AUTO

Mitsubishi Expands Its U.S. Lineup with a New BEV and an Off-Road Outlander for 2026

October 14, 2025

Mitsubishi will launch a BEV in North America in summer 2026, based on the next-generation Nissan LEAF.
The company also confirmed an off-road variant of the Outlander, with upgraded bodywork, drive modes, and a more capable S-AWC system.
Their Momentum 2030 business plan includes delivering one new or significantly revised model per year between fiscal 2026 and 2030.

How often do you see a car company roll out two brand-new models on the same day, and actually mean soon, not someday? Mitsubishi just pulled that off. The automaker is ramping up its U.S. lineup with a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and an off-road-focused version of the Outlander SUV, both arriving during fiscal year 2026, running from April 2026 through March 2027.

In May 2025, Mitsubishi made headlines when it announced plans to bring an all-new battery-electric vehicle to North America. Built on the next-generation Nissan Leaf platform through its alliance with Nissan, the new BEV is scheduled to arrive in U.S. and Canadian showrooms by summer 2026.

Silver Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV on an open road during sunset, highlighting electric hybrid SUV technology. — _{2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV represents the brand’s Momentum 2030 expansion plans.}

That news grabbed attention at the time, but today’s update raises the bar. Mitsubishi has confirmed a second new model, an off-road-focused version of the Outlander designed to handle terrain far rougher than a typical suburban street.

Why does Mitsubishi think this strategy makes sense? The company is doubling down on its Momentum 2030 plan. This roadmap was introduced last year to strengthen its presence in the U.S. market.

The plan focuses on four key areas: electrification, a wider range of vehicles, a more modern retail experience, and an expanded dealer network. With these new announcements, Momentum 2030 appears to be gaining real traction. At least in how the brand is communicating its future.

Take the off-road Outlander. It’s raising expectations. Mitsubishi says it will build on the existing Trail Edition package. This adds off-road bodywork, tuned drive modes, performance upgrades, and unique materials inside.

Under the hood, power will be managed by an upgraded version of Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This technology is perfected through 12 Dakar Rally victories and years of rally competition across the globe. Mitsubishi wants this model to be capable, not decorative. They’re building a machine that earns its off-road credibility through performance, not decals.

“Two exciting announcements to discuss upcoming vehicle launches proves the strength of our Momentum 2030 business plan, plus the hard work and commitment from our colleagues at Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Japan and our dealer partners across the U.S.” said Mark Chaffin, MMNA’s president and CEO.

Mitsubishi's Momentum 2030 long-term North American business plan includes a lineup of battery electric vehicles. — _{Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 long-term North American business plan includes a lineup of battery electric vehicles.}

“When we announced our Momentum 2030 plan publicly, we set ambitious goals for ourselves. The plan is underway right now, with the new 2025 Outlander already on sale, with an updated Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) coming soon, the debut of a new mild-hybrid powertrain in the 2026 Outlander and with today’s announcements of two more all-new vehicles coming in fiscal year 2026. This is just the beginning, with more new vehicles and more news coming.”

The upcoming BEV built on the next-generation Leaf platform is genuinely interesting. It will use Nissan’s CMF-EV architecture, the same one found under the Nissan Ariya. And it could reach roughly 304 miles per charge. For Mitsubishi, this offers a quick path into the competitive EV space without having to develop an entire platform from the ground up. The alliance strategy clearly pays off here.

Still, both the BEV and the off-road-focused Outlander will enter markets already packed with strong contenders. Tesla, Ford, Rivian, and Subaru are all aggressively targeting similar buyers, and established brands are racing to expand their electric lineups.

Mitsubishi will need to bring competitive specs, transparent pricing, a well-prepared dealer network, and renewed consumer trust, or risk fading into the background.

All of this points to one clear direction that Mitsubishi is banking on variety. Gasoline, hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and full-electric (BEV) options will all coexist in its lineup as part of a broader strategy to nearly double its U.S. offerings by 2030.

Image showcasing 2023 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV at Electrify Expo — _{Red Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV displayed in the booth at Electrify Expo.}

The official names, pricing, and full specifications for the new BEV and off-road Outlander variant remain under wraps for now. Mitsubishi has said more details will arrive in future announcements. If those details reveal strong performance, smart technology, and competitive pricing, the brand could gain real traction with American buyers.

At the end of the day, two things are clear. First, Mitsubishi wants to grow from a niche player into a real contender in the U.S. electric and crossover market. Second, the brand is reconnecting with its off-road heritage and rally roots that once defined its identity. The approach feels daring, confident, and long overdue, and I’m genuinely excited to see how it unfolds.