Mitsubishi's tough 2026 Toyota RAV4 rival we need: 2027

Mitsubishi has thrown the covers off a new off-road focused version of its popular Outlander mid-sized SUV ahead of its debut at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show in North America.. Unlike some concepts shown at SEMA, the Outlander Diamond Trail has been confirmed as a new production variant due to hit the North American market in 2027 and is promised to be "the most capable adventure-focused Outlander ever".. The Outlander has been significantly overhauled, with bespoke styling including an entirely new front and rear bumpers designed to enhance approach and departure angles, more robust finishes, smaller 18-inch alloys clad in all-terrain tyres, and a re-tuned version of the brand's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, with enhanced drive modes and faster response times than the standard software..

It also has adjustable settings for the hill descent control system.. The new variant also scores new off-road displays for the multimedia system, and a multi-view camera mode which now works at up to 30km/h instead of 10km/h for better off-road awareness.. The brand will show three versions of this trim level at SEMA, one stock version fitted with a raft of accessories, one with a 1.5-inch lift kit and larger BF Goodrich trail terrain tyres complete with a towing kit and matching trailer, and one "most extreme" version with a 2.5-inch Flatout Suspension adjustable lift kit, BF Goodrich K03 all-terrain tyres, light bar, and rooftop tent..

All versions give an idea of how extreme Mitsubishi sees its Outlander getting with the right gear, while even the stock version increases ground clearance from 22.2 to 23.1 degrees.. On the inside, this new Outlander also features enhancements, like new seating trim which is specifically designed to repel water and is easier to clean.. It also features Diamond Trail logo work throughout the cabin, while the outside features a unique colour code new to the outlander range, Trail Green Metallic, which in the US will optionally be available with a contrast white roof finish..

This Diamond Trail edition, which builds on the less extreme 'Trail Edition' also offered for US buyers, comes as Mitsubishi re-affirms its commitment to higher-income markets like the USA and Australia after years of its focus being on higher-volume markets like South East Asia, thanks partially to its positioning in the Renault Nissan alliance.. The brand said its new strategy will include a "clear focus on centering future models in adventure and vehicle capability as well as building on [a] long history of quality, dependability, and reliability." The Outlander Diamond Trail's debut at SEMA is the first time Mitsubishi has exhibited at the show in 14 years.. A spokesperson for Mitsubishi Australia told CarsGuide the tough new Diamond Trail variant "certainly has an interest for us..

Something similar is under consideration for the Australian market." It is understood while this edition works with American suppliers, it is up to Mitsubishi's global design standards and therefore the local division would not need to re-trace its steps and do the same level of re-calibration which went into the Australia-specific Triton Raider, which was overhauled in collaboration with local tuning Premacar.. Regardless, input from local suppliers on new editions like the Diamond Trail is not off the table.. Interestingly, the Outlander for the North American market swaps the ageing base 2.5-litre engine sold on mainline variants in Australia out for a more efficient 1.5-litre turbocharged 48-volt mild hybrid system which helps to cut emissions..

This system produces 130kW/280Nm, which is a near like-for-like swap for the Australian non-turbo engine's 135kW/244Nm.. Both are paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission with or without all-wheel drive.. It is understood Mitsubishi Australia is considering this drivetrain as an option for future Outlander updates as it is butting up against Australia's new vehicle efficiency standards (NVES) which imposes fines on high-emitting engines..

Mitsubishi is on a mission of renewal in Australia, soon to launch both its first electric vehicle, the ASX VR-e, as well as its re-booted turbo diesel Pajero..