The RAV4 Woodland and Outback Wilderness may have a new rival on the horizon.Front grille and headlight of a white Mitsubishi vehicle with mud splatters on the bumper and grille.If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission. Learn moreIt’s no mystery that off-roading and overlanding continues to explode in popularity. However, not everyone can dump a ton of money into a dedicated off-roader or six-figures on a custom-built overlanding van.Which is why automakers began offering more rugged variants of some of their most popular crossover SUVs. Now, Mitsubishi is reportedly joining the spiced-up soft-roader CUV party with its Outlander.A potential stepping stone to the Montero’s possible revival in AmericaMitsubishi could be prepping an even more rugged version of its Outlander. - Credit: Mitsubishi MotorsWord comes from CarSales down yonder, who recently spoke with some regional Mitsubishi executives. In their discussion, the Japanese Trident is apparently preparing a more rugged version of its Outlander.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe model would essentially be a beefed up version of its top-selling crossover SUV. The idea also includes porting over some of the upgrades and themes from Mitsubishi’s recent Triton Raider, or the more off-road-biased variant of its global pickup.Mitsubishi recently launched the Outlander Trail Edition in 2025 for North America. - Credit: Mitsubishi MotorsThe Japanese automaker is reportedly consulting Australia-based Premcar for these supposed upgrades. It’s the same engineering firm that also teamed up with Nissan to birth their off-road enthusiast-aimed Warrior variants.But what’s more enticing, at least for us Yanks, is that this supposed rugged Outlander may have a chance of going beyond the Australian market.Although aimed at outdoor enthusiasts, the Outlander Trail Edition only boasts subtle modes and accessories. - Credit: Mitsubishi MotorsAnd that’s because we also get the Outlander on our shores. Should such a prospect come to fruition, it would take on the likes of the Toyota RAV4 Woodland, the Nissan Rogue Rock Creek, and the Subaru Outback and Forester Wilderness models.AdvertisementAdvertisementTo match Mitsubishi’s recent theming, said Outlander could gain the “Raider” badge, similar to the Triton Raider.Reconnecting with its four-wheeling heritageThe supposed more rugged Outlander could go beyond the light mods of the Trail Edition. - Credit: Mitsubishi MotorsToyota and Nissan might be the first automakers to come to mind when thinking of the ultimate Japanese four-wheelers. Particularly with the Land Cruiser and the Patrol (Armada for us Yanks).But Mitsubishi has also always been a closely associated rival with the Pajero (Shogun in Europe, Montero in America). All three make up what I like to call the Japanese four-wheeler trifecta.Should an Outlander Raider happen, there’s a chance it could come to the States, since we get the same model as everyone else. - Credit: Mitsubishi MotorsWhile Toyota typically steals the limelight, Mitsubishi is actually the brand that has a much more storied past in the off-roading space. Especially when it comes to rallying.AdvertisementAdvertisementSo, it’s unsurprising that Mitsubishi is starting to lean back into its off-roading heritage here in America. The brand has seemingly been asleep at the wheel over the past decade. But now it’s looking to change that.Availability and pricingThe Mitsubishi Outlander is currently on sale in America and is one of the automaker’s best-sellers. The Japanese Trident recently introduced the Trail Edition, but it’s not much more than an accessorized appearance package. The supposed Outlander Raider may introduce the beefier off-road upgrades overlanders seek.White Mitsubishi SUV with roof cargo box and rear-mounted bicycle driving on a forest trail.2026 Mitsubishi Outlander Trail Edition Starts at $39,645 About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).AdvertisementAdvertisementWant to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.add as a preferred source on google