Mitsubishi Motors has officially confirmed the return of the legendary Mitsubishi Pajero nameplate, nearly five years after the iconic off-roader was discontinued. The new Pajero is set to make its global debut later this year and will spearhead Mitsubishi’s next-generation SUV lineup.
Interestingly, Mitsubishi has also confirmed the revival of the Mitsubishi Montero name, raising the possibility that the SUV could be sold in certain markets under the Montero badge.
Proper Ladder-Frame SUV Returns
Unlike many modern SUVs that have shifted to monocoque construction, the new Pajero will stay true to its roots with:
- Ladder-frame chassis
- Four-wheel-drive system
- Dedicated off-road suspension
- Flagship positioning within Mitsubishi’s lineup
The SUV will be based on Mitsubishi Triton’s platform. Still, Mitsubishi says it will feature a unique suspension setup and an entirely different interior designed to deliver a more premium experience.
Pajero Becomes a Family of SUVs
One of the biggest announcements is that Pajero will no longer be limited to a single model.
Mitsubishi’s future product roadmap reveals that:
- Multiple Pajero-based vehicles are already under development
- At least two additional models will join the lineup in the coming years
This effectively transforms Pajero into a dedicated SUV sub-brand rather than a standalone vehicle.
Part of a Bigger Product Offensive
The Pajero’s return forms part of Mitsubishi’s ambitious plan to introduce 13 new models by 2032
The roadmap includes:
- Five hybrid vehicles
- Five fully electric vehicles
- SUVs
- Pickup trucks
- MPVs
- Kei cars
While powertrain details remain under wraps, reports suggest markets such as North America could receive petrol or plug-in hybrid versions instead of the Triton’s diesel engine.
For India
For Indian enthusiasts, the return of the Mitsubishi Pajero is significant, as the SUV still enjoys cult status in the country despite Mitsubishi’s exit from the passenger-vehicle market.
The Pajero was once among India’s most respected premium off-roaders, and a modern replacement could potentially take on rivals such as the Toyota Fortuner, MG Majestor, and Jeep Meridian.
However, Mitsubishi has not announced any plans to bring the new Pajero to India, and any potential launch would likely depend on the brand establishing a new sales and service network or finding a local manufacturing partner to make the SUV competitively priced.
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Final Take
The return of the Mitsubishi Pajero is one of the most significant SUV announcements of recent years. By retaining a ladder-frame chassis and genuine off-road capability while expanding the nameplate into a broader family of vehicles, Mitsubishi appears determined to restore one of its most celebrated brands. For enthusiasts who have been waiting years for the Pajero’s comeback, the wait is finally coming to an end.
