Mitsubishi has admitted that its upcoming ASX VR-e electric small SUV may not appeal to some of its traditional customers, thanks to its technology-heavy interior and reliance on its touchscreen. Due to arrive in Australian showrooms before the end of 2026, the ASX VR-e represents a significant departure from the brand’s existing models, which generally feature more conventional interiors with plenty of physical buttons and switches.

Developed in partnership with Taiwanese manufacturer Foxtron, the ASX VR-e features a large 15.6-inch central touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions, including the climate control, audio and vehicle settings. While there are still some physical controls, the model has considerably fewer buttons than the Outlander and Triton, with a column-mounted gear selector and a slim 9.2-inch digital instrument cluster.

Front three-quarter view of a blue Mitsubishi SUV driving on a sunny suburban street, license plate S607-DJK (South Australia).
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Mitsubishi Motors Australia VR-e product strategy manager Tim Clarke acknowledged that the approach won’t suit everyone.

“There’s always going to be people that don’t want the tech, and we can’t necessarily appeal to them with this product, but we have other products in our portfolio that we can put in front of them if that’s their preference,” Clarke said.

He also acknowledged that buyers moving from a current or previous Mitsubishi into the ASX VR-e could face a learning curve, not only with its technology but also with the different ownership experience that goes with an electric vehicle.

The new ASX VR-e is hardly alone in this approach, however, as several car brands show, with traditional buttons replaced by large central displays to control everything in the car. It’s a notable change for Mitsubishi, which has traditionally appealed to buyers seeking straightforward, ergonomically-friendly vehicles rather than cutting-edge interior technology.

Close-up of a black car interior showing the center console, cupholders, and blue-stitched seats beside a steering wheel with a Mitsubishi logo in the foreground
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When it goes on sale, the ASX VR-e will be offered in four variants locally, with rear-wheel-drive LS, Aspire and Exceed models joined by a high-performance dual-motor GSR flagship. All versions feature a 57.7kWh LFP battery, with a claimed WLTP driving range of up to 403km. The GSR produces 342kW and 700Nm, allowing it to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds, making it the quickest ever Mitsubishi locally.

Australian pricing has yet to be announced, although the ASX VR-e is expected to compete with electric SUVs including the Kia EV3, BYD Atto 3 and Hyundai Kona Electric. The new model will also be Mitsubishi’s first local EV in more than a decade.