Prototype suggests Mitsubishi plans 2026 launch of next-generation Pajero SUV.
New model may share Triton chassis or adopt Outlander’s crossover architecture.
A Pajero could turn Mitsubishi into a two-trick pony in Canada
A prototype believed to preview Mitsubishi’s next Pajero SUV was recently photographed during testing, indicating a possible return of the model that was retired in 2021. Known in various markets as the Montero or Shogun, the Pajero could re-enter production as early as next year.
Mitsubishi could bring back Montero and Lancer nameplates in North America
Early information suggests that the new SUV may adopt a ladder-frame platform similar to the Mitsubishi Triton, also sold as the L200, which was once considered for the Canadian market in the early 2000s. The Triton entered its sixth generation in 2023 and is manufactured in Thailand. If sharing underpinnings with the Triton, the upcoming SUV would likely be offered with diesel and gasoline engines already available in the pickup. Electrification is also said to be under development for both the truck and the SUV.
Other reports point to a different approach. Some industry sources believe the vehicle could instead be built on a monocoque platform based on Renault-Nissan’s CMF-C/D architecture, which supports models such as the Outlander, Nissan X-Trail, and Renault Austral. This would position the vehicle closer to a large crossover than a traditional body-on-frame SUV.
The Montero was sold in Canada under two models, the Montero and Montero Sport, from 2002. The final Montero was pulled after the 2006 model year. The Pajero was also available as the Dodge Raider in the late 1980s – a very cool spot if you see one.
Mitsubishi is doing “fine” in Canada, however, and the brand once so promising and with legions of fans has been reduced to selling Outlander PHEVs, roughly 40% of its total volume. The addition of a Pajero, if well priced, could help Mitsubishi rival the Honda Passport/Pilot, Volkswagen Atlas/Atlas Cross Sport, Nissan Pathfinder, and many others.
Mitsubishi has yet to officially confirm whether this new model will carry the Pajero or Montero badge. Details on possible North American and Canadian availability remain unknown. We’ve reached out to Mitsubishi Canada to ask… and we got an answer. Here is the answer verbatim:
“While we are undeniably excited for the future of Mitsubishi Motors across North America thanks to our Momentum 2030 plan, we do not comment on specifics of future models or confirm spy photography of test vehicles.”
We’ll keep our fingers crossed.
Source: Autoevolution
