Mitsubishi ASX 2025 Review: A Compact SUV with Urban Charm or Outclassed by Rivals?

The Mitsubishi ASX has long been a favorite in the compact SUV market, and the 2025 Mitsubishi ASX ES Street continues that tradition with an updated appearance package. But with increasing competition from newer, more affordable rivals like the Kia Seltos, GWM Haval Jolion, and MG ZST, can the ASX still hold its own? In this detailed review, we’ll explore its features, performance, practicality, and whether the additional $2,500 price hike for the ES Street model is justified.

Overview of the 2025 Mitsubishi ASX ES Street

The 2025 Mitsubishi ASX ES Street adds a fresh styling package to one of Mitsubishi’s oldest SUV models. Competing against more modern and feature-packed rivals, the ASX still carries the charm of an urban-friendly SUV. However, its age is beginning to show in areas like technology and safety, where newer competitors have pulled ahead.

Appearance: Does the Styling Stand Out?

The ES Street version of the Mitsubishi ASX adds several visual upgrades over the standard model. These changes are purely aesthetic, aimed at giving the SUV a sportier, more modern look. But do they justify the $2,500 premium?

• Black and red accents on the grille and rear bumper.
• Black 18-inch alloy wheels, adding a more aggressive stance.
• Sporty decals across the body for a more dynamic look.
• Black side mirrors and door handles to complete the street-focused aesthetic.

While these design elements certainly make the ASX ES Street more eye-catching, the upgrades are largely superficial. In terms of practicality and performance, the ES Street doesn’t offer anything significantly different from the standard ES model.

Verdict on Appearance: If you’re someone who values visual appeal over functionality, the Street package might appeal to you. But for those looking for real upgrades, the $2,500 price tag might not seem worth it.

Interior: Tradition Meets Simplicity

Step inside the Mitsubishi ASX ES Street, and you’ll find an interior that blends traditional design with a few modern touches. However, for a vehicle in 2025, the lack of digital features might leave you feeling like the ASX is stuck in the past.

• Dashboard: The 8-inch touchscreen multimedia system is functional but basic, with limited customization options.
• Controls: Lots of buttons and dials maintain a sense of tradition. Even the handbrake is a manual operation, which could feel nostalgic for some, but outdated for others.
• No Push-Button Start: You’ll need to use a turnkey ignition, which is a far cry from the modern push-button systems found in rivals.
• Manual Adjustments: Adjusting seats, mirrors, and other elements will require manual effort, a surprising omission in a segment increasingly embracing automation.
• Seats: While the cloth seats are visually appealing, they lack lumbar support, making longer trips uncomfortable. The firm seats don’t provide the plush ride offered by rivals like the Kia Seltos.

Interior Features and Comfort

Verdict on Interior: If you enjoy the simplicity of manual adjustments and traditional controls, the ASX ES Street will appeal to you. But if you’re looking for modern amenities like a digital dashboard, USB-C charging, or push-button start, this SUV might feel lacking.

Practicality: Urban-friendly with Good Storage

When it comes to practicality, the Mitsubishi ASX ES Street offers a mixed bag. While the interior is spacious enough for urban driving, it lacks some of the conveniences that buyers now expect in compact SUVs.

• Front Space: The front cabin is roomy, with ample head and legroom, even for taller drivers.
• Rear Seats: The rear seats are firm, and while there’s enough space for short trips, longer journeys could leave passengers feeling uncomfortable. The narrow door aperture also makes entry and exit more difficult.
• Car Seats: The rear offers space for two car seats, making it family-friendly, though the lack of rear seat amenities might leave some parents wanting more.

Boot Capacity and Storage

The boot space in the ASX ES Street is one of its stronger points, offering 393 liters with the rear seats up and 1,193 liters when folded down. This is competitive within its class, and the wide boot aperture makes it easier to load larger items.

Verdict on Practicality: For urban dwellers and small families, the ASX offers decent storage and practicality. However, the lack of rear amenities and limited comfort for longer journeys might be a drawback for some.

Performance: Reliable in the City, but Lacks Power on the Highway

The Mitsubishi ASX ES Street is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder petrol engine, producing 110 kW of power and 197 Nm of torque. This is sufficient for city driving, but when you hit the highway, the lack of power becomes noticeable.

• Urban Driving: In city environments, the ASX ES Street performs well. It’s easy to park, maneuver, and provides a comfortable enough ride for short commutes.
• Highway Driving: On the open road, however, the engine struggles. Acceleration is slow, and the engine becomes noisy when you need to put your foot down.
• Suspension: The suspension leans towards the firm side, giving you good road feedback. However, you’ll feel road bumps, and the car is vulnerable to wind sway at higher speeds.

Fuel Efficiency

The official combined fuel consumption is 7.6 L/100 km, but real-world usage shows it closer to 9.1 L/100 km. With a 63-liter fuel tank, you can expect a theoretical driving range of up to 829 km, which is decent for this class.

Verdict on Performance: The ASX ES Street is a solid urban performer but falls short when it comes to highway driving. It lacks the power and refinement of some of its rivals, and the real-world fuel efficiency is a bit disappointing for a compact SUV.

Safety: Lacking in Modern Features

In terms of safety, the Mitsubishi ASX ES Street offers the basics, but it’s outclassed by its rivals in terms of modern driver-assistance technologies. While it comes with seven airbags, including a driver’s knee airbag, it misses out on key safety features like:

• Lane-Keeping Aid
• Blind-Spot Monitoring
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert

The ASX’s pre-2023 models have a 5-star ANCAP safety rating under the 2016 protocols, but the 2025 model hasn’t been tested yet, and the lack of modern safety features is a concern.

Verdict on Safety: The ASX ES Street falls behind its competitors in terms of standard safety equipment. In a market where rivals offer a more comprehensive suite of safety technologies, the ASX feels outdated.

Final Verdict: Is the Mitsubishi ASX ES Street Worth It?

The 2025 Mitsubishi ASX ES Street is a compact SUV that offers urban-friendly features, a fresh design, and good practicality. However, it lags behind competitors in terms of performance, technology, and safety. The additional $2,500 for the Street package adds visual flair but does little to enhance the driving experience or practicality.

Pros:

• Stylish, sporty appearance
• Good urban driving dynamics
• Spacious boot and cabin storage

Cons:

• Underpowered for highway driving
• Lacks modern safety features
• Interior feels outdated with manual controls

Final Verdict: If you’re looking for an affordable, stylish SUV for city driving and don’t mind the lack of modern technology, the Mitsubishi ASX ES Street is worth considering. However, if you need a more powerful, feature-packed vehicle with the latest safety tech, rivals like the Kia Seltos and GWM Haval Jolion might offer better value.