New Mitsubishi Pajero And Montero: Early Look

The rumors were true. Mitsubishi is officially bringing back the Pajero name, which was last used in 2021. Debuting this fall, the all-new SUV will be a proper off-roader on a ladder frame derived from the Triton pickup truck. At the same time, the Japanese automaker confirmed the return of another familiar name: Montero. That gives us hope the Pajero will be sold in North America with Montero badging.

Mitsubishi has even greater plans for one of its most iconic nameplates. Pajero won’t be used strictly for a single model but rather an entire series of vehicles. The company’s product roadmap, released today, reveals that at least two additional Pajero-based models are in the works.

Details about the full-fat Pajero remain slim at this point, but Mitsubishi says it will serve as the company’s flagship model. The reborn go-anywhere vehicle is getting four-wheel drive, along with a bespoke suspension setup at both axles, to set it apart from the Triton. Moreover, it won’t carry over the truck’s interior but instead feature a bespoke cabin, presumably with a greater emphasis on comfort.

Mitsubishi Is Launching 13 New Models

Time will tell whether the Montero-badged version will be sold in the United States, but we’d be surprised if it isn’t. While the Triton is sold with a twin-turbodiesel 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, that wouldn’t make much sense for a US-bound version, should it happen. Instead, the Montero would likely get a gas engine and/or a plug-in hybrid setup.

As shown below, the Pajero series is part of a broader plan to roll out 13 models by the end of March 2032. There will be something for everyone, ranging from minivans and kei cars to SUVs and pickup trucks. Of the 13 vehicles, five will be hybrids and another five will be fully electric. Judging by the roadmap, a sports car isn’t planned, though that’s hardly surprising given the segment’s niche status.

With the Pajero/Montero’s world premiere happening in the coming months, expect sales to kick off next year.

Photo by: Mitsubishi

Motor1’s Take: It seems Mitsubishi is taking a page out of Toyota’s playbook. Much like the Land Cruiser has blossomed into a lineup of multiple models, the Pajero will have at least three distinct flavors. It’s unclear whether one of the new versions will be a Pajero Sport, which was retired in 2025.

Pajero is a big deal for Mitsubishi. It was sold for decades in more than 170 countries and regions, with sales exceeding 3.25 million units across four generations. The Montero twin would make perfect sense in North America, where off-roaders remain a hot commodity.