15 years after the Endeavor, Mitsubishi develops a new midsize SUV

Mitsubishi will add a new SUV to its lineup during the 2026 calendar year. This midsize SUV will borrow several styling elements from the DST Concept unveiled in the Philippines in 2024. While uncertainty remains regarding powertrain choices, a plug-in hybrid configuration is being considered.

Mitsubishi will expand its lineup with a new midsize SUV

The styling will be closely inspired by the DST Concept

The model will be unveiled sometime in 2026

After announcing the return of a fully electric model, very likely based on the Nissan LEAF, Mitsubishi will introduce a fourth SUV to its lineup in 2026. For now, details remain limited, but many are suggesting the return of the legendary Pajero to the North American market.

The return of a legend?

Mitsubishi has not sold a midsize SUV in Canada since the Endeavor was discontinued in 2011. Unfortunately, the legendary Pajero was never offered on Canadian soil. Much like the Toyota 4Runner or the Jeep Wrangler, the Pajero built a strong reputation worldwide for its off-road capabilities from 1981 to 2021, enjoying a long and successful 40-year career.

Confirmation of its existence comes not only from spy shots circulating online, but also directly from Mitsubishi Motors President Takao Kato, who stated during a conversation at the Tokyo Auto Salon: “We will launch a brand-new full-fledged off-road SUV in 2026.” That says it all.

Of course, its availability in Canada remains officially unknown. However, it is reasonable to believe this is the model Mitsubishi Canada’s management recently referenced when discussing the arrival of a new SUV in the lineup.

Design directly inspired by the DST Concept

In terms of styling, Mitsubishi is taking a more angular approach than what we are currently accustomed to in North America. The new “Pajero,” if it indeed carries that name, will be largely derived from the DST Concept presented in the Philippines in 2024.

Its overall stance, reminiscent of the Land Rover Defender, is particularly distinctive. The vertically stacked lighting elements, arranged in multiple slats, echo a design language already seen in Europe with the latest generation Eclipse Cross. Its very angular shape should also translate into generous interior space. The model will look a lot like it’s international smaller brother the Destinator.

What we know about the technical side

At this point, we know that this SUV is not the result of a collaboration with Nissan or another European manufacturer. Mitsubishi engineers appear to be fully responsible for its development. However, the platform itself is not entirely new, as it is derived from the one underpinning the midsize Triton pickup.

As for powertrains, uncertainty remains, but similarities with the Triton seem plausible. For the North American market, it is hard to imagine the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder being offered. Instead, the possibility of using the same setup as the Outlander PHEV is being discussed. In that case, it would still be a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine, but gasoline-powered and assisted by two electric motors. Following the Outlander’s configuration, total output would reach 248 horsepower with 332 lb-ft of torque.

Regarding battery size, once again the Outlander provides a reference point, with its 22.7 kWh pack. Given that the “Pajero” will be larger and heavier, a bigger battery could be considered to improve electric driving range.

When and at what price?

The only confirmed timeline is that the vehicle will be unveiled in 2026. It is therefore reasonable to expect Canadian market availability as a 2027 model year. Many details remain to be confirmed, but this is one of Mitsubishi’s most intriguing announcements in several years.

In terms of pricing, it will sit above the Outlander, whose base gasoline version starts at $36,398, while the plug-in hybrid version comes in just under $50,500. For the “Pajero,” pricing north of $50,000 can therefore be expected.