Mitsubishi Outlander, Eclipse Cross, Mirage Get Redesigns in Model Lineup Overhaul

Mitsubishi is still going … “strong” doesn’t feel like the right word here, but the Japanese automaker — one-third of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi “alliance” (Nissan also owns a controlling stake in Mitsubishi) — is still selling cars in the U.S. and is planning updates to its SUV-heavy lineup. Let’s take a look at what’s coming for 2021 and 2022.

Related: 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport: 3 Pros and 5 Cons

2021 Outlander Sport

Mitsubishi’s top-selling vehicle in the U.S., the Outlander Sport subcompact SUV, actually went through most of its updates for the 2020 model year — we’ve detailed them here, but the most significant changes were cosmetic — so it will go on sale in the fall as a 2021 model with changes only to its standard equipment. What those changes are, Mitsubishi hasn’t said, but as more and more manufacturers move to make advanced safety technology standard, that seems a likely starting point.

2021 Outlander PHEV

The plug-in hybrid variant of the Outlander SUV will go on sale in the winter with significant powertrain updates. According to Mitsubishi, these will lead to increases in displacement and horsepower from the gasoline engine — currently a 2.0-liter four-cylinder — and a “larger and more refined electric drive system” should increase the Outlander PHEV’s current 22-mile electric-only range. Trim-level equipment will receive updates, as well.

2021 Mirage, Mirage G4

The last remaining cars in Mitsubishi’s lineup — the Mirage hatchback and Mirage G4 sedan — will get “an extensive exterior redesign” and go on sale in the winter as 2021 models. From the lone available image, we can glean that the redesign includes a new face that brings the Mirage’s looks more in line with Mitsubishi’s SUVs, with a revised grille as well as new headlights and a revised foglight design. The side looks similar to the current Mirage, with parallel sculpted lines angled up from the front quarter panel running toward the rear door. Standard safety equipment will also be included in the 2021 Mirage and Mirage G4.

2022 Eclipse Cross

Also arriving in early 2021, the model-year 2022 Eclipse Cross will be redesigned inside and out, including a new infotainment system. The subcompact SUV debuted as a 2018 model with some … polarizing styling choices, such as a rear taillight design that bisects the rear window. There’s no word on powertrain updates, so it’s possible the 2022 Eclipse Cross continues on with the sole current engine choice, a 152-horsepower, turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder.

2022 Outlander

Mitsubishi’s flagship three-row SUV will be “[c]ompletely redesigned and reimagined in every way” when it goes on sale in the spring of 2021. Mitsubishi promises the Outlander will be “[l]oaded with technology and significant interior refinements” as well as “significant interior refinements,” though the automaker remained mum on what any of those technologies, refinements, technological refinements or refined technologies might be — at least for now.

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