More rugged Mitsubishi Outlander revealed, and something like it could come to Australia

After a long absence, Mitsubishi is returning to SEMA and at this year's show it is debuting the new Diamond Trail Edition variant of the Outlander.

It was 2012 when Mitsubishi last had an official presence at SEMA, and back then the brand was trading heavily on its rally heritage via the Lancer Evolution.

With the turbocharged sedan now a distant speck on time's rear-view mirror, Mitsubishi is now leaning on its history of rugged SUVs. There's, of course, the reborn Pajero that made its global debut recently, and now there's a more off-road capable version of the car-based Outlander.

"It's something that’s only for US market at this stage," said a Mitsubishi Australia spokesperson in a statement provided to CarExpert.

"The concept has appeal and we are looking at how something like this may fit into the Australian market. We will update if something firms up."

The Diamond Trail Edition sports new front and rear bumpers, which predictably feature prominent silver-coloured bash plate-style elements. Apart from exuding a more outdoorsy vibe, the new bumpers are shaped in such a way that the approach angle has been improved from 18.3 to 20.5 degrees, while the departure angle has increased from 22.2 to 23.1 degrees.

There's also a new grille with ribbed bars, largely finished in matte black. The Dynamic Shield grille frame, which is normally bathed in chrome, is also finished in black.

The wheel-arch protectors are larger, and frame the new blacked-out 18-inch alloy wheels that are shod with Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tyres.

Completing the exterior package are a set of raised roof rails that are said to make the installation of roof racks and other equipment easier.

Inside, the seats are upholstered in a dark grey water-repellent material with khaki stitching. The Diamond Trail Edition logo, which is said to evoke the toughest ski slope ratings, can be found on the seats, floor mats and door trims.

The surround-view camera system has been modified to work at speeds up to 30km/h. In other Outlander trim levels, it cuts out at 10km/h.

There will be three Diamond Trail Edition cars on display at SEMA. Apart from a Thule roof box and a few styling accessories, one is largely stock and the most representative of what will end up in American showrooms in the not-too-distant future.

The middle child features chunkier 265/65 BF Goodrich Trail Terrain T/A tyres, two Specialized StumpJumper 15 mountain bikes on the Thule roof rack, a GulfStream Trail Boss 1090K trailer, accessory lights, and a 38mm lift kit.

On the most extreme version, there are 18-inch Method Race Wheels 707 wheels, 265/65 BF Goodrich All Terrain T/A K03 tyres, a 63.5mm lift kit, a Thule rooftop tent, and Rough Country traction boards and lighting pods.

The cars on show at SEMA 2026 are all finished in Trail Green Metallic, which is a new paint option available exclusively on the Diamond Trail Edition.

They're also fitted with factory accessories, such as Outlander lettering on the bonnet, gold highlights on the wheel arches and a colour-coded grille bar.

The new Outlander Diamond Trail Edition will be a 2028 model year vehicle in the States, meaning it will go on sale some time in 2027; Mitsubishi's Canadian arm has confirmed a launch there during the first half of 2027.

Mitsubishi has yet to reveal pricing and specifications, but it's likely to sit somewhere near the top of the American and Canadian lineups.

MORE: Explore the Mitsubishi Outlander showroom