LOS ANGELES – Mitsubishi has been selling vehicles in the U.S. under its own brand since 1982. Before that, it was supplying vehicles to Chrysler.

It has long struggled to gain traction against larger, better-resourced Asian rivals, as well as Detroit. Its last surge in sales took place 20 years ago when management chased a lot of subprime loan business and crested the 300,000 sales mark. But that was short-lived, and sales soon crashed.

Since then, the company has limped along with just a few models. It has discontinued its only sedan, the budget-priced Mirage, and is trying to build momentum behind crossovers and SUVs. The improved 2025 Outlander is a cornerstone of that effort.

WardsAuto podcast host David Kiley talks with Mitsubishi execs at a recent media drive of the 2025 Outlander about the new vehicle and the future of the brand in the U.S.