Mitsubishi Is Planning To Add Another SUV To Its Lineup

Mitsubishi used to be a company that, apart from the mainstream models, also made sports coupes and hardcore sedans. Nowadays, though, the Japanese company is focusing on the SUVs and crossovers, which might not satisfy petrolheads but is good for sales. And while it already has quite a few SUVs, the brand is reportedly looking into adding another one to its lineup.

According to CarBuzz, who spoke with Tsuneshiro Kunimoto, the vice president and general manager of Mitsubishi design, the brand is indeed considering a new crossover.

“Yes, that is one thing we are looking at. A New SUV,” said Kunimoto-san. “The SUV is still growing, also in China and Europe, so it would be a good decision for Mitsubishi.”

When we hear that Mitsubishi wants to add another tall, chunky vehicle to its lineup, we can only hope for a successor to the Montero. While that vehicle isn’t sold in the U.S. anymore, the Pajero SUV, which is also sold under the Shogun name, is still available in other parts of the world. The automaker’s lineup already consists of multiple SUVs and crossovers, but there’s an obvious gap for an off-roader.

The Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance will also provide the Japanese brand with possible components to use from Nissan, which has a few vehicles that are capable of getting dirty. This could help Mitsubishi build a competitor to the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Wrangler and upcoming Ford Bronco while limiting its development costs, though we doubt they’ll go for a hardcore off-roader as Kunimoto spoke about an SUV.

Either way, Mitsubishi’s exec sees room for growth: “Mitsubishi is robust and ingenious. Look at the Pajero at Dakar, for example. Thanks to the new alliance, we have so many choices. Mitsubishi will continue to grow.”

Kunimoto didn’t discose when the new SUV would make its debut, but did say that development is currently in progress and that it could feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Note: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport pictured