The next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander SUV along with a refreshed smaller ASX have been shown to dealers at a US event, paving the way for their likely arrival in Australia.

Industry reports indicate Mitsubishi's North American dealers saw the models plus a returning Pajero SUV during the brand's Momentum 2030 briefing.

Attendees noted a fifth-generation Outlander set to rival the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 is slated for US launch in the second half of 2028 with Australian timing still pending.

The new model will replace the current Outlander sold locally since 2022 and switch to an in-house Mitsubishi platform instead of the CMF-CD shared with Renault and Nissan.

It will feature a striking new front design with a sealed grille and eight slim stacked LED lights according to reports.

The rear will retain the existing fighter jet styling theme drawn from aircraft tail elements.

An off-road focused variant appeared with added ground clearance special cladding a revised bumper and retuned all-wheel drive.

This extends the Trail Edition concept introduced in the US during 2025 but not offered locally.

That version adds Super All-Wheel Control along with accessories such as mud flaps a skid plate and black 18-inch wheels for rugged appeal.

The Outlander remained Mitsubishi's top US seller in 2025 despite a drop in overall brand sales.

Dealers also viewed a new Outlander Sport small SUV that is larger with slim LED headlights a bold muscular grille and heavy off-road styling.

Details include a bullbar recovery hooks a roof rack and a roof access ladder.

The Outlander Sport is the US name for the ASX a small SUV more than 15 years old still sold in select markets.

The replacement will adopt a new platform described by one dealer as a ground-up redesign.

It matters greatly in the US where Mitsubishi offers just three vehicles with further additions planned including a revived Pajero.

The new model will succeed the prior ASX that ended Australian imports last year and was replaced by a lightly updated Renault Captur also called ASX.

The Captur-based ASX continues in Europe while Renault has shifted to the larger Symbioz there with a related Grandis version sold by Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi Australia has described the Renault-based ASX as a temporary step before a genuine successor arrives.

It remains unclear if the new Outlander Sport or ASX will reach Australia or Japan where the prior model has already been withdrawn.

Mitsubishi offers the separate Xforce small SUV with hybrid power in Southeast Asia and New Zealand but it has been excluded from Australia due to regulatory requirements.