Mitsubishi to Launch Hybrid Models in North America by End of 2025

According to Nikkei News, on July 17, Japanese automaker Mitsubishi Motors announced that it will introduce hybrid models to the American and Canadian markets for the first time by the end of 2025. Mitsubishi plans to switch the powertrain of its 2026 Outlander SUV from gasoline to hybrid. This strategic adjustment is primarily based on the current weak demand for electric vehicles in North America, while hybrid models are increasingly favored by North American consumers. Data shows that in the second quarter of this year, Mitsubishi sold 7,821 gasoline Outlanders in the U.S., accounting for about 30% of the company’s total sales in the U.S. market, making it a star model for the company. Additionally, the 2026 plug-in hybrid version of the Outlander is also set to launch in the U.S. in the first quarter of 2026. Despite the challenges facing electric vehicles in the North American market, such as high prices, range anxiety, and inadequate charging infrastructure, hybrid and plug-in hybrid models are achieving steady growth due to relatively affordable pricing. According to Mitsubishi’s business plan announced last year, the company aims to expand its model lineup in the U.S. from four to eight by the 2030 fiscal year, which will include more electrified models. Furthermore, starting in the second half of 2026, Mitsubishi will begin to receive OEM production vehicles developed on the new Leaf electric vehicle platform from its largest shareholder, Nissan. In June of this year, Mitsubishi announced a price adjustment for vehicles sold in the U.S., with an average increase of 2.1%. This increase is a direct result of the company’s ongoing review of pricing to meet segment expectations. The company also mentioned that the reasons for the price increase included the upgrades to the 2025 all-new Outlander, the recent announcement of a new pure electric vehicle to be launched in the U.S., and plans to collaborate with Nissan on developing and producing new models in the U.S. over the coming years. Notably, Mitsubishi’s sales in the U.S. market reached 110,000 units in 2024, a 26% increase year-on-year, marking the brand's best sales record in the U.S. since 2019.