Mitsubishi has finally confirmed the return of one of its most iconic nameplates. After months of trademark filings, rumors, and spy photos, the company has officially revealed that its upcoming flagship SUV will wear the Pajero name once again.
The announcement came as part of Mitsubishi’s latest product roadmap presentation, which also confirmed the return of the Montero name. The dual branding signals that the SUV is being developed as a global model, with different names depending on the market.
The revival marks a significant moment for the Japanese automaker. The Pajero was once one of the most respected off-road SUVs in the world, earning multiple Dakar Rally victories and building a loyal following across several continents.
Just as importantly for North American buyers, Mitsubishi has also confirmed plans to introduce a new pickup truck in the United States, signaling a renewed effort to strengthen its presence in one of the world’s largest automotive markets.
The Pajero And Montero Are Officially Back
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Mitsubishi’s teaser image leaves little room for doubt. The company explicitly references both Pajero and Montero, effectively confirming the return of the famous SUV after years of speculation.
The use of two names is nothing new for Mitsubishi. Historically, the SUV has been sold as the Pajero in many global markets while using the Montero badge in Spanish-speaking regions due to, let’s just say, linguistic reasons.
Although Mitsubishi has not released full specifications, previous reports and spy photography have already painted a fairly clear picture of what to expect.
Unlike the outgoing generations that moved toward more passenger-car-like construction, the new model is expected to return to its rugged roots with a body-on-frame architecture.
Built On Triton Foundations
The new Pajero and Montero will share their underpinnings with the latest Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck. That means the SUV should inherit many of the off-road capabilities already found in the Triton, including Mitsubishi’s highly regarded Super Select 4WD-II system.
The setup allows drivers to use four-wheel drive on paved surfaces while also offering dedicated terrain management modes for more challenging conditions.
Spy photos have also suggested the SUV will feature a solid rear axle, a notable departure from the independent rear suspension used by previous generations. If confirmed, it would be the first Pajero to use a live rear axle since the second-generation model.
Production is expected to take place primarily in Thailand, which remains one of Mitsubishi’s most important manufacturing hubs.
Diesel Power Expected, Hybrid Possible
Given its planned production location and target markets, diesel engines are widely expected to play a major role in the Pajero’s lineup.
Markets across Southeast Asia, Australia, and other regions continue to favor diesel-powered SUVs for towing, off-road use, and long-distance driving. Mitsubishi is therefore likely to offer versions powered by the same diesel engines used in the Triton.
Other regions could receive gasoline-powered variants, while hybrid technology is also considered a strong possibility as automakers continue balancing capability with stricter emissions regulations.
Beyond the powertrains, the new flagship SUV is expected to incorporate Mitsubishi’s latest driver assistance technologies, connectivity features, and off-road systems.
Mitsubishi Has Big Plans For North America
The Pajero’s return is only one piece of a much larger strategy. As part of its newly announced five-year product plan, Mitsubishi confirmed it intends to launch 13 new models globally. Among them will be a new pickup truck specifically targeted at the North American market.
The truck will be developed through a collaboration project with Nissan. While Mitsubishi has not disclosed exact details, the most likely scenario involves sharing components with the next-generation Nissan Frontier while giving the truck its own styling, technology, and brand identity.
The announcement marks Mitsubishi’s return to a segment it has been absent from for years. The last pickup sold by Mitsubishi in America was the Raider, which disappeared from showrooms nearly two decades ago.
Could The Montero Return To America?
The biggest question remains whether the reborn Montero will make its way back to U.S. dealerships. Mitsubishi has not confirmed North American availability, and production in Thailand could complicate matters due to tariffs and import costs. Even so, the company’s renewed focus on off-road vehicles and expanding its U.S. lineup gives enthusiasts reason for optimism.
The automaker sold fewer than 95,000 vehicles in the United States last year, making product expansion a critical part of its growth strategy. A rugged SUV with genuine off-road credentials could help attract new buyers while reconnecting the brand with longtime fans.
For now, Mitsubishi has officially delivered what enthusiasts have been hoping to hear for years. The Pajero and Montero names are returning, and a new pickup truck is heading to North America. After years of operating quietly in the background, Mitsubishi finally appears ready to make some noise again.