In 2017, Mitsubishi revived its iconic model called Eclipse, but it was a crossover. Now we're seeing new trademark applications for other iconic Mitsubishi names like the Montero and Lancer Sportback, which may not be what they're expected to be either.
A car with the Montero name hasn't existed in the US since 2006, but Mitsubishi recently filed a trademark application for the Montero name with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The trademark points to “cars” and dozens of other uses, so it's possible we could see the Montero name on a future Mitsubishi in the US.
Mitsubishi filed a second trademark application for “Lancer Sportback,” which was initially rejected by the USPTO, but is currently under appeal. The Lancer Sportback was a five-door version of the Lancer in the US that was introduced in 2010. That trademark appeal was filed in March, and it identified use for “automobiles and their structural parts.”
The registration of the Lancer Sportback trademark is particularly interesting. We know that Mitsubishi is teaming up with Nissan to introduce several new hybrid and electric models in the US, including its own version of the next-generation Leaf. Rumor has it that the Lancer Sportback could be a version of the Mitsubishi Leaf (if the patent is granted).
There are also rumors of a new Mitsubishi truck for the US and a production version of the D:X Concept (which could be the next Delica). But you have to treat all these details with caution. We won't know for sure until the first new Mitsubishi models roll off the assembly line sometime in 2025 for the 2026 model year.