Mitsubishi is returning to SEMA after 12 years with an adventure-ready Outlander built for serious off-road driving.
After a 12-year absence, Mitsubishi is returning to the SEMA Show with something more substantial than a flashy concept vehicle. The automaker is bringing a production-based model designed to show where its lineup could be headed next. The 2028 Mitsubishi Outlander Diamond Trail Edition will lead a new strategy that puts off-road capability back in the spotlight. Its debut is scheduled for November 3 in Las Vegas, with sales expected to begin in summer 2027.
The Outlander looks considerably tougher than the standard crossover. A matte-black grille, darkened lighting elements, wider fender flares, and 18-inch black wheels give it a more aggressive appearance. However, the changes go beyond styling.
Revised front and rear bumpers improve the approach angle from 18.3 to 20.5 degrees and the departure angle from 22.2 to 23.1 degrees. Those improvements should make a noticeable difference when tackling uneven trails and steep obstacles.
Buyers will also be able to choose between two suspension lift options: 1.5 inches or 2.5 inches, depending on the configuration.
The tire options are equally serious. Mitsubishi plans to offer Nexen Roadian ATX, BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain T/A, and Method Race Wheels packages with 265/65 R18 tires.
The Diamond Trail Edition also gets an exclusive Trail Green Metallic exterior finish. Other additions include reinforced roof rails, a Thule cargo box, protective plastic body cladding, and an expanded exterior lighting package.
Mitsubishi will display three different versions at SEMA, ranging from a configuration close to production specifications to a more extreme adventure build. The latter will feature a rooftop tent and Stumpjumper mountain bikes, highlighting the Outlander's intended outdoor lifestyle.
Inside, the cabin gets water-repellent upholstery designed to make cleaning up mud and dirt easier. Khaki-colored stitching and matte-finish accents add an expedition-inspired look without sacrificing practicality. Diamond Trail Edition branding also appears on the seatbacks, floor mats, and door panels.
The most interesting upgrades, however, are found in the electronics.
Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system gains a dedicated Rock driving mode. It is designed to reduce wheelspin as quickly as possible by applying more aggressive brake control when traction becomes limited.
Hill Descent Control also activates automatically when Rock mode is selected, allowing the driver to adjust the vehicle's speed while descending steep slopes.
The 360-degree camera system has received another useful upgrade. It now remains active at speeds of up to 19 mph, compared with the previous limit of just 6 mph. This should make it easier to navigate narrow trails and avoid obstacles without having to leave the vehicle.
The instrument cluster also gains a dedicated off-road display. It shows the front wheels' steering angle, individual wheelspin, and traction control system activity, giving drivers a clearer picture of what is happening underneath the vehicle.
Under the hood, the Outlander Diamond Trail Edition uses a familiar 1.5-liter turbocharged engine. In the specification described, it produces 174 horsepower and 206 lb-ft of torque.
The engine works with a 48-volt starter-generator and a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The vehicle measures 185.8 inches long, 73.2 inches wide, and 68.5 inches tall, with a 106.5-inch wheelbase.
Mitsubishi has not announced official pricing yet. Preliminary estimates suggest the Diamond Trail Edition could start at around $45,000.