Mitsubishi to return to UK in 2026

Richard Aucock
Mon, 17 Nov 2025

In a surprise comeback, Mitsubishi is returning to the UK in summer 2026, four years after it withdrew from the market.

The firm has given no details of which models will help relaunch it here, only saying that they "represent the very best of Mitsubishi Motors’ core technologies in performance, four-wheel drive and much more."

One of the models could be the latest version of the Mitsubishi L200 double-cab pickup.

This would make sense as the UK’s pickup sector currently has few entrants. It is dominated by the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max. Ironically, all three have benefitted hugely from the 2021 withdrawal of Mitsubishi, as the L200 was previously a big seller.

With one eye on CO2 emissions and the ZEV Mandate, sales of the Mitsubishi L200 could be offset by also introducing the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, another model that was once popular here. 

Globally, Mitsubishi also sells a range of rebranded Renault model, including the Captur (called the Mitsubishi ASX) and Clio (the Mitsubishi Colt).

In recent years, Mitsubishi in the UK has solely been an aftersales brand, with more than 100 dealer sites supporting the huge number of cars already on UK roads.

Many of these are expected to once again handle the sale of new Mitsubishi models.

Mitsubishi Motors in the UK will be handled by importer and distributor International Motors Ltd. The Birmingham firm already distributes Subaru and Isuzu in the UK, along with Chinese new entrants GWM and XPeng. It bought the Mitsubishi UK business following its withdrawal in October 2021.

"We’re delighted to be introducing exiting new Mitsubishi vehicles to our loyal UK customers,” says Mitsubishi head Sharon Townsend.

"Over the past few years, we’ve continued to see enthusiasm for the brand which has strongly influenced this decision. By building on our trusted aftersales network and dedicated retailer partners, we are committed to providing an exceptional ownership experience."

Mitsubishi will be returning to a market packed with a growing number of brands. More and more Chinese new entrants are arriving in the UK – and they’re growing fast, with the Jaecoo 7 being a frequent top 10 best-seller while BYD is also taking an ever-growing market share.   

Ask HJ

What car could replace my Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?

My Mitsubishi Outlander has been great, but I would like a new smaller car, automatic, under £40k, not fully electric please. It would need to be comfortable in the back and for longer trips. Also, any lane assist must be possible to turn off once only, it’s so annoying when you have to turn it off whenever you restart the car.

We'd recommend a Kia Niro Hybrid. It's a very comfortable small SUV that's a bit smaller than your Outlander yet still very practical. Unfortunately you won't find a car with lane assist that can be turned off indefinitely - regulations mean it has to be automatically enabled every time the car is started. It is easily disabled in the Niro, though. Alternatively, you could look at a more basic model without lane assist features such as the Dacia Jogger.

Answered by Andrew Brady

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