Mitsubishi Revives Pajero as Diesel-Powered Global Flagship, U.S. Launch Unlikely

Key points

• The new Pajero is a three-row, seven-seat body-on-frame SUV based on the Triton pickup platform, featuring a ladder frame chassis and high-tensile steel construction.
• Power is provided by a 2.4-liter turbo-diesel inline-four engine producing 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission and a two-speed transfer case.
• The vehicle includes Mitsubishi's Super-All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system with Active Yaw Control and seven drive modes, along with a digital 'Multi Meter' display for off-road telemetry.
• Initial production and sales will occur in Thailand, Japan, and Australia by March 2027, with a subsequent expansion to 100 global markets, primarily in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
• A U.S. release is considered unlikely by industry experts due to the platform's lack of U.S. safety certification and the poor market reception of diesel engines in North America.

Background

The Pajero nameplate was discontinued in 2021, ending a production run that began in 1982. The vehicle was known in the U.S. market as the Montero until the early 2000s. This new model is part of Mitsubishi's 'Momentum 2030' strategy, which aims to double the U.S. lineup with hybrids and EVs, though the Pajero itself is not currently slated for that expansion. Previous archive coverage confirmed the vehicle's debut on September 2, 2026, and its role as a flagship to boost domestic sales to 180,000 units by 2030.

How outlets are covering it

Jalopnik emphasizes the vehicle's return as a 'halo' product that could help Mitsubishi regain relevance, noting its handsome design and off-road credentials. MotorTrend is skeptical about a U.S. launch, citing the cost of recertifying the Triton-based platform and the unpopularity of diesel engines in America, suggesting a potential alternative would be using a Nissan V6 engine. Pickup Truck +SUV Talk argues that while the Pajero might not fit the large SUV segment in the U.S., it could succeed as a three-row alternative to smaller off-roaders like the Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner. Car and Driver focuses on the vehicle's positioning as a direct competitor to the Toyota Land Cruiser, highlighting its modern tech and rugged capabilities.

Why it matters

The return of the Pajero signals Mitsubishi's attempt to reestablish itself as a serious player in the premium off-road SUV market, a segment currently dominated by Toyota and Land Rover. The vehicle's global rollout to 100 markets indicates a strategic shift toward international sales to offset domestic struggles. For U.S. consumers, the lack of a domestic launch highlights the growing gap between global and North American product offerings, particularly regarding diesel technology and body-on-frame platforms.

What to watch

Mitsubishi is expected to begin production in Thailand by March 2027, with initial sales in Japan, Australia, and Thailand. A wider global rollout to 100 markets is planned following the initial launch. The company has indicated that electrified powertrain options will be available in the future, though no specific timeline has been provided. Pricing has not yet been announced, but it is expected to undercut the Toyota Land Cruiser.