Mitsubishi Teases New Hybrid/Electrified SUV For Japan Mobility Show

Only you're going to have to look closely, because it's just the very back end of the model in the right side of the frame. The focus is on the outdoors, which, strangely, is not what Mitsubishi appears to want buyers to be focused on.

Despite the evocative image, Mitsubishi says that this electrified crossover SUV was "designed with a focus on quality time spent inside the vehicle. The brand talks about "urban sophistication" and "smooth, seamless styling." Combined with the photos, it's all a bit of a mixed message. Something Mitsubishi really can't afford these days, at least not from our perspective.

It will be capable of handling rugged terrain, Mitsubishi says. It will use the company's "signature electrification technologies" and all-wheel control systems. We take that to mean a hybrid system like the one in the Outlander PHEV, where the two motors provide power to the wheels in virtually every situation, with the gas engine used primarily as a generator. This gives the PHEV a more EV-like feel and a level of EREV efficiency not found in many competitors.

The images might be conflicting, but Mitsubishi describes it in typical concept car flowery prose. "This concept car is more than just a mode of transportation – it embodies a refined sense of adventure that redefines the experience of being on the road and staying at destinations," it says.

We can't tell what it will look like, but you'll want to keep a close eye on it when Mitsubishi reveals it at the Japan Mobility Show. Mitsubishi's concept models, like the Engelberg Tourer, often find their way to the showroom looking shockingly close to the original concept. This one could be the same.

This vehicle doesn't seem to be anything we were expecting from Mitsubishi. A new crossover based on the DST concept is coming, but it is a larger model we expect will sit above the Outlander in its lineup. Mitsubishi US has told dealers that there will be a new electric crossover coming sometime next year. This could possibly be that model, though offered with both electric and electrified power as a response to the slowing demand for electric vehicles.

There are also some Mitsubishi models that are in need of replacement. Both the Outlander Sport and Eclipse Cross are showing their age. Dealers are certainly happy to have the low-cost Outlander Sport, which starts under $25,000, but we can't imagine that model can sell much longer. It first hit dealers in 2010, though it has had some mild facelifts since.

Oh, and don't bother looking up the coordinates on the Mitsubishi teaser photo. They'll direct you to Tokyo Big Sight, the venue for the show which takes place at the end of this month.