Mitsubishi: The Rally Legend That Became an SUV Maker

Mitsubishi is a brand of two distinct eras. To the enthusiast, it is the creator of the Lancer Evolution and the 3000GT—cars that defined 90s speed. To the modern buyer, it is the maker of affordable crossovers like the Outlander. From dominating the WRC to partnering with Chrysler for the legendary Eclipse, Mitsubishi's legacy is vast.

Origin: Japan
Est. 1917
Mitsubishi Hero Vehicle

Model Lineup

Explore the current production vehicles.

Outlander

The flagship of the modern Mitsubishi lineup. The Outlander stands out with its standard 3-row seating, bold styling, and the advanced, class-leading Plug-in Hybrid powertrain. It's a versatile, efficient, and value-packed SUV for the modern family.

Production 2003-Present

Outlander Sport

The affordable and dependable gateway to the Mitsubishi crossover family. The Outlander Sport offers the confidence of available All-Wheel Control, a high seating position, and a great warranty, making it a smart and practical choice for city life.

Production 2011-Present

Eclipse Cross

The stylish and sporty compact crossover with a legendary name. The Eclipse Cross features a distinctive coupe-like design, a turbocharged engine, and the brand's signature Super All-Wheel Control, offering a more engaging and expressive driving experience.

Production 2018-Present

Mirage

The champion of fuel economy and affordable transportation. The Mirage is one of America's most budget-friendly new cars, delivering exceptional MPG and a fantastic warranty. It's the ultimate choice for drivers who value practicality and low running costs.

Production 2014-Present

Lancer Evolution

The legendary, rally-bred supercar slayer. The 'Evo' was a raw, unfiltered performance icon, a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive weapon that could out-corner the world's best sports cars. It remains the holy grail for a generation of enthusiasts.

Production 2003-2015

Eclipse

The iconic sport compact that defined a generation of import tuning. Made famous by 'The Fast and the Furious,' the Eclipse, especially the turbocharged, all-wheel-drive GSX, was a giant of 90s performance and style. A true cult classic.

Production 1990-2012

3000GT

A technological tour de force and the Japanese supercar of the 90s. The 3000GT VR-4 was a high-tech marvel, boasting a twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and active aerodynamics. It was a futuristic beast, years ahead of its time.

Production 1991-1999

Montero

The legendary, Dakar Rally-winning off-road icon. The Montero (Pajero globally) was a true, rugged, body-on-frame 4x4, known for its incredible toughness and go-anywhere capability. It's a beloved classic for serious overlanding adventurers.

Production 1983-2006

Galant

The versatile mid-size sedan that hid a rally-bred monster within. The rare and legendary Galant VR-4 was a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sleeper that shared its DNA with the Lancer Evolution, making it an icon for enthusiasts in the know.

Production 1988-2012

Lancer

The reliable and sporty compact that served as the foundation for a legend. While the base Lancer was a dependable daily driver, it was also the platform for the rally-inspired Ralliart and the world-beating Evolution models. A truly versatile nameplate.

Production 2002-2017

Diamante

Mitsubishi's comfortable and stylish near-luxury sedan. The Diamante was the brand's flagship, offering a smooth V6 engine, a spacious interior, and a host of premium features that provided a sophisticated alternative to mainstream family cars.

Production 1992-2004

Starion

The quintessential rear-wheel-drive, turbocharged Japanese sports car of the 1980s. With its boxy, aggressive styling and potent turbo power, the Starion (also sold as the Chrysler/Dodge Conquest) was a true enthusiast's machine and a classic of its era.

Production 1983-1989

Mighty Max

The tough, simple, and incredibly dependable compact pickup. The Mighty Max was a no-frills workhorse, known for its rugged reliability and honest utility. It's a beloved classic for those who appreciate a simple truck that just won't quit.

Production 1987-1996

i-MiEV

One of the very first mass-market electric cars available in the United States. The i-MiEV was a quirky, city-focused EV that pioneered the concept of affordable, zero-emissions driving. A historically significant and unique piece of electric vehicle history.

Production 2012-2017

Author

HugeGarage Editor

Published

Updated

8 Min Read

The Fallen Giant of Performance

If you mention "Mitsubishi" to a teenager today, they think of the Mirage (one of the cheapest cars in America) or the Outlander SUV. But if you say it to someone who grew up in the 90s, their eyes light up. They think of turbochargers, neon lights, and rally stages.

Mitsubishi Motors was once the technological powerhouse of Japan. They built cars that were so advanced they made Ferraris look primitive. They dominated the World Rally Championship (WRC) with a ferocity that created one of the greatest rivalries in automotive history: Mitsubishi vs. Subaru.

The Evolution of Speed: Lancer Evo

The Lancer Evolution (or simply "Evo") is the crown jewel. Born to homologate Mitsubishi's rally cars, the Evo was a sedan on steroids. It featured the legendary 4G63 engine—an iron-block 2.0L turbo unit that could handle massive boost.

For years, the Evo was forbidden in the US. We watched from afar as Europe and Japan got the Evo I through VII. Finally, in 2003, Mitsubishi brought the Evo VIII to American shores to fight the Subaru WRX STI. It was sharper, rawer, and faster than the Subaru, cementing its status as a track weapon.

The DSM Era: The Eclipse

In the United States, Mitsubishi’s history is tied to Chrysler. They formed a partnership called Diamond-Star Motors (DSM). The fruit of this labor was the Mitsubishi Eclipse (also sold as the Eagle Talon and Plymouth Laser).

The 1st and 2nd generation Eclipses (especially the GSX/TSi AWD turbo models) were the kings of the street racing scene long before The Fast and the Furious made the green Eclipse famous. They brought All-Wheel Drive turbo performance to the masses for a fraction of the price of a Porsche.

The 3000GT: Technology Overload

In the 90s, Mitsubishi decided to build a spaceship. The 3000GT VR-4 (sold as the Dodge Stealth R/T Turbo) had everything: Twin-turbo V6, All-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Steering, and Active Aero (spoilers that moved electronically). It was heavy, complex, and brilliant. It proved Mitsubishi could out-tech anyone.

The Modern Pivot

In the late 2000s, Mitsubishi faced financial struggles and pivoted hard. They killed the Evo. They killed the Eclipse (and then rudely brought the name back on a crossover, the Eclipse Cross). They focused entirely on SUVs and electrification.

Today, the Outlander PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid) is their flagship. It is a massive sales success globally, offering practical, efficient motoring. It lacks the soul of an Evo, but it keeps the lights on.

Buying Advice: The "Crankwalk" Fear

If you are buying a classic Mitsubishi enthusiast car, you need to know the lingo.

  • Crankwalk: A notorious issue in the 7-bolt 4G63 engines (late 2nd gen Eclipse/Talon). The crankshaft thrust bearing fails, destroying the engine. It’s the boogeyman of the DSM community.
  • AYC Pump: On Lancer Evos, the Active Yaw Control pump (which manages the differential) is prone to failure in cold climates due to corrosion. It is an expensive fix.

Mitsubishi today is a sensible choice for a family hauler, but its back catalog contains some of the most exciting machines ever to burn gasoline.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EPA-estimated range and MPG for the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?

The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) is a leader in its class, offering an EPA-estimated 38 miles of all-electric range. When combining the electric motor with the 2.4L gasoline engine, it delivers a total driving range of approximately 420 miles.

For US commuters, this means you can often complete your daily drive using only electricity, achieving an impressive 64 MPGe, while still having the freedom to take long-distance road trips without charging stops.

How does Mitsubishi Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) work?

Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) is an advanced integrated vehicle dynamics control system. Unlike standard AWD, it manages the driving and braking forces of all four wheels to provide superior traction and stability.

The system features multiple driver-selectable modes tailored for North American climates, including SNOW, GRAVEL, and MUD. By managing torque vectoring and Active Yaw Control (AYC), it helps the vehicle track true in slippery conditions, making it a favorite for drivers in the "Snow Belt" states.

What is the Mitsubishi 10-Year/100,000-Mile Warranty in the USA?

Mitsubishi offers one of the most comprehensive protection plans in the United States, often referred to as the 10-100-60 warranty:

  • 10-Year/100,000-Mile: Powertrain Limited Warranty.
  • 5-Year/60,000-Mile: Fully transferable New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
  • 5-Year/Unlimited Miles: Roadside Assistance.

This industry-leading coverage provides American owners with long-term peace of mind and is a testament to the brand's confidence in its vehicle durability.

Can the Mitsubishi Outlander tow a trailer or boat?

Yes, the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander gas model has a maximum towing capacity of up to 2,000 lbs when equipped with the factory-installed towing package. The Outlander PHEV is rated to tow up to 1,500 lbs.

These capacities are ideal for hauling small utility trailers, a pair of jet skis, or lightweight pop-up campers for weekend adventures across the US national parks.

What are the features of Mitsubishi MI-PILOT Assist?

MI-PILOT Assist™ is an advanced driver-assistance system that combines Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Lane Keep Assist (LKA). It is designed to reduce driver fatigue during long American highway hauls or stop-and-go city traffic.

The system uses a monocular camera and millimeter-wave radar to stay centered in the lane and maintain a safe distance from the car ahead. In 2026 models, it can even recognize speed limit signs and automatically adjust the vehicle’s speed to comply with local US traffic laws.

Is the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander the most affordable 3-row SUV?

The Mitsubishi Outlander continues to be one of the best values in the US market, often cited as the least expensive vehicle with standard three-row seating. It provides a versatile 7-passenger layout that is perfect for growing American families who need occasional extra seating without the high price tag of a full-size SUV.

What is the "Trail Edition" for the Outlander and Outlander Sport?

The 2026 Trail Edition is a rugged trim package inspired by Mitsubishi’s rally heritage. It features model-specific graphics, blacked-out trim, and off-road-focused accessories like Thule® roof racks.

Designed for the US outdoor lifestyle, Trail Editions often come with dealer-available all-terrain tires and increased underbody protection, making them the perfect choice for exploring forest service roads or reaching remote camping spots.

Does Mitsubishi offer a premium audio system?

For the 2026 model year, Mitsubishi has partnered with Yamaha® to offer a high-fidelity premium audio system exclusively in the US market. This Yamaha Premium Sound system is custom-tuned for the Outlander’s cabin acoustics, featuring high-performance speakers and advanced signal processing to deliver a "concert hall" experience during your daily commute.

What is "My Mitsubishi Connect" and how does it work?

My Mitsubishi Connect™ is a suite of smart services accessible via a mobile app for US owners. It allows you to:

  • Remote Start: Pre-heat or cool the cabin before you enter.
  • Parental Alerts: Set geofencing, speed, and curfew alerts for teen drivers.
  • PHEV Monitoring: Check battery levels and schedule charging during off-peak hours to save on electricity costs.
What safety ratings do Mitsubishi SUVs have in the US?

Mitsubishi prioritizes safety with its Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) body construction. The Outlander has consistently earned high marks from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), often achieving the TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating.

Standard features like Forward Collision Mitigation with Pedestrian Detection and Blind Spot Warning provide American drivers with a 360-degree layer of protection in busy urban environments.