As Mitsubishi Motors charts a path toward resurgence, the company has announced impressive sales figures for 2024, with total units sold reaching 109,843, marking a remarkable 25.8 percent increase from the previous year. This uptick positions Mitsubishi for its strongest performance since 2019, propelled predominantly by robust sales of the Outlander.

Outlander: The Crown Jewel of Mitsubishi’s Lineup

The Outlander, a three-row crossover sharing its foundation with the Nissan Rogue, emerged as the most successful model in Mitsubishi’s portfolio, accounting for nearly half of the company’s total sales with 45,253 units sold. Notably, 6,975 of these were plug-in hybrid variants, underscoring the Outlander’s appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Looking ahead, the forthcoming refresh of the 2025 Outlander promises to deliver enhancements such as revised exterior styling and an upgraded interior featuring Yamaha audio components. However, details regarding potential changes to the powertrain remain uncertain. The current Outlander is equipped with a 2.5-liter engine, while the 2024 plug-in hybrid version combines a 2.4-liter engine with a 20-kilowatt-hour battery, generating a combined output of 248 horsepower and offering an EPA-rated electric-only range of 38 miles.

2024 Mitsubishi Outlander

Mitsubishi

Related: Mazda’s Surging Sales—How They Thrived Without an EV Offer

A Winning Formula Across the Lineup

While the Outlander takes center stage, Mitsubishi’s entire model range has been performing well. Sales for the Outlander Sport reached 15,125 units, marking a modest gain of 120 units, while the Eclipse Cross saw a notable increase of 2,800 units for a total of 12,724. This growth is particularly commendable given the absence of new generations for these models in recent years.

The most astonishing success story of 2024, however, is the Mirage. Sales soared from 13,219 units in 2023 to an impressive 29,766 units in 2024, representing over a 100 percent increase for this budget-friendly option. Ironically, this surge in demand coincides with Mitsubishi’s announcement to end production of the Mirage.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi

The Resurgence of Affordable Cars

In an era where affordable vehicles are experiencing a renaissance, compact and subcompact cars—including small SUVs—now represent more than a quarter of all vehicle sales in the United States, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

The Mitsubishi Mirage, which previously held the title as the last new vehicle selling for under $20,000, has been set for an exit from the U.S. market since 2023. Had this move been delayed, we might have witnessed a new generation instead.

As the market trends shift and demand for electric vehicles wanes, Mitsubishi may reconsider their strategy, especially as competitors pivot from exclusive commitments to battery electric vehicles in favor of hybrid and plug-in options.

Related: The Trend Towards Smaller Cars—Why Americans Are Opting for Downsizing

In Conclusion

With the potential for a Honda-Nissan merger on the horizon, Mitsubishi stands to gain from strengthened ties within the automotive industry. The recent sales figures reflect an increasing consumer confidence in the brand’s product lineup.

For those interested in budget-friendly vehicles, now may be the time to secure a Mirage before they are gone for good.

Source:www.autoblog.com