2028 Mitsubishi Outlander Gains Rock Mode With Diamond Trail Edition Package

Mitsubishi is betting on American buyers wanting a rugged new version of the Outlander, unveiling the special Diamond Trail Edition ahead of next week's SEMA Show. The Japanese brand calls it the "most capable Outlander" ever sold in North America, and it comes equipped with a host of accessories. It also marks the start of Mitsubishi's new commitment to off-road vehicles, following in the footsteps of the all-new Pajero unveiled for global markets.

What immediately sets the Diamond Trail Edition apart is a prominent matte black grille and darkened headlights, adding to its more brutish aesthetic. Mitsubishi has also equipped the SUV with special 18-inch black alloy wheels, Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tires, and new front and rear bumpers. These help boost the approach angle from 18.3 degrees to 20.5 degrees, while the rear approach angle rises from 22.2 degrees to 23.1 degrees. Mitsubishi has also introduced a new Trail Green Metallic paint option for the Diamond Trail Edition.

The standard model is likely not the one that'll turn the most heads at SEMA. The brand is also bringing two Diamond Trail Edition-based concepts to the show that have even more trail-ready upgrades. One sits on 18-inch Method Race wheels with BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A K03 tires, and gets a 2.5-inch lift kit, a Thule Caprock roof rack and a rooftop tent, traction boards, light pods, and an LED light bar. The second concept is more restrained but still has unique 18-inch wheels, a 1.5-inch lift, aftermarket lighting, and a roof rack to carry a pair of mountain bikes.

As for the model customers can buy, the tweaks extend beyond the body. The seats now feature dark grey, water-repellent trim with khaki stitching. Mitsubishi has also ditched the standard model's piano black plastic, replacing it with matte black, dark chrome, and dark satin accents, including on the center console. The seat backs, door trim, and floor mats also get a special Diamond Trail Edition logo.

The SUV's powertrain remains unchanged, retaining the standard turbocharged 1.5-liter inline-four with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 174 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. What is new is an adapted Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system that adds an exclusive Rock mode to improve traction, working in tandem with the Hill Descent Control. Drivers can also now display the vehicle's steering angle, wheel-slip, and traction-control intervention on a dedicated display in the instrument cluster. Mitsubishi's multi-view camera system also works at up to 18.6 mph (30 km/h) instead of 6.2 mph (10 km/h).

"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," said Mark Chaffin, Mitsubishi Motors North America president and CEO.

These three Outlanders won't be the only model that Mitsubishi displays at SEMA. It's bringing along the AXCR Triton, which won the Asia Cross-Country Rally, the same Delica D:5 Ultimate Gear van it premiered at January's Tokyo Auto Show, and the Outlander Sport Trail Edition.

Mitsubishi