Mitsubishi Apparently Wants Nothing To Do With Nissan Anymore
Rather than continue to share architecture with Nissan, Mitsubishi will opt to develop an in-house platform when it redesigns the 2027 Outlander. The move undermines the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, as Mitsubishi seems to be distancing itself from Nissan amid its struggles.
Key Points
- The next-generation Outlander will be built on an in-house platform, signaling Mitsubishi’s move away from Nissan's architecture.
- As Nissan faces financial uncertainty, Mitsubishi appears to be charting a more independent course
- A mild hybrid variant and a rugged Outlander Trail Edition are set to arrive soon
The current Mitsubishi Outlander is built on Nissan’s CMF platform, shared with the Nissan Rogue and other Renault-Nissan models. At the time of its launch, Mitsubishi executives framed platform-sharing as a way to cut costs while retaining brand identity. However, just one generation later, Mitsubishi appears ready to go its own way.
A new report from Automotive News suggests that Mitsubishi will develop a modified version of its own platform for the next-generation Outlander. While Mitsubishi has not confirmed the move, it makes sense considering that last November, Nissan sold part of its stake in Mitsubishi back to Mitsubishi as it struggles to stay solvent.
Things aren't great at Mitsubishi either, though. Mitsubishi’s sales in the U.S. continue to struggle, and dealers have voiced concerns about the company’s aging lineup and rising costs—think about it, do you even know where the closest Mitsubishi dealer is?
The discontinuation of the Mirage—one of its best-selling models—has left dealers frustrated and without the foot traffic shopping for what used to be one of the most affordable cars in America.
The Outlander’s mild refresh has done little to improve the situation either. As part of its future strategy, Mitsubishi plans to expand the Outlander lineup ahead of its full redesign. A mild hybrid variant is expected to slide in between the gasoline and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models, along with a more rugged "Outlander Trail Edition" expected later this year.
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An experienced automotive storyteller and accomplished photographer known for engaging and insightful content. Michael also brings a wealth of technical knowledge—he was part of the Ford GT program at Multimatic, oversaw a fleet of Audi TCR race cars, ziptied Lamborghini Super Trofeo cars back together, been over the wall during the Rolex 24, and worked in the intense world of IndyCar.
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Dealers are voicing concerns? Dealers are the ones hurting Mitsubishi. My wife loved the new Outlander, with its 3 row seating and good gas mileage, but the dealer ruined it. They have added so much bullcrap to the sticker that the vehicle is no longer worth it. Even more scummy are extra charges that they claim can't be removed. Like dealer added upholstery protection and rust proofing. Stop scamming the customers just to pad your bottom line and Mitsubishi would be doing fine. Yes most dealers do it but when the brand is on the down and outs it's even more important to give the customers value and honesty.
LOL. Mitsu has enough problems of their own.