Mitsubishi Prices Rise

Mitsubishi’s Price Shift

The automotive world is buzzing, and what’s causing a stir this time? Mitsubishi is on the roller coaster of tariffs and supply chain hiccups. Starting June 18, the sticker prices on Mitsubishi vehicles in the U.S., including favorites like the Outlander and Outlander Sport, are set to rise by about 2.1%. This comes right from the horse’s mouth, and Mitsubishi attributes the change to regular pricing reviews alongside the impact of tariffs imposed during the Trump administration.

Though carpets aren’t ready to roll up on display rooms just yet—this price change doesn’t hit vehicles currently on showroom floors or lots. New shipments post-June 18 will bear the new pricing tag. The increase seems unavoidable with import costs ballooning due to tariff policies. While competitors like Honda and Toyota manufacture some models stateside, Mitsubishi still imports all models from Japan, making them more susceptible to these tariffs.

Tariffs’ Toll

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi hit pause on deliveries to secure a clearer path through the tariff maze. Vehicles were held back at ports awaiting better visibility on tariffs before hitting dealerships. The higher 25% tariffs posed a potential knockout punch with all Mitsubishi imports getting caught in this hefty levy, unlike some peers already assembling on American soil.

Yet, Mitsubishi is still finding footing in this rough terrain. In the first quarter of 2025, sales bounced up 11% from the previous year. Despite tariff pressures, Mitsubishi marked 2024 as its best U.S. sales year since 2019, moving 110,000 vehicles—a 26% surge thanks to an updated lineup and notable Outlander Sport demand in a crowded SUV market.

Racing with Rivals

The industry is bit by bit absorbing tariff effects, and Mitsubishi isn’t alone in this price-raising game. Subaru also nudged prices north by up to $2,055 earlier this year due to market conditions. Ford reacted to tariffs by hiking prices by $2,000 on select models. Even Volvo isn’t immune, showing price bumps up to $3,200 in its 2026 guide.

A Ride Worth the Cost?

Talking about the driving experience, the Mitsubishi Outlander stands out for its family-friendly nature and decent powertrain, though it might not be the fastest in its lineup. It takes corners with ease, offering a smooth ride that’s comparable to the Subaru Forester in the compact SUV category. However, the Outlander Sport gives more agility and pep compared to its larger sibling, though the difference might be marginal for city driving.

Final Thoughts

As tariff talks continue, the shadow over imports won’t be lifting soon. President Trump’s recent musings on raising auto tariffs further signals that automakers could be recalibrating for the long haul. It’s clear these challenges ripple across industries, with Japanese exports to the U.S. down 11% amid a 3.9% drop in car shipments. The tariff tango leaves Mitsubishi and others in a bind, yet the resilience shown suggests they’re not backing out of the race just yet.