It may not seem like much, but this camo-clad SUV->ke145 is one of the most important cars for Mitsubishi’s->ke58 continued success. What we are looking at here is the facelifted Outlander. The Outlander->ke1397 and Outlander Sport are the two most successful models for the brand here in the United States. These crossovers->ke288 are the only reasons the company’s doors have remained open.

When the model arrives next year, we should see a new bumper, a revised grille and different headlamps to create a whole new nose for the family hauler. The rear end will also be slightly revised, but the profile of the new Outlander will remain identical to today’s model, with the exception of wheel designs.

Sadly, there is no word on the potential of upgraded or improved drivetrains, but it would be nice to see Mitsubishi squeeze just a few more horsepower, or a few more MPGs from the 2015 Outlander’s drivetrain. This model is just a mild refresh that will act as a sales stopgap until the next-generation model arrives in either 2017 or 2018.

Head past the jump to read more about the facelifted Mitsubishi Outlander.

Why it matters

As I already said, the sales of the Outlander and Outlander sport singlehandedly carried Mitsubishi through the dark years of 2008 to 2010. Without these SUVs, Mitsubishi would have likely met the same fate as its rival Suzuki, which pulled out of U.S. car sales in 2012. With the crossover market still booming, and every other manufacturer releasing new or heavily revised models, Mitsubishi needs to keep improving the Outlander if it wants to keep sales moving.

It could be argued that the model still is not improving fast enough, but at least we have proof that Mitsubishi isn’t giving up.

Spy shots