Mitsubishi Motors just became the latest automaker that found it necessary to take a compact SUV with a primary use case for running to the grocery store or school pickup line and turn it into an off-road-ready family truckster, dubbing it the 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition.
The Japanese automaker plans to take the covers off the newest addition to the brand’s lineup at SEMA in Las Vegas — which it hasn’t been to since 2012. Mitsubishi officials call the new offering the most capable Outlander ever.
"SEMA is where automotive passion, innovation and personalization come together, making it the ideal stage for the world debut of the all-new Outlander Diamond Trail Edition," said Mark Chaffin, president and CEO, MMNA.
"This vehicle represents the next step in our Momentum 2030 vision, combining Mitsubishi Motors' off-road heritage with the capability, technology and versatility today's customer demands. From the production model to the customized concepts on display, we're showing enthusiasts how far their adventures can go, while reinforcing our goal to helping customers truly ‘Drive their Ambition.'"
Apparently, it’s going to use some momentum to take this new rough-and-tumble version of the smallest three-row SUV in the U.S. to the show in six different variants to show just how ready the Outlander — which now seems to be living up its name — is take you to the roads less traveled. To be fair, Mitsubishi does possess a robust off-road and rally history, which produced its current version of the Super-All Wheel Control System (S-AWC).
The Diamond Trail Edition model features a more capable version of Outlander's S-AWC system with the addition of a Rock mode. This setting uses enhanced brake control to quickly suppress wheel-slip and help secure traction. It activates faster than in other S-AWC modes, delivering greater confidence to the driver and helping the vehicle maintain traction, Mitsubishi notes.
When you’re crawling over rocks, the new Multi-View Camera System can also be activated and remains on up to 18.6mph/30kmh, increased from 6.2mph/10kmh in the standard model. Additionally, when Rock Mode is selected, Hill Descent Control is automatically activated as well, helping the driver control the vehicle speed in rocky or mogul terrain.
Outlander Diamond Trail Edition stands apart with a rugged and powerful grille, finished in matte black, along with black Dynamic Shield trim. Headlights receive a black finish in keeping with the theme. Redesigned bumpers improve the front and rear improve approach and departure angles, from 18.3 to 20.5 degrees on approach and 22.2 to 23.1 degrees on departure. Those don’t mean much without the 18x7.5-inch black alloy wheels and dedicated Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tires Raised roof rails allow easy installation of roof racks and to secure cargo, and to keep with the off-road-capable theme.
The cabin gets some updates too, including all-new seating material finished in dark grey with khaki stitching that is unique to the Diamond Trail Edition. This water-repellant material is easier to clean, and it is designed to vibe with the new interior aesthetic of matte and dark tones with textured matte black, dark chrome and dark satin. Of course, there is a special Diamond Trail Edition logo, which is “intended to be representative of skilled athletes on a downhill course, and playing on the motif of the brand's Three Diamonds.”
In addition to the six variations of the off-road-ready Outlander Diamand Trail, there will be three other Mitsubishi vehicles on the SEMA stand:
- AXCR Triton: The race truck that Mitsubishi Motors' Ralliart division entered — and won — the FIA-certified Asia Cross-Country Rally. Ralliart has taken the top spot in this grueling international off-road event three times in five efforts.
- Delica D:5 Ultimate Gear: This modified Japanese-market Delica D:5 van was shown at the 2026 Tokyo Auto Salon and received enthusiastic reviews from show attendees. This is the first time a current-generation Delica D:5 has been officially shown in the U.S.
- Mitsubishi Outlander Sport Trail Edition: This SUV will showcase a host of Mitsubishi Genuine Accessories, demonstrating how the brand's entry-vehicle can be customized to an owner's taste using accessories directly available through Mitsubishi Motors dealerships and added either at the time of purchase or later.
The Outlander Diamond Trail will be available as a 2028 model, but no pricing or other details were made available.
[Images: Mitsubishi Motors]
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via Autobuzz Today
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