Mitsubishi takes the Outlander off road with Diamond Trail edition

Mitsubishi is giving its Outlander a more adventurous edge, unveiling a Diamond Trail Edition with all-terrain tyres, revised bumpers and a new Rock driving mode at the SEMA show in Las Vegas.

The model is scheduled to launch in North America in the first half of 2027. Mitsubishi has not announced a New Zealand launch, price or local specification, so Kiwi buyers should treat it as an overseas development for now.

The manufacturer's announcement describes a package aimed at weekend recreation, with changes that go beyond the blacked-out trim. The reshaped bumpers raise the stated approach angle from 18.3 to 20.5 degrees and the departure angle from 22.2 to 23.1 degrees, compared with the regular model referenced by Mitsubishi.

More traction tools

The Diamond Trail gets 18-inch matte black alloys and all-terrain tyres, along with specific tuning for its electronically controlled four-wheel drive and traction control. Mitsubishi says the new Rock mode manages wheelspin and distributes drive to wheels with traction on rocky or uneven surfaces. Hill descent control is also fitted.

A dedicated instrument display shows information including wheel slip, steering angle and traction-control intervention. These features are manufacturer claims and specifications, rather than a measure of how the car performs on New Zealand tracks.

The North American Outlander uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. That detail applies to the overseas model and should not be taken as confirmation of a New Zealand powertrain.

Built for muddy weekends

Inside, dark finishes and khaki stitching accompany upholstery Mitsubishi says is water-repellent and stain-resistant. Outside, bridge-style roof rails can be used to secure ropes for a tarp. Trail Green Metallic is a new colour, with a white roof available as part of a two-tone finish.

Mitsubishi also displayed customised versions at SEMA. One adventure-focused example wears a 1.5-inch suspension lift, auxiliary lights and a roof rack, while an overlanding build has a 2.5-inch lift and rooftop tent. Those modifications belong to the show vehicles and should not be confused with standard equipment.

For New Zealand, the obvious question is whether Mitsubishi will bring the Diamond Trail treatment here. The announcement covers North America only, leaving local availability and any potential timing or price open.