There have been concerns raised that Mitsubishi is no longer as committed to the U.S. market as it has been in the past. With a new headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee and news today of five new product launches planned in the next year, it appears that concern was a bit overblown.
Between today and the second quarter of 2021, Mitsubishi will launch three “considerably redesigned” vehicles, one fresh variant, and one ground-up redesigned model.
Here’s what to expect, by date.
The Mitsubishi Outlander Sport was refreshed for the 2020 model year. It will carryover for the 2021 model year with additional standard equipment improvements. It is the company’s best-selling model in North America.
Every Mitsubishi vehicle will receive standard Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection active safety features in the new year as well.
Q4 2020: Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors
On sale in winter 2020, the 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV will receive major revisions including by a completely new powertrain as well as a host of updates to each trim level. The updated internal combustion engine has increased displacement and greater horsepower, and the larger and more refined electric drive system offers more all-electric range and speed of operation.
The 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (shown above) is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that is paired with two electric motors to produce 197 horsepower. All-wheel drive is standard. It can go 22 miles on just electricity and earns a 74 MPGe rating.
Q1 2021: Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4
The refreshed 2021 Mitsubishi Mirage and Mirage G4 will go on sale in the first quarter of 2021. They will have undergone an “extensive exterior redesign” and will be the U.S.’s most fuel efficient non-hybrid gasoline-fueled vehicle. Mitsubishi promises that the model will become a “more compelling value” with these changes because it will be “better equipped, with bold styling and standard safety equipment putting it into a new level of consideration.
In the first six months of 2020, Mitsubishi sold around 8,500 new Mirages in the U.S.
Q1 2021: Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Photo courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors
The 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross will go on sale in the first quarter of 2021. It will feature “major front and rear design enhancements” that takes cues from Mitsubishi’s next-gen design language. The Eclipse Cross’s new look will also include a revised interior and new infotainment system -all needed improvements for this model (2020 version shown above), which faces stiff competition in its class.
Q2 2021: Mitsubishi Outlander
On sale in Q2 2021, as a 2022 model. The next-generation Outlander, like the Eclipse Cross, will feature the latest Mitsubishi design language with “bold, aggressive, and distinctive appearance“. The Japanese automaker is promising interior enhancements and a “game-changing vehicle will surprise many“. Expect to see the model at a launch event in early 2021.
