Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is bringing back the Pajero and Montero nameplates as new ladder-frame off-road SUVs [1, 2].
The revival marks a strategic return to the flagship off-road segment. By leveraging the historic Dakar Rally heritage of the Pajero, Mitsubishi aims to challenge established competitors such as the Toyota Land Cruiser [1, 2].
Company plans indicate the launch will occur in autumn 2026 [1, 3]. The new vehicles will utilize a ladder-frame architecture derived from the Mitsubishi Triton pickup [5]. While some reports suggest a single new off-roader, other sources indicate the Pajero will be reborn as a series of multiple off-road models [3, 4].
This move comes after the previous discontinuation of the Pajero in 2021 [6]. The decision to use a rugged, frame-based design suggests a focus on durability, and heavy-duty performance rather than urban commuting.
Mitsubishi has not yet released specific technical specifications for the engines or interior features. However, the company said that the revival includes both the Pajero and Montero branding to cover different global markets [2, 4].
“Mitsubishi is bringing back the Pajero and Montero nameplates as new ladder-frame off-road SUVs.”
The return of the Pajero and Montero suggests Mitsubishi is pivoting back toward specialized, high-margin rugged vehicles to reclaim brand prestige. By utilizing the existing Triton pickup platform, the company can reduce development costs while entering a growing global market for dedicated off-roaders.
