The current generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander has not had a redesign since it was launched in 2012. Though the model had a few minor updates over the last few years, the model has struggled to remain relevant in the competitive compact crossover market.
But there’s good news for fans of the Outlander as Mitsubishi has confirmed a new version of the model debuting this year.
In a recent interview, Mitsubishi Europe CEO Bernard Loire shared that the company is planning to source a platform from the Renault-Nissan alliance.
“In the second half of next year, we will have a replacement of the current Outlander. It will be on an alliance platform,” he said. “There will also be another smaller SUV coming at the same time.”
The platform Loire was referring to is expected to be the same platform as the Nissan Rogue. A hybrid model is also rumored to be in the works and will sit alongside the Outlander PHEV model.
While Loire did not go into the specifics, there are assumptions that the upcoming Outlander will build on the design language introduced with the Eclipse Cross. The Outlander will also be marketed as a more family-friendly crossover unlike the production version of the Engelberg Tourer Concept, which the automaker plans to use as a stepping stone in re-entering the SUV market.
In terms of powertrain, the new Outlander could be equipped with the same 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 155 horsepower and 162 lb-ft of torque or an optional 3.0-liter V6 with 224 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque.
There’s no word yet whether the upcoming Outlander will come to the U.S. or when it will happen, but Mitsubishi has not closed any doors so far.
Keep Reading: Related Posts
Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
