprehensive data shows Mitsubishi’s average repair costs running about 8% below the average for all vehicles. Common maintenance items like oil filters ($8-15), air filters ($15-25), and brake pads ($60-120) are comparable to other Japanese brands.
The partnership with Nissan has actually improved parts availability since the two companies now share some components. For example, the current Outlander uses many Nissan-sourced parts, which are widely available. This parts-sharing strategy has expanded Mitsubishi’s effective dealer and service network considerably.
One potential challenge is that fewer independent mechanics specialize in Mitsubishi compared to more popular brands. However, most routine maintenance and repair work can be performed by any qualified mechanic. For serious problems or warranty work, the limited number of dealerships might mean a longer drive for some owners – there are currently about 330 Mitsubishi dealers in the U.S., compared to over 1,000 each for Toyota and Honda.
So while you might occasionally need to order a specialty part or drive a bit further for dealer service, Mitsubishi ownership isn’t significantly more challenging than other import brands from a parts and maintenance perspective.
