Mitsubishi Rocks the Trail

Mitsubishi Motors will unveil the 2028 Outlander Diamond Trail Edition at the SEMA Show in Las Vegas on November 3, introducing a more rugged version of its popular SUV with upgraded four-wheel-drive technology and improved off-road capability.

The new model will lead a six-vehicle Mitsubishi display at the November 3 to 6 event, the company’s first appearance at SEMA since 2012. Mitsubishi describes the Diamond Trail as the most off-road-capable Outlander it has offered in North America.

At the heart of the upgrade is a new Rock mode for Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. It uses faster brake intervention to limit wheel slip and maintain traction over uneven surfaces.

Selecting Rock mode also automatically activates Hill Descent Control, allowing drivers to adjust the speed maintained by the vehicle when descending steep or rocky terrain.

A dedicated instrument display shows the front-wheel steering angle, individual wheel slip and traction-control activity. The Multi-View Camera System can now operate at speeds of up to 30 km/h, compared with 10 km/h in the standard model, giving drivers better visibility when negotiating obstacles.

The Diamond Trail receives redesigned front and rear bumpers that improve its approach angle from 18.3 to 20.5 degrees and departure angle from 22.2 to 23.1 degrees. These changes allow the SUV to negotiate steeper obstacles with less risk of scraping its bodywork.

Exterior revisions include a matte-black grille, darkened headlights and wider fenders. Dedicated 18-inch black alloy wheels carry Nexen Roadian ATX all-terrain tires, while raised roof rails provide mounting points for additional cargo equipment.

Inside, Mitsubishi has fitted dark-gray, water-repellent upholstery with khaki stitching. Matte-black and dark metallic trim distinguish the cabin, while Diamond Trail emblems appear on the seats, floor mats and door panels.

The edition also introduces Trail Green Metallic, a new exterior finish that can be paired with a contrasting white roof.

Three Diamond Trail vehicles will be presented at SEMA to demonstrate different levels of customization.

The first retains its standard mechanical configuration and adds Mitsubishi Genuine Accessories and a color-matched Thule roof box.

The second features BFGoodrich Trail-Terrain tires, a 1.5-inch suspension lift, auxiliary lighting and a roof rack carrying two mountain bikes. It will also tow a matching Gulf Stream camping trailer.

The third takes the modifications further with BFGoodrich All-Terrain tires, a 2.5-inch suspension lift, Method Race Wheels, a rooftop tent and additional off-road equipment.

Mitsubishi will also display its AXCR Triton rally truck, which competed successfully in the Asia Cross-Country Rally, alongside the customized Delica D:5 Ultimate Gear and an Outlander Sport Trail Edition equipped with factory accessories.

The Diamond Trail draws on Mitsubishi’s four-wheel-drive heritage, which includes 12 Dakar Rally victories and four consecutive World Rally Championship drivers’ titles from 1996 to 1999.

According to Mitsubishi Motors North America president and CEO Mark Chaffin, the new Outlander supports the company’s Momentum 2030 business plan, which calls for a broader vehicle lineup and greater emphasis on models suited to outdoor travel.

The Diamond Trail Edition is intended for the North American market. Mitsubishi has not announced Philippine availability or pricing for the new variant.