Mitsubishi Motors North America (MMNA) has partnered with US tech company AT&T to integrate 5G connectivity into the 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander.

The Outlander is the Japanese manufacturer’s flagship sport utility vehicle (SUV) in the North American market.

Under the agreement, the 2026 model will feature embedded 5G to support high-speed data access for in-vehicle functions.

It will also include entertainment services and connected applications used by drivers and passengers.

MMNA digital product strategy director Bryan Arnett said: “At Mitsubishi Motors, our goal is to create a transformative, personalised experience for every driver. Working with AT&T - an industry leader in automotive connectivity - ensures our focus on exceeding customers’ expectations will be delivered through next-generation technology that redefines the connected vehicle.”

The addition of 5G connectivity will also enable over-the-air software updates, allowing Mitsubishi Motors to deploy software enhancements and security updates remotely to selected vehicle systems.

The companies said this capability is designed to limit vehicle downtime while ensuring systems remain current with updated features and performance changes.

Mitsubishi stated that the inclusion of 5G connectivity is expected to improve operational efficiency and deepen customer engagement, drawing on network characteristics such as lower latency, higher capacity and increased bandwidth.

AT&T connected solutions vice president Matt Harden added: “Our relationship with Mitsubishi Motors reflects a shared commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. Together we’re elevating the experience by combining advanced networking with flexible, future-ready services that grow with customer needs.”

Earlier this week, Mitsubishi Motors reported a 2.8% increase in global production to 82,037 vehicles in November 2025, up from 79,774 units in the same month of 2024.

Production in Japan rose by 4% year-on-year to 44,683 units, while overseas output was up by just 1.4% to 37,354 units.

Sales in Japan declined by over 17% to 9,506 units in November, while exports from Japan fell by 4% to 20,466 units, despite a 44% increase in shipments to North America to 13,521 units.