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Mitsubishi to return to the UK in 2026
After five years away, Mitsubishi is due to make a comeback!
Words by: Catherine Kent
Last updated on 12 December 2025 | 0 min read
Last month it was announced Mitsubishi will be returning to the UK for the first time since 2021 and we now know a new plug-in hybrid Outlander and the latest version of the L200 pick-up will be the initial models to arrive here.
The new vehicles from Mitsubishi will be arriving via International Motors, an importer which also brings brands like Subaru, Isuzu and GWM into the UK. International Motors already owns the aftersales part of Mitsubishi Motors UK, so it has a track record with the brand, and we expect the new models to arrive at approved retailers by the summer of 2026.
The new vehicles from Mitsubishi will be arriving via International Motors, an importer which also brings brands like Subaru, Isuzu and GWM into the UK. International Motors already owns the aftersales part of Mitsubishi Motors UK, so it has a track record with the brand, and we expect the new models to arrive at approved retailers by the summer of 2026.
The new Outlander PHEV will be slightly larger than the previous version and for the first time in the UK a seven-seat version will be available. The Outlander PHEV combines a 2.4-litre petrol engine with a battery and two electric motors to provide over 300 horsepower, and it features Mitsubishi’s latest four-wheel drive system which individually controls the amount of power and braking force sent to each wheel.
Before Mitsubishi left us five years ago, its range included the Mirage hatchback, the L200 pick-up and several SUVs like the ASX, Shogun Sport and Outlander. The reintroduction of the Outlander is particularly significant because it was the world’s first SUV to be offered as plug-in hybrid and it sold in significant numbers here in the UK. Mitsubishi has a history with electrification which goes as far back as the 1970s and in 2009 it even produced the all-electric i-MiEV before the Renault-Nissan Alliance brought us the Leaf and Zoe. Funnily enough, Mitsubishi is now a member of said Alliance with Renault and Nissan allowing it share know-how and rebadge certain Renault and Nissan models as its own. However, Mitsubishi has had many arrangements with other brands over the years including Chrysler, Volvo and Smart. As an example, the Mitsubishi Colt and first generation Smart ForFour are built on the same foundations.
Before Mitsubishi left us five years ago, its range included the Mirage hatchback, the L200 pick-up and several SUVs like the ASX, Shogun Sport and Outlander. The reintroduction of the Outlander is particularly significant because it was the world’s first SUV to be offered as plug-in hybrid and it sold in significant numbers here in the UK. Mitsubishi has a history with electrification which goes as far back as the 1970s and in 2009 it even produced the all-electric i-MiEV before the Renault-Nissan Alliance brought us the Leaf and Zoe. Funnily enough, Mitsubishi is now a member of said Alliance with Renault and Nissan allowing it share know-how and rebadge certain Renault and Nissan models as its own. However, Mitsubishi has had many arrangements with other brands over the years including Chrysler, Volvo and Smart. As an example, the Mitsubishi Colt and first generation Smart ForFour are built on the same foundations.
Which models will Mitsubishi be bringing here next? So far only the Outlander and the L200 have been confirmed, and a limited number will be available to start with. We'll have to wait to find out what will come next. Earlier in the year Mitsubishi revealed the Elevance Concept at the Japan Mobility Show 2025 in Tokyo which features all-wheel drive and Mitsubishi’s latest plug-in hybrid system. Could a production model based on this be destined for our shores in the near future? Only time will tell.
