The Mitsubishi RVR described here was a roofless concept vehicle, its name standing for Recreation Vehicle, or alternatively 4WD Marine Sports-Ready Vehicle, reflecting an intended use for beach and diving trips. Below its name on the centre pillar was the slogan "Seeking Adventure Beyond the Confines of Civilization." It appeared in the same period as similarly youth-oriented concept cars such as the Ford Splash and Pontiac Stinger, both shown at the Detroit Auto Show in early 1989. The RVR was a 2+2-seater with an open body, two protective door bars in place of conventional doors, and a windscreen that could be raised into a more upright position.
Its rounded, two-tone bodywork combined a sporty look with a rugged, off-road-capable stance, aided by a short wheelbase and minimal overhangs, while 215 SR 15 tyres provided comfort for road use. Power came from a 1836 cc four-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine producing 136 hp at 6500 rpm and 162 Nm at 4500 rpm, sent permanently to all four wheels through an ELC four-speed automatic transmission and a viscous-coupling centre differential. Suspension used MacPherson struts at the front and trailing arms at the rear, with front disc and rear drum brakes.
Features included solar cells under the windscreen for auxiliary battery charging, a front-mounted winch, a video camera between the front headrests feeding a dashboard monitor, and a waterproof, colourful interior with a flat floor allowing the cockpit to be hosed out. Wheelbase measured 230 cm and overall dimensions were 390/169.5/157 cm. In February 1991, Mitsubishi launched a production five-door tall-roof estate also called RVR.
