The 2025 Mitsubishi ASX ES Street is a compact SUV that aims to deliver value for budget-conscious buyers seeking practicality, reliability, and affordability. Positioned as an entry-level model in Mitsubishi’s ASX lineup, the ES Street offers a no-frills approach to urban mobility. However, its dated design and lack of modern flair may leave some buyers wanting more. In this comprehensive review, we explore the ASX ES Street’s performance, features, interior, exterior, and overall value proposition in the competitive compact SUV market of 2025.
Exterior Design: A Familiar but Aging Look
The 2025 ASX ES Street carries forward a design that has remained largely unchanged for several years. Mitsubishi’s signature Dynamic Shield grille dominates the front fascia, giving it a bold yet familiar appearance. The sleek headlights and sculpted hood add a touch of modernity, but the overall silhouette feels like a relic from the early 2010s. While the 16-inch steel wheels (with optional alloys) and compact dimensions make it ideal for city driving, the lack of significant updates leaves it looking dated compared to rivals like the Hyundai Kona or Toyota Corolla Cross.
The ASX ES Street’s compact size—measuring approximately 4.36 meters in length—ensures easy maneuverability in tight urban environments. Its ground clearance of around 190mm allows for light off-road adventures, though it’s primarily designed for paved roads. Color options are limited but include practical choices like white, black, and silver, with a few vibrant hues available for those seeking a bit more personality.
Interior and Comfort: Functional but Basic
Inside, the ASX ES Street prioritizes functionality over luxury. The cabin is spacious for a compact SUV, offering ample headroom and legroom for front passengers. The rear seats, while adequate for two adults, can feel cramped for three, especially on longer journeys. Cargo space is competitive, with approximately 400 liters of boot capacity, expandable with the rear seats folded.
The interior materials are a mixed bag. Hard plastics dominate the dashboard and door panels, reflecting the vehicle’s budget positioning. The seats are upholstered in durable cloth, and while comfortable, they lack the premium feel of competitors. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its graphics and response times feel outdated. Physical buttons for climate control are a welcome touch, making adjustments intuitive while driving.
Standard features include manual air conditioning, a basic audio system, and a multifunction steering wheel. Higher trims offer upgrades like automatic climate control and a larger display, but the ES Street keeps things minimal to maintain its low price point. Noise insulation is average, with road and wind noise noticeable at higher speeds.
Performance and Driving Experience
Under the hood, the 2025 ASX ES Street is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine, producing around 150 horsepower and 197 Nm of torque. Paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), it delivers smooth but uninspiring performance. The engine is reliable and fuel-efficient, with an estimated fuel economy of 7.5 liters per 100 km in mixed conditions, making it a practical choice for daily commutes.
The ASX ES Street is front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel-drive option available on this trim. Its suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing most road imperfections well, though it can feel soft in corners, leading to noticeable body roll. Steering is light, which aids parking and low-speed maneuvers but lacks feedback for spirited driving. Overall, the ASX ES Street is best suited for urban environments and short highway trips rather than dynamic driving.
Safety and Technology
The 2025 ASX ES Street comes equipped with a decent suite of safety features for its price point. Standard equipment includes six airbags, ABS with EBD, stability control, and a rearview camera. However, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, or adaptive cruise control are reserved for higher trims or not available at all, which is a drawback in 2025’s safety-conscious market.
The infotainment system, while functional, lacks the polish of newer systems found in competitors. The inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a saving grace, allowing seamless smartphone integration for navigation and entertainment. Bluetooth connectivity and USB ports are standard, but wireless charging and premium audio systems are absent.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2025 ASX ES Street is one of the most affordable compact SUVs on the market, with a starting price of approximately AUD $25,000 (depending on the region and options). This undercuts rivals like the Kia Seltos and Nissan Qashqai, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers or those prioritizing cost over cutting-edge features. Mitsubishi’s reputation for reliability and a generous warranty (typically 5 years or 100,000 km) add to its appeal.
However, the ASX ES Street’s value is somewhat diminished by its lack of modern design and advanced technology. Buyers seeking a more contemporary driving experience may find better options in slightly pricier models from competitors. Still, for those who value affordability and dependability over flash, the ASX ES Street delivers.
Competitors and Market Position
The compact SUV segment is fiercely competitive in 2025, and the ASX ES Street faces stiff competition. The Hyundai Kona offers a fresher design and more tech, while the Toyota Corolla Cross boasts superior build quality and hybrid options. The Kia Seltos stands out with its stylish interior and robust feature set, and the Mazda CX-3 appeals to those seeking a premium feel. The ASX ES Street’s primary advantage is its price, but it struggles to keep up with the innovation and refinement of its rivals.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Affordable price point
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Reliable engine and build quality
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Compact size ideal for urban driving
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Decent cargo space
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support
Cons
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Dated exterior and interior design
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Limited advanced safety features
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Uninspiring performance
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Basic interior materials
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Lacks all-wheel-drive option
The 2025 Mitsubishi ASX ES Street is a practical and budget-friendly compact SUV that excels in affordability and reliability. Its compact size, decent fuel economy, and smartphone integration make it a solid choice for urban commuters and small families. However, its dated design, lack of advanced safety features, and basic interior hold it back in a segment filled with more modern and feature-rich alternatives.
For buyers prioritizing cost above all else, the ASX ES Street is a compelling option. However, those seeking a more contemporary or engaging driving experience may want to explore other models in the compact SUV market. Mitsubishi’s offering remains a sensible, no-nonsense choice, but it’s clear the ASX is overdue for a significant redesign to stay competitive in 2025 and beyond.