A Shrinking Lineup and a Big Promise
Mitsubishi’s North American portfolio has quietly shrunk to just four models, with the Mirage bowing out, leaving only a few inventory units selling for pennies. The brand’s sales dropped more than 11 percent through the first three quarters of 2025, and the loss of its entry-level car only highlights how thin the showroom has become. Mitsubishi no longer has US manufacturing, which puts it at the wrong end of tariff pressures, and its aging lineup certainly isn’t helping.
That’s the backdrop to a new letter sent to retailers by Mitsubishi Motors North America CEO Mark Chaffin, Automotive News reports. In it, he claims the company is preparing a “strategic shift” that will “significantly strengthen” its US position. He describes the moment as potentially “game-changing,” offers reassurance that North America remains a priority, and reiterates a previously stated goal: doubling the lineup by the end of the decade.
With only four models today, that means at least four new products in roughly four years.
Mitsubishi
Two Confirmed Models Lead the Charge
The first piece of this expansion is a new EV based on the redesigned Nissan LEAF. Expected to arrive in summer 2026, the crossover-sized model should share the LEAF’s 75-kWh battery and 214-hp front-motor setup, with a smaller 52-kWh option planned as well. It’s the clearest sign yet that Mitsubishi intends to lean into shared development with Nissan.
Late 2026 brings the second confirmed entry: a ruggedized Outlander variant. Mitsubishi has said it will come with distinct styling, a tougher off-road orientation, and upgrades that push it into the fast-growing adventure-crossover space.
Two More Models, Plenty of Possibilities
Beyond those, Mitsubishi has two additional vehicles in the pipeline, though details are still vague. Dealers who’ve been briefed want the brand to bring back a sedan and add a pickup. “We could use an entry-level sedan as many OEMs are leaving the segment,” dealer board chairman R.C. Hill told AN. “Every Mitsubishi dealer would like a truck.”
The sedan chatter comes just days after a Mitsubishi engineer publicly said the Lancer Evolution dream isn’t dead. Whether that means a true Lancer return or simply hints at a sporty electric or hybrid sedan remains unclear.
As for a truck, Mitsubishi and Nissan have been studying a jointly developed midsize model – possibly with hybrid or electric versions – that could mirror the Frontier. Earlier plans pointed to Mexico, but tariff pressure could push production to the US if the project moves forward.
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