Mitsubishi May Reintroduce FWD Outlander Sport for a Lower Price

Mitsubishi wants to make the Outlander Sport easier on your wallet by bringing back the front-wheel-drive version. The goal is simple. Give buyers a cheaper SUV option.

It’s getting really hard to find an affordable new car, as most small SUVs these days start above $25,000, and prices keep climbing. Mitsubishi seems ready to do something about that. The company is planning to bring back a front-wheel-drive Outlander Sport to make it a more affordable option for small SUV buyers.

Currently in the United States, the price of the Outlander Sport starts at about $26,955, and it only comes with all-wheel drive. That additional traction is nice. However, it also increases the total cost of the vehicle. Bringing back front-wheel drive could drop the price by around $1,500. It will give buyers a cheaper way to get behind the wheel of a brand-new SUV.

It’s a smart move by Mitsubishi because the Outlander Sport has a lot of competition in the automobile market. Models like the Chevy Trax and Kia Seltos already have lower starting prices and newer features. A more affordable Outlander Sport could help Mitsubishi win back the attention of buyers who look for a good, simple, and practical small SUV.

Mitsubishi’s North American CEO, Mark Chaffin, believes this plan could boost both sales and dealer profits. And practically speaking, it makes sense. A lower price always attracts more buyers, especially when the price of other vehicles is getting expensive.

Of course, choosing front-wheel drive means you lose some grip in bad weather compared to all-wheel drive. But for most city drivers, that’s not a big deal.

Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed a release date yet. However, reports suggest that the FWD Outlander Sport could return next year. If that happens, it might be one of the few new SUVs left that is actually affordable for buyers.