It's official: Mitsubishi Pajero Is Coming Back!
Mitsubishi has officially confirmed the return of one of its most iconic nameplates, the Pajero. The Pajero, also sold as Montero in some markets, is one of the most popular Mitsubishi SUVs worldwide. Mitsubishi’s Japanese website now shows the lighting signature of the new Pajero and has ‘PAJERO’ written below it, confirming its return. Will it come to India? Not unless the company itself makes an official return, the chances for which remain distant.
Circling back, the screen also shows the words of Hiroshi Masuoka, ace rally driver. It reads ‘ If there were a race around the world, who would be the fastest? It might be a Pajero.’ The paragraph also talks about the off-roading abilities, versatility and reliability of the SUV. The website, however, doesn’t give any more details of the new model.
The Pajero made its India debut in 2002, and remained on sale till 2020, when the company announced its India exit. We have had the SFX and Sport versions of it on sale here. Interestingly, India was also one of the few markets in which the Pajero Sport sold alongside the Montero (3rd and 4th generation of the SUV). Globally, the Pajero was discontinued in 2021. Worldwide, it has had a huge fan-following. Clearly, what we are about to witness is not a simple comeback.
Mitsubishi is well-aware of just how popular the Pajero nameplate is and has big plans with it. It will transform the Pajero from a single standalone product to a full-fledged family of rugged SUVs. Atleast two additional Pajero-based models are likely to launch.
The new Pajero lineup will play a key role in strengthening Mitsubishi’s global portfolio. The global debut is expected later this year. Test mules were previously spied in various parts of the world. These, though heavily camouflaged,confirm butch proportions and a proper SUV-like design for the new model. The new teaser further confirms that it will have a full-width LED DRL cluster, highlighting the vehicle width and adding some visual drama to the overall styling. We hope to learn more about the design in the coming months.
The new SUV will be built on a ladder-frame chassis derived from the Mitsubishi Triton pickup, ensuring serious off-road capability. It will have four-wheel drive, a returned suspension setup, and will share several of its mechanical components with the truck. It will not, however, borrow the Triton’s interior as such. The cabin quality and comfort levels will be much better. The SUV will likely get more features as well.
Details about the flagship Pajero remain sparse at the time of writing. Mitsubishi has also confirmed that the ‘Montero’ nameplate will also make a return. If so, markets like North America will get the new SUV as the new-generation Montero.
In global markets, the Triton pickup truck is sold with a twin-turbodiesel 2.4-liter four-cylinder diesel engine (4N16). It makes 201hp and 470Nm. This engine will likely be used in the new Pajero as well. For markets like the US, Mitsubishi could also develop a petrol or a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Details of these remain limited for now.
Globally, Mitsubishi plans to expand its product portfolio aggressively in the next few years. In some markets, as many as 13 new launches are likely by 2032. The Pajero’s return is expected to bring a sharp rise in the manufacturer’s global sales. But what about India?
Mitsubishi’s India comeback seems less likely. Although Mitsubishi Corporation has established a joint venture with India’s TVS Mobility, there is no solid confirmation that the automaker will re-enter the Indian market in the foreseeable future. However, we are sure that if it does and launches the new Pajero here, as a Fortuner rival, there would be takers, though niche.