Mitsubishi Outlander vs Chevrolet Blazer

Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has driven a sales surge in Canada in recent years, but the rest of the company’s line-up doesn’t get as much attention. Take, for example, the gas-only Mitsubishi Outlander. The PHEV sold more than 14,000 units and is the best-selling plug-in hybrid in the country, but the internal combustion engine (ICE) Outlander sold just over 9,000 units.

For 2025, this midsize crossover gets a refresh. While the lower trim levels won’t likely stress your pocketbook, it’s a little tough to find the value in the top-most trim. The most obvious changes are inside, with some new tech and a bumping new sound system. However, those with a keen eye will find some differences in the exterior styling as well. Mitsubishi also improves the suspension tuning for 2025, but neglects the powertrain.

Verdict: The 2025 Mitsubishi Outlander still isn’t the best-driving crossover you can buy, and the front fascia might turn you off. But the small improvements and excellent sound system might inspire some buyers to visit the dealership.

The Chevrolet Blazer is one of the oldest SUV nameplates on the market, and while the current version might disappoint fans of the original, it’s very much on-trend with modern times.

Chevy launched the Blazer as truck-based off-roader, starting with the original K5 Blazer, and following that it up with a smaller S-10 Blazer based on its compact pickup truck. The Blazer was shelved in the early 2000s, then revived for the 2019 model year as a car-based crossover SUV, eschewing ruggedness for greater efficiency and on-road refinement in a shift that reflected the utility-vehicle market as a whole.

The General Motors decision not to go all-in on nostalgia with a new off-road Blazer might seem questionable in the wake of the revived Ford Bronco, but the market for two-row midsize crossovers like the modern Blazer is even stronger, and it's filled with rival offerings like the Ford Edge, Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Murano, Toyota Venza, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.

For 2023, notable changes include a new 10-inch touchscreen display and available wireless charging for all trim levels, some styling changes, and new wheel designs and colour options. In Canada, the lineup consists of LT, True North, Premier, and RS trim levels (we checked out a Blazer RS for this review). A Chevy Blazer EV is also on the way for the 2024 model year, but this will be a completely different vehicle based on GM’s Ultium EV component set.