The Mitsubishi Outlander is a perfectly acceptable crossover SUV with some standout perks like standard 3-row seating, V6 or plug-in hybrid options, and an impressive powertrain warranty of 10 years/100,000 miles.
Still, it hasn’t gained the traction or sales numbers of SUVs like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V or Hyundai Santa Fe. But Mitsubishi hopes its long-running nameplate will get a shot in the arm when an all-new version of the Outlander debuts in February.
The automaker has kept mostly mum on details about the next-gen Outlander, but it has revealed one piece of the puzzle with the teaser image seen here.
The silhouette portrays what looks like a pretty sleek SUV with a nicely tapered roof and heavily slanted lights up front. We’re not sure what the trio of outcroppings are surrounding the vehicle. For now we’ll speculate they’re the evolution of those monoliths that keep popping up.
In addition to the teaser image, Mitsubishi says the 2022 Outlander was developed under the ideal of the Japanese term “I-Fu-Do-Do.” Yes, it’s the first we’ve heard of it, too. Apparently it means “authentic and majestic” with traits of strength and quality from the inside out. So maybe those rocks have some semblance after all.
“The Outlander is an iconic SUV for the company, so when we developed the next generation model, we took inspirations from our rich SUV heritage to realize a bold and confident styling with a solid stance that excites our customers,” said Seiji Watanabe, head of design for Mitsubishi Motors Corp. “The all-new Outlander is the first model epitomizing the new generation of Mitsubishi design and the frontrunner of our design strategy.”
The real-deal reveal of the next Outlander is slated to be live-streamed in February.
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