21:17 29-05-2026
Mitsubishi Pajero Revival: New Body-on-Frame SUV Confirmed
Mitsubishi officially revives the Pajero and Montero nameplates with a body-on-frame SUV based on the Triton pickup. Spy shots reveal solid rear axle, diesel and hybrid options. Production in Thailand. A true off-road comeback.
Mitsubishi is officially reviving the Pajero nameplate — and with it, the Montero badge as well. The company has released a teaser of its new flagship SUV, confirming that the legendary name is indeed making a comeback, beyond mere rumors and patent filings.
The big question is what form the new model will take. The new Pajero/Montero is expected to be a body-on-frame off-roader riding on the Mitsubishi Triton pickup’s chassis. This marks a significant shift: recent Pajero generations had moved away from that layout, but the model now appears to return to its classic off-road roots. Spy shots have already revealed a rear solid axle — a feature absent from the Pajero since the second generation, if confirmed.
Production is likely to be centered in Thailand. The proposed VIN code MMA, spotted in Australian documents, typically points to Thai-built vehicles. For Asian and Oceanian markets, a diesel engine is almost certain, given continued demand there. Gasoline versions may be offered in the Middle East and Latin America, and a hybrid is also a possibility.
Beyond the frame, the new model could inherit the Triton’s Super Select 4WD-II system, which allows all-wheel drive on paved roads. It is expected to offer various terrain modes and modern driver-assistance features. Mitsubishi is aiming for more than a nostalgic badge — it wants a clear flagship built on a rugged foundation, genuine off-road capability, and global appeal.
The Montero hasn’t been sold in the US for about 20 years, and a return remains uncertain due to potential tariffs on Thai-built vehicles. For other markets, the outlook is brighter. The Pajero arrives as many SUVs have softened and turned urban, giving Mitsubishi a chance to tap into what fans have long wanted: a storied nameplate and a no-compromise construction that stays true to the off-road ethos.