Flagship SUV builds on Triton ladder frame with dedicated suspension and cabin design
Mitsubishi will revive the Pajero nameplate this fall as a three-model SUV series. The flagship off-roader uses Triton pickup underpinnings. North American markets get Montero badging.
The return marks Mitsubishi's biggest product expansion since 2019, mirroring Toyota's multi-variant Land Cruiser approach. The original Pajero sold 3.25 million units across 170 countries before discontinuation in 2021, according to Mitsubishi's product roadmap released May 2024.
Thirteen-model roadmap splits electric and hybrid power
Mitsubishi's eight-year product plan through March 2032 details five hybrid and five fully electric models among 13 total launches. The document excludes sports cars entirely, focusing on SUVs, pickup trucks, minivans and kei cars for Japanese domestic sales. Five models remain unspecified by powertrain type. The surge in new model launches from established manufacturers reflects intensified competition from Chinese brands entering global markets. Production timing shows staggered regional rollouts, with Asia-Pacific markets receiving first access ahead of North American and European availability. Each Pajero variant targets distinct price segments, though specific positioning remains undisclosed.
Ladder frame construction separates from crossover rivals
The Pajero's body-on-frame architecture contrasts sharply with unibody crossovers dominating current SUV sales. Toyota's Land Cruiser 300 Series and Ford's Bronco employ similar construction methods for serious off-road capability. Chinese competitors like Haval target the same Land Cruiser customer base with truck-based platforms. Mitsubishi engineers developed specific suspension components for each axle rather than sharing Triton pickup parts directly. The approach prioritizes ground clearance and axle articulation over on-road refinement. Interior design receives complete redesign compared to the commercial-focused Triton cabin, emphasizing passenger comfort over cargo utility.
Original Pajero spanned four generations across 31 years
Pajero production ran from 1982 through 2021, accumulating 3.25 million total sales. The final generation launched in 2006 and received only minor updates for 15 years. Peak annual sales reached 180,000 units in 1991 during Japan's economic boom period. North American Montero sales peaked at 47,000 units in 1995 before declining to 8,500 by the 2006 discontinuation. European markets accounted for roughly 425,000 total sales (13% of global volume), while Asia-Pacific excluding Japan generated 1.8 million sales (55% share). The calculation shows developed markets contributed 1.45 million sales versus 1.8 million from emerging economies. Other manufacturers announcing 2025 launches face similar regional distribution challenges.
Powertrain specifications remain undisclosed six months before launch
Mitsubishi declined to specify engine options for any Pajero variant despite confirming fall 2025 production start dates. The Triton's 2.4-liter twin-turbodiesel generates 204 horsepower but faces emissions compliance issues in California and New York. Plug-in hybrid technology from the Outlander PHEV could transfer to Pajero, though battery packaging challenges exist with ladder frame construction. Japanese market expectations center on naturally aspirated gasoline engines, while European buyers demand diesel variants. The company's silence on North American powertrain plans suggests regulatory approval delays or supplier negotiations. Previous Mitsubishi hybrid SUV launches required 18-24 month development extensions beyond original timelines.
The Pajero Sport nameplate, discontinued in 2025 after nine years of production, may return as one of the three confirmed variants. Mitsubishi sold 850,000 Pajero Sport units globally between 2016-2025. World premiere timing coincides with the Tokyo Auto Salon in January 2025. The complete Mitsubishi model history and specifications are catalogued in the Global Auto Index manufacturer database.
