by Unexpected Revival of an Old-Timer
The automotive market is not always governed by logic, and the latest Mitsubishi sales data is a vivid proof of that. Demand for the outdated Outlander Sport surged sharply in the US this year, while interest in the larger, much more modern and competent Outlander continues to fall. This is a strange reversal, considering that the latter model is the brand’s strongest offering.
In the first three months of the year, Mitsubishi sold 12,076 Outlander Sport models, which means a colossal growth of 74.8% compared to the 6,910 sold in the first quarter of last year. This is not just a rebound. This is the best starting quarter for the model since 2021, when sales reached 15,356 units. Since then, the numbers had been steadily falling to 3,707 in Q1 2022, 4,613 in Q1 2023, and 4,569 in Q1 2024, making the current spike even more unexpected.
To appreciate the scale, the Outlander Sport alone accounted for almost half (45%) of everything Mitsubishi sold in the United States last quarter.
Price vs. Modernity
Undoubtedly, a significant part of the Outlander Sport’s appeal is its affordable price, starting at $24,995. However, this does not change the fact that this SUV traces its history back to 2010 and has undergone three facelifts over the past 16 years. At launch, it was adequate, but now it is shockingly outdated.
It is also worth noting that while the Outlander Sport is cheap, there are many other crossovers on the market that cost about the same but are much more modern. These include the Hyundai Venue, Chevrolet Trax, Nissan Kicks, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Kona, and Toyota Corolla Cross, which are objectively better than the Mitsubishi.
Success of the Eclipse Cross
Not only the Outlander Sport started 2026 successfully. The Eclipse Cross, which is also beginning to show its age, experienced a sales growth of 83.7% for the quarter, increasing from 3,731 to 6,852 units.
In contrast, demand for the Outlander and Outlander Plug-In Hybrid models plummeted. In the first three months of last year, Mitsubishi sold 11,992 regular Outlanders and 1,703 hybrid versions. This year, sales of the standard model fell to just 6,780 (-43.5%), and PHEV sales shrank to 1,144 (-32.8%). As the Mirage gradually disappears from the market, its sales also dropped from 7,301 to just 29 units (-99.6%).
The Overall Sales Picture
Despite the success of the Outlander Sport and Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi’s total sales fell from 31,637 last year to 26,884 in the first quarter, a significant decline of -15.0%.
Mitsubishi Sales in the US in 2026 (First Quarter)
Mirage: 29 (change -99.6%)
Outlander Sport: 12,076 (change +74.8%)
Outlander: 6,780 (change -43.5%)
Outlander Plug-in Hybrid: 1,144 (change -32.8%)
Eclipse Cross: 6,852 (change +83.7%)
Total: 26,884 (change -15.0%)
Such sales dynamics may indicate that in conditions of economic uncertainty, many buyers are opting for a proven, affordable model despite its technical obsolescence. At the same time, the decline in interest in flagship models may be concerning for the brand, as they shape its competitive image and technological achievements. Mitsubishi’s further strategy will likely require a balance between capitalizing on the unexpected demand for old models and strengthening marketing around the latest developments to avoid losing ground in the modern crossover segment.
