Mitsubishi has announced the arrival of a new 'Off-Road' model for the US market next year, and I feel cautiously optimistic about it.

Mitsubishi has announced the arrival of a new 'Off-Road' model for the US market next year, and I feel cautiously optimistic about it.

      Mitsubishi, modified by the author

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      This week, Mitsubishi revealed a new "rugged" Outlander SUV featuring "off-road bodywork, off-road-oriented drive modes and performance enhancements, exclusive interior styling," set to hit the U.S. market by the end of next year. Exciting.

      Here’s how it was described in the press release:

      “…today’s announcement confirms that the next addition to the lineup will be a vehicle designed for off-road use, underlining the brand’s rich history in off-road and off-highway travel. MMNA has recently unveiled a Trail Edition package for the Outlander, and this new model will enhance its graphic elements by incorporating off-road-specific bodywork, off-road-focused drive modes and performance improvements, as well as unique interior styling with specialized materials. This vehicle will elevate the company’s renowned Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) all-wheel drive system, which has been fine-tuned through Mitsubishi Motors' 12 victories in the famed Dakar Rally and in the challenging environments of the World Rally Championship, allowing families to venture further beyond paved roads.”

      I anticipate that the production model will feature some fender flares, distinctive wheels with mild all-terrain tires, and hopefully, a slight lift and authentic skid plates. If Mitsubishi can complement that with an appealing graphics package and a visually pleasing interior, it could be a promising offering. The image above, showcasing the standard Outlander beside one draped in a cover, is the only visual hint we've seen thus far, suggesting no significant changes in ride height or roof racks.

      The Outlander Trail Edition was a preliminary step towards the concept being discussed now. Mitsubishi

      There has previously been an Outlander Trail Edition, featuring some decals and stylish wheels, priced around $40,000 with all-wheel drive and an extensive list of luxury features. It shares its platform with the Nissan Rogue and has a low-output engine, but reviews tend to be generally positive (I haven’t personally driven it).

      On paper, the Outlander’s specs may not be exceptional, but it is affordably priced (starting at $30,000) and includes a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, five years of unlimited Roadside Assistance, and a two-year limited maintenance plan. Manufactured in Japan, it is subject to tariffs but also benefits from a sense of prestige.

      Regardless of what the off-road version of the Outlander is ultimately named, it doesn’t need to be a solid-axle rock crawler to be considered worthwhile. A modest but visually appealing equipment package could significantly enhance its enjoyment as a vehicle. For most Americans, "overlanding" (driving on fire roads) requires only good tires and around 8 inches of ground clearance.

      For skeptics, here are a few random images of Mitsubishi’s Dakar victories to get you motivated. Mitsubishi

      This is the first instance I’ve observed Mitsubishi reference its heritage from the Dakar Rally in its new marketing materials since the 2Fast 2Furious period, when at least one person within the company still cared about connecting with car enthusiasts. However, there is a hidden section on the brand’s site featuring some impressive old Dakar imagery.

      Historically, Mitsubishi boasts an exceptional record of producing thrilling on- and off-road performance vehicles, along with achieving success in races. They were a dominant force in extreme off-road rally raid racing during the '80s and '90s. Unfortunately for brand enthusiasts, this history largely dwindles after the 2000s. The Lancer Evo X, the last vehicle sold in the U.S. that generated significant excitement, has been absent for a decade.

      All that said, considering the widespread appeal of off-road vehicles and a sense of nostalgia, I’ve long believed Mitsubishi could generate some interest by adding a few accessories to an SUV and showcasing old footage of its Dakar Rally achievements as promotional material. It seems they are finally on the same page!

      Do you have any thoughts on what Mitsubishi’s 4×4 will look like? Feel free to reach out to me at [email protected].

Mitsubishi has announced the arrival of a new 'Off-Road' model for the US market next year, and I feel cautiously optimistic about it. Mitsubishi has announced the arrival of a new 'Off-Road' model for the US market next year, and I feel cautiously optimistic about it. Mitsubishi has announced the arrival of a new 'Off-Road' model for the US market next year, and I feel cautiously optimistic about it.

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Mitsubishi has announced the arrival of a new 'Off-Road' model for the US market next year, and I feel cautiously optimistic about it.

A 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander off-road variant will be available for purchase in America in 2026.