Even though Mitsubishi has closed its car division for the Indian market, the Japanese carmaker is still in demand in the pre-owned market. Particularly for its Pajero SUV, which is renowned for its Dakar Rally pedigree, impressive looks, old-school vibes and sound mechanical components.
The Pajero and Montero names are now officially being revived, as confirmed by the company. The caption “Pajero/Montero is ready to write its next chapter” can be seen on the company’s social media handles. The company has also revealed a roadmap for the Pajero brand, pitching it as a series of vehicles rather than a single model. Think, Toyota’s Land Cruiser.
Mitsubishi Pajero and Montero
The company that reused the Eclipse nameplate from an iconic sportscar for a new electrified compact crossover SUV, Mitsubishi, has just confirmed that they will be reviving the Pajero and Montero nameplates. There is good news in this development as the Pajero and Montero nameplates will remain strong ladder-frame SUVs with off-road prowess.
Mitsubishi last used the Pajero name in 2021 and now it will be revived as a brand that will spawn multiple models. The company’s recently revealed roadmap confirms that at least two Pajero SUVs are in the works. The first of these is set to debut this upcoming fall and will be a ladder-frame SUV with a platform and components shared with the Triton pickup truck.
To differentiate it from the Triton pickup truck, the Mitsubishi Pajero SUV is likely to get a completely unique design. From the teaser, we can see the Pajero’s LED DRL signature which is of a connected type, split in the middle to accommodate the Mitsubishi logo. The LED signature dips down at both ends and this is where the LED headlights are likely to be located.
In the company’s roadmap we can see an overall boxy silhouette, which suggests that it will have traditional SUV proportions and will be larger in size. On the inside, Mitsubishi is expected to introduce a unique dashboard and trims to differentiate the Pajero from the Triton pickup truck. Even the suspension and other mechanicals are expected to be dedicated to the Pajero.
13 new models between FY26 – FY31
In markets such as Europe and North America, Mitsubishi may use the Montero name instead of Pajero. Depending on the market, Mitsubishi is likely to equip this upcoming ladder-frame SUV with petrol, petrol-electric hybrid or diesel engines.
Mitsubishi’s roadmap shows that the company is working on 13 new model launches between FY26 and FY31. The Pajero series is a part of this 13 model lineup and market-specific products are also planned. The Kei Wagon, Kei BEV, pickup truck and two BEV SUVs, as well as a new version of the Xpander and several off-road-focused products including a pickup truck, two large SUVs, the new Pajero (Montero), compact SUV, small SUV and even a minivan.