By Steve Laser
Mitsubishi is planning to launch a new SUV with a familiar name: Pajero. With a history dating back to 1982, Mitsubishi says it sold more than 3.29 million units in more than 170 countries and regions. Pajero was called Montero in markets including North America, while it carried the Shogun nameplate in the UK.
During its world premiere in Tokyo on Sept. 2, the new Pajero is shown above with Keisuke Kishiura, Mitsubishi Motors President and CEO. The flagship SUV will be built at the automaker’s production base in Thailand. Initial launch plans start with the Thai market and Japan later this year, while a wider global launch is expected next year and beyond.
“Grand Charisma” is the design concept for the new Pajero, with bold exterior styling that brings to mind the rugged look of the first generation models. Two grille designs are planned, with a horizontal-bar look or a honeycomb finish, flanked by T-shaped headlights. Armor Copper Metallic is a color choice said to accentuate the powerful exterior.
The new Pajero employs a rugged ladder-style platform that appears to be evolved from the current Mitsubishi Triton. Pajero features a front double-wishbone suspension and a new five-link rear axle. The powertrain includes a 2.4-liter turbocharged “clean” diesel engine teamed with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Equipped with S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control), Pajero offers driver-selectable 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time 4WD), 4HLc (locked center differential), and 4LLc (locked center differential with low-range gears). In addition, separate drive-modes include Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock settings.
Pajero delivers a spacious cabin with three-row, seven-passenger seating. Second-row seats include sliding and tumble features for convenience. Automatic climate control with three zones offers independent temperature settings for additional comfort.
The horizontally designed instrument panel is inspired by the first-generation Pajero. High-tech elements include available dual 14.3-inch screens, while a 3D Multi Around-Monitor offers a front under-floor view for off-road driving that automatically activates when 4HLc or 4LLc is selected in 4WD mode.
A reimagined triple-gauge Multi-Meter on the 14.3-inch center screen is also inspired by Pajero models from the past. It presents info such as altitude, compass heading, temperature, and vehicle pitch and roll angles, while Display Audio offers wireless smartphone connectivity. Also available is a Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system with 12 speakers.
Could Pajero return to America as a new Montero? Well, it doesn’t appear that this new model will make the journey, since it features a turbo-diesel engine, and would need to meet various regulatory requirements. However, since Mitsubishi is an alliance partner with Nissan, there’s a chance that a new Montero could one day be based on a future Nissan product, such as the upcoming return of the Xterra.
Note: Features, specifications, and launch timing for the Thai and Japan-market Pajero is subject to change without notice.
News source and photos courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors Corp.
Story (commentary) 2026 CarNichiWa.com