Late EV bloomer Mitsubishi teases electric makeover

Mitsubishi faces an existential crisis in the world's second-largest auto market — and beyond.

The Japanese automaker's almost exclusively gasoline-powered U.S. lineup is out of step as the U.S. ratchets up fleet emission standards, mirroring similar moves in Europe and China.

But Mitsubishi has a response.

In March, the automaker announced an ambitious $10 billion investment in electrified vehicles and battery production through 2030.

Mitsubishi said it will introduce nine new electrified models globally over the next five years, including EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids. It is part of a rollout plan for 16 models, including traditional internal combustion vehicles.

U.S. retailers said the brand has promised to reveal the North American market product road map by year end. Among the electrified vehicles previewed in March were a two-row all-electric SUV, a two-row hybrid SUV and a battery-powered pickup.

The prospect of the pickup has some of Mitsubishi's U.S. retailers excited. Coincidentally, Mitsubishi's global alliance partner Nissan Motor Co. is said to be planning a battery-powered, lightweight pickup similar to the Frontier for the U.S., which could feature solid-state batteries that Nissan expects to commercialize by 2028.

Mitsubishi CEO Takao Kato acknowledged the market for battery-electric pickups in the U.S.

"There is demand for environmentally friendly pickups with shorter driving range," Kato said in March. "So we would like to consider such possibility as well."

Electric compact crossover: The EV, expected to go on sale in 2026, could be similar to the coupe-like crossover that will replace the Nissan Leaf.

Outlander: For 2024, the Outlander and its plug-in hybrid variant will receive a Platinum Edition featuring Black Diamond paint with an Alloy Silver roof color combination. It will arrive early next year.

The Outlander will receive a freshen in late 2024 and a redesign follows as early as 2027.

The redesigned Outlander plug-in hybrid arrived in stores in December. It has a more powerful electric motor and an estimated EV range of up to 38 miles. The plug-in hybrid system received a 20-kilowatt-hour battery, which Mitsubishi said is the "biggest in the segment."

Eclipse Cross: A special edition of the compact crossover featuring rugged, off-road-inspired styling enhancements will go on sale in the first half of 2024.

For the 2024 model year, the Eclipse Cross adds a new hands-free electronic tailgate with a kick-motion sensor as standard on the SE and SEL trims.

Also standard on the SE model is adaptive cruise control, a rear USB port and a leather-wrapped steering wheel.

The Eclipse Cross should be in line for a redesign in 2027 on the CMF-C platform that underpins the new Nissan Qashqai. A plug-in hybrid variant is planned for the U.S. at that time.
Outlander Sport: For the 2024 model year, the subcompact crossover receives a Trail Edition featuring black hood graphics, black side and fender moldings, black hood protector and tailgate trim, mud flaps and all-weather floor mats as standard.

The aging subcompact crossover will be replaced mid-decade with the Xforce, a boxy compact utility vehicle that launches in Southeast Asia this year.

The automaker has big ambitions for the Indonesian-built five-seater.

"We hope to grow the model from a vehicle for the [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] market to a global strategic vehicle, making it a core model," Kato said in a statement.

Mirage: For 2024, the LE trim of Mirage gets automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers as standard equipment. But production of the subcompact sedan and hatchback ends in late 2025. A next generation is not expected.