Mitsubishi to double its U.S. lineup with new EV and tougher Outlander

In the United States, Mitsubishi is down to just four models. The exit of the budget-friendly Mirage has exposed a major gap in the lineup, and sales fell 11 percent over the first three quarters of 2025. Without local manufacturing, tariff pressure bites harder, and the age of the products makes competing even tougher.

Against that backdrop, Mitsubishi Motors North America chief Mark Chaffin told dealers the company will make a strategic pivot and said the moment could mark a turning point. The goal is bold: to double the U.S. lineup by the end of the decade. It feels like a necessary swing for a brand that has been leaning on aging hardware.

The first two new vehicles are already in development. In 2026, an electric crossover based on the updated Nissan Leaf is slated to arrive. It is set to feature a 75‑kWh battery and a front motor with about 214 hp, with a simpler version carrying a 52‑kWh pack. Building on a known platform signals a pragmatic approach that favors proven components over splashy promises.

The second addition will be an Outlander tuned for tougher use, with more aggressive styling and an emphasis on off‑road capability—an answer to the current appetite for adventure‑style models. That move fits the moment, as shoppers continue to gravitate toward vehicles that look ready for the trail even if they spend weekdays in the city.

Two more models remain under wraps. Dealers are hoping for the return of a sedan in a segment many brands have abandoned. Rumors about a possible Lancer comeback, and even a performance‑oriented variant, are already stoking interest among buyers and brand loyalists.

If Mitsubishi can pull off the refresh, the marque stands a chance to regain ground among 2025 offerings, but much will hinge on pricing and the real‑world quality of the vehicles to come. The next few years will show whether the promises translate into products that earn their place on American driveways.