Mitsubishi bullish on U.S., beefs up product

By 2030, Mitsubishi Motors Corp. is muscling up its U.S. lineup.

The Japanese automaker will overhaul its aging and almost exclusively gasoline-powered portfolio of four nameplates with a mix of combustion engine, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-only models.

At its North American retailer meeting in May, Mitsubishi pledged to launch a new or updated model each fiscal year from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031.

Mitsubishi will bring two electric compact crossovers and a sporty passenger van this decade. Next-generation platforms will support multiple powertrains, allowing the automaker flexibility to respond to market demand.

To drive consumer buzz in the new metal, Mitsubishi will muscle up its U.S. dealership network and introduce alternative retail concepts.

"Mitsubishi is at a pivotal point in North America, charting a bold, clear and attainable plan for our future success in the United States," Mitsubishi Motors North America CEO Mark Chaffin said. "Momentum 2030 is that plan."

But first, Mitsubishi will shrink its U.S. lineup by ditching the budget-priced Mirage after the 2025 model year.

Passenger van: Mitsubishi will bring a sporty overlander van to the U.S. by the end of the decade, according to dealers briefed on the plan.

The van is based on the D:X Concept, a futuristic-looking six-seater plug-in hybrid revealed at the Japan Mobility Show last year.

Mitsubishi has described the concept as having the roomy cabin space of a multipurpose vehicle, the road handling of an SUV and the driving performance of a plug-in hybrid.

Electric compact crossover: The electric vehicle will share a platform with a Nissan-developed crossover and will be built at the larger automaker's Canton, Miss, factory. It should arrive in 2027.

Electric sporty crossover: Mitsubishi will bring a small sporty crossover to its lineup in 2026 to replace the subcompact Mirage sedan and hatchback as the brand's new entry model.

Outlander: The midsize crossover receives a freshen early next year with an updated front and rear fascia design and a significant upgrade to the interior.

Mitsubishi will debut a lifted Outlander variant in 2026. A dealer described the Outlander Rugged Edition as "Subaru Outback-like," with large tires and a heavy-duty roof rack.

For the 2024 model year, the Outlander and its plug-in hybrid variant received a Platinum Edition featuring Black Diamond paint with an Alloy Silver roof color combination.

The nameplate will be redesigned in 2027.

Eclipse Cross: For the 2024 model year, the Eclipse Cross compact crossover added a 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.

A next-generation model has not been announced.

Outlander Sport: The subcompact crossover will be replaced in 2027 by a vehicle based on the Xforce, a boxy compact utility vehicle launched in Southeast Asia last year.

For the 2024 model year, the Outlander Sport received 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.

Mirage: Production of the subcompact Mirage — America's most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered nonhybrid vehicle — ends in the fourth quarter. A next-generation model is not expected.