Mitsubishi previews next Outlander, ASX

MITSUBISHI Motors has given North American dealers an early look at the next-generation Outlander and ASX, alongside the returning Pajero, as part of a broad product offensive aimed at reversing declining sales and rejuvenating its ageing line-up.

The private preview, held near Chicago under Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 strategy, showcased a raft of new and redesigned models that will underpin the Japanese brand’s push into more profitable SUV and ute segments.

According to dealers who attended the event, an all-new fifth-generation Outlander is scheduled to arrive in North America during the second half of 2028. Australian timing is yet to be confirmed.

Replacing the current model launched locally in late 2021, the new Outlander will abandon the Renault-Nissan Alliance’s CMF-CD architecture in favour of a Mitsubishi-developed platform.

Dealers described a dramatic redesign highlighted by a closed-off grille flanked by a distinctive stack of eight slim LED lighting elements, while the rear retains the current model’s “fighter jet” theme inspired by aircraft tailplanes.

An off-road-focused variant was also shown, building on the current US-market Outlander Trail Edition. The new version features increased ground clearance, revised suspension tuning, chunkier body cladding and enhancements to Mitsubishi’s renowned Super All-Wheel Control system.

The more rugged derivative is expected to reach North American showrooms in 2027.

Dealers also received a first look at a replacement for the ageing Outlander Sport, known previously in Australia as the ASX.

The outgoing US model traces its roots back more than 15 years, making it one of the oldest vehicles in the segment.

According to retailer accounts, the replacement is a completely new vehicle riding on an all-new platform and growing noticeably larger in both width and height.

Design cues include slim LED headlights, a muscular grille, exposed recovery hooks, roof rack and ladder, all-terrain tyres, and protective front-end elements designed to emphasise its off-road credentials.

Inside, dealers reported a practical cabin with increased storage and water-resistant upholstery.

Mitsubishi Australia has previously described the current Renault Captur-based ASX sold in Europe as a stopgap solution ahead of a “true replacement”, although it remains unclear whether the new Outlander Sport/ASX will be offered in Australia.

The dealer event also provided further details on the reborn Pajero.

Known as Montero in North America, the new body-on-frame SUV is expected to arrive there in 2030 and will share its ladder-frame platform with the Triton ute. Dealers compared its positioning to the Toyota LandCruiser (Prado).

The new Pajero adopts a more upright design with approximately 300mm of ground clearance, a full-width light signature and a more spacious three-row cabin featuring larger digital displays and a new steering wheel set to spread across future Mitsubishi models.

Mitsubishi is also preparing to return to the North American ute market with a new model based on Nissan’s next-generation Frontier platform.

While sharing its underpinnings with Nissan, the new pick-up will feature unique Mitsubishi styling, interior design and chassis tuning. It is expected to enter showrooms in 2029.

Dealers attending the event expressed optimism about the company’s renewed product focus.

“It’s night and day from the current aging line-up,” one retailer told publication Automotive News.

According to sources at the dealer event, Mitsubishi has shelved full battery-electric vehicle ambitions in North America in favour of hybrid powertrains, with all new models introduced after 2027 expected to feature some form of electrification.

Mitsubishi’s US sales fell 15 per cent in the first quarter and its market share is languishing at around 0.5 per cent, the giant Japanese manufacturer hoping a renewed focus on larger SUVs, hybrids and commercial vehicles will reignite growth and restore profitability.