Mitsubishi just added another piece to its Momentum 2030 plan, this time in the form of an off-road-focused Outlander set to arrive in the U.S. in late 2026.
Driving the news: This version of the Outlander joins the all-electric SUV confirmed back in May, when Mitsubishi detailed plans for its first U.S.-bound BEV built off Nissan’s LEAF platform.
Together, they mark the next phase in Mitsubishi’s plan to steadily rebuild its U.S. lineup and retail footprint.
For context: Momentum 2030 is a North America game plan, which outlines the automaker’s plans to gradually roll out more EVs, more models, a sharper retail experience, and a stronger, more profitable dealer network.
This includes a promise of one new or significantly revamped vehicle every year through 2030, which is what we’re seeing take hold now.
What they’re saying: “The new 2025 Outlander is on sale now. An updated Outlander Plug-in Hybrid is coming soon. A new mild-hybrid powertrain debuts in the 2026 Outlander. And now, two more all-new vehicles are on the way in FY2026,” President and CEO of MMNA, Mark Chaffin, wrote on LinkedIn earlier this week.
Mark Chaffin
The latest addition: As described by Chaffin in the same post, the new Outlander variant “will feature off-road bodywork, specialized drive modes, performance upgrades, and distinctive interior styling.”
Details like pricing aren’t out yet (which makes sense), but it seems the main goal here is to offer an option for “off-road and off-highway travel,” as the release described, but without forcing buyers into a larger or premium segment.
Why it matters: SUV and hybrid demand remain two of the strongest forces shaping U.S. demand right now, which is why OEMs that have invested heavily in those categories are winning share, and why OEMs light on electrified or utility vehicles are moving fewer vehicles each quarter.
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A look at Q3 sales underscores that:
Toyota sold 629,137 vehicles (+15.9% YoY), with nearly 45% of that mix electrified. Mostly hybrids.
Nissan sales climbed 5.3% YoY (223,377 units), driven by continued SUV demand even as INFINITI slipped 9.6%.
And Volkswagen sales fell 6% YoY (87,705 units), but SUV strength helped offset declines, with Tiguan and Atlas both up.
By comparison, Mitsubishi delivered 19,647 units in Q3, which is steady but limited by a thin lineup.
The bright spot was the Outlander PHEV, which hit a record 2,403 sales (+5.4% YoY).
And while the Mirage phase-out dragged overall totals, demand for SUVs softened the impact.
Looking ahead: The 2026 additions (a BEV and a tougher Outlander) are designed to fill those gaps, giving dealers new volume drivers in the segments delivering growth even in the absence of tariff and EV urgency.
“Let me be clear: Mitsubishi Motors is all-in on the U.S. market,” Chaffin wrote. “At both MMC and MMNA, our teams are laser-focused on maximizing business value, driving efficiency, and protecting dealer profitability.”
What we’re watching: If Mitsubishi can keep its product cadence on schedule, expand its retail reach, and stay measured on EV rollout, 2026 could mark a real inflection point, not just in new models, but in regaining relevance in a market that still rewards practical, attainable products and prices.
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