Mitsubishi Plans to Unveil the Pajero in September
The Pajero has long been one of Mitsubishi's most iconic off-roaders, and it is also known as the Montero in North America. News of the nameplate's return first surfaced on August 5 at 2:15 p.m., and the company has now scheduled a presentation for the new SUV on September 2, 2026. Mitsubishi is already sharing information about the 2027/2028 Pajero and Montero, and some owners of the previous generation plus dealers in North America have already had a chance to inspect the new vehicle.
According to the details released so far, the new Pajero will be equipped with Mitsubishi's S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) system, which was originally developed for the Lancer Evolution X. It will ride on a body-on-frame platform, and the teaser points to a solid rear axle — a clear departure from the independent rear suspension used by the last two Pajero and Montero generations. The SUV will very likely use a modified version of the frame from the Mitsubishi Triton pickup, and diesel engines are almost guaranteed.
A Closer Look at the New Pajero
People who have seen the new model, including previous owners and dealers, describe it as a modern, premium SUV with ample ground clearance. Japanese customers, in particular, noted that the new Pajero is "huge." Dealers also say the new Pajero will not have a spare tire mounted on the rear door. Since the 1990s, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado has been the Pajero's main competitor in Japan and many other markets, while in North America the closest rival was the Toyota 4Runner until Montero production came to an end.
- Modified frame sourced from the Mitsubishi Triton.
- Diesel engines are near certain.
- The new Pajero offers generous ground clearance.
There are also rumors about a smaller Pajero iO based on the Mitsubishi XForce, but the vice president of Mitsubishi Motors Philippines described that idea as 'a nice fantasy.' The XForce is currently sold in Thailand and the Philippines, where it goes up against the Honda HR-V and Nissan Kicks.
The comeback of the Pajero/Montero is already attracting strong attention from car enthusiasts, and the details coming from Mitsubishi suggest a serious effort to meet modern market expectations. With its long-established reputation and loyal customer base, a new Pajero generation could shift the competitive dynamics in the SUV segment and persuade buyers who had picked other models to reconsider. The upcoming debut is an important milestone for Mitsubishi as it tries to regain ground in the SUV market.