- Mitsubishi continues to explore a performance-focused Outlander with the Ralliart badges.
- Key executives confirm active development studies and market-specific considerations.
- A potential production version of the Vision Ralliart concept could be inspired by rallying.
Despite its rally heritage and a lineup that once included some genuinely sporty models, Mitsubishi never really ventured into the high-performance SUV space. Even so, the brand hasn’t let go of the idea. It’s still exploring a more dynamic future for the Outlander, with the Ralliart badge continuing to resurface.
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More than three years after debuting the Vision Ralliart concept at the 2022 Tokyo Auto Show, Mitsubishi still hasn’t brought a production model to life. Even so, there’s reason for longtime fans of the badge to remain cautiously hopeful.
Hints From Inside Mitsubishi
Kentaro Honda, Chief Engineer for the Mitsubishi Outlander, hinted that a Ralliart variant remains in the pipeline. He noted that any future model could draw inspiration from Mitsubishi’s rally experience, particularly in Asian motorsport events.
Speaking to Australian outlet Drive, Honda said: “We are still investigating. We attended the Asia Cross-Country Rally, so based on that kind of rally experience, we’ll consider how to, or when to, develop the Ralliart version.”
While that’s far from a confirmation, Honda acknowledged that internal development efforts are ongoing, suggesting that the company is at least laying groundwork behind the scenes.
Shaun Westcott, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Australia, echoed a similar sentiment. He mentioned “a number of studies underway” to explore a high-performance Outlander, with any final version potentially tailored for specific markets.
Westcott also mphasized the brand’s intention to integrate insights from its rallying efforts into future models. He also confirmed there are “definitely a number of active studies ongoing in this space”.
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In fact, Westcott made it clear that he’s not a fan of the Ralliart appearance packages like the ones offered in Thailand and the Philippines. “I declined the sticker packs,” he said. “I was not happy with taking on sticker packs and calling it a Ralliart. So if Australia takes something on like that, we are actually looking for some enhancements in the actual vehicle.”
Infusing Sportiness Into a Family SUV
The current generation of the Mitsubishi Outlander was introduced in 2021, and received a mid-lifecycle update earlier this year. Among the updates were a more powerful plug-in hybrid system producing 302 hp (225 kW / 306 PS), a larger 22.7 kWh battery, and revised suspension tuning.
If Mitsubishi decides to move forward with a true Ralliart version, it could build on this with additional horsepower, sharper AWD tuning, beefier brakes, and firmer suspension settings. The result would be a more engaging, rally-inspired SUV, albeit one still meant to haul groceries and kids.
Expect the look to get a subtle but meaningful upgrade, too. While it likely wouldn’t go full concept-car wild, cues from the Vision Ralliart could carry over, including redesigned bumpers, a unique grille, fender flares, a functional rear diffuser with integrated brake light, and possibly large alloy wheels. The concept rolled on 22-inch rims, though a production model would likely opt for something more practical.
A potential Outlander Ralliart would join a wave of sporty SUVs alongside the Toyota RAV4 GR-Sport and the rumored VW Tiguan R. Hopefully, Mitsubishi will also bring it Stateside.
Mitsubishi
