Mitsubishi has finally pulled the sheet off the all-new Pajero SUV in Japan, which presumably foreshadows the North American Montero - a vehicle that has been missing from our market for two decades.
The model apes the styling of the brand's Destinator SUV (which we don't get) with a dash of Nissan's recent design language. That makes sense, given Mitsubishi and Nissan often share platforms. In fact, the rumor mill whispers that a big chunk of the Pajero's hardware will overlap with the forthcoming Nissan Xterra.
But the average person would also probably struggle to tell the Mitsubishi Pajero from a Hyundai Palisade. Neither is bad-looking, but modern designs often feel more than a little derivative. Still, a few Pajero staples have managed to stick around, and this is indeed an evolution of the company's preexisting style.
The new Pajero is an extremely upright, boxy SUV, leaning into its heritage as an off-roader. Its suspension is an independent double-wishbone setup up front and a newly developed five-link rigid rear axle. Ground clearance is a handy 9 inches, and overhangs look delightfully short. Mitsubishi claims an approach angle of 30.4 degrees, a ramp breakover angle of 22.6 degrees, and a departure angle of 25.8 degrees.
That's competitive, though not class-leading. We haven't measured every SUV ourselves, but we'd wager the Pajero's angles will still give rivals a run for their money - until you start comparing it to competitors with specialized off-road packages.
We imagine Mitsubishi will eventually offer enhanced Pajero/Montero versions. For now, the only conspicuous customization we're aware of is the grille. The automaker previewed both a slatted and a honeycomb version. Opinions will be divided, but the former looks a bit more premium, while the latter feels sportier.
Inside, the vibe is very upscale. Previewed in black and tan with a slight retro-future aesthetic, the cabin makes an excellent first impression. The manufacturer says the theme is "kimekomi," a Japanese concept where fabric edges are tucked into pre-cut grooves - giving material added volume while hiding seams. It's clean, with just enough character to avoid snoozefest status.
But the space seems overwhelmingly dependent on touch controls. Mitsubishi says the Pajero comes with dual 14.3-inch units placed side by side. Buttons are in short supply, though drivers do get a physical volume knob and what looks like scroll wheels for temperature and fan speed.
Everything else seems to be haptic feedback or wholly reliant on the central touchscreen. However, there is a rotary knob behind the gear shift that we're hoping can control the central screen without needing to touch it. Mazda and BMW have used similar solutions, and they were excellent - once drivers got the hang of them.
Mitsubishi has been coy on mechanical specifics. We only know about the 2.4-liter turbo diesel mated to a newly developed eight-speed automatic, allegedly good for around 350 lb-ft of torque. But we likely won't get that once the Pajero becomes the Montero for North America. Fortunately, our version will get the automaker's latest and greatest all-wheel-drive (AWD) system - which they were keen to hype.
The all-new Pajero offers a refined cabin where every occupant can travel in comfort, while retaining dimensions that make it easy to maneuver. It also gets Mitsubishi Motors' Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), which integrates acceleration, cornering, and braking for precise, intuitive behavior, plus Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II), balancing off-road prowess with everyday ease. Combined with a rigid, durable ladder frame and a tuned suspension that keeps tires planted, these technologies encourage drivers to enjoy any road and take the next step toward new adventures with peace of mind.
The company stresses that its flagship SUV will be quiet and comfortable around town, in addition to being capable off-road. S-AWC integrates Active Yaw Control (AYC), a brake-biased torque vectoring system, and there's a robust set of drive modes that tweak how stability and traction control respond.
Road noise reduction allegedly got extra attention to boost the premium feel. Mitsubishi even said they made great efforts to ensure all occupants enjoy a comfortable ride and access to climate controls - including third-row passengers, making the Pajero a seven-seater.
Mitsubishi also waxed poetic about new tech and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that will presumably vary by market. The Pajero is supposed to come with Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM) with pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist detection plus junction assist. Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW), Frontal Cross-Traffic Alerts, and Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication (EAPM) will work alongside a new Emergency Lane Assist feature that helps keep the car in its lane.
An array of four exterior cameras gives the driver a 360-degree view. Mitsubishi notes this helps with parking, but the real win is off-road. We often knock driver-assistance tech as superfluous and invasive, but some obvious advantages come with off-roaders. A 360-degree view reduces the need for a spotter - which we imagine has saved friendships and more than a few marriages.
Mitsubishi says more details will come closer to the Pajero's official launch, which depends on market. Some areas should see availability by the end of 2026; others wait until early 2027. Assembly is happening in Thailand.
As for the Montero, it looks forthcoming. Mitsubishi referenced the name "for other markets" numerous times, but no official release date has been mentioned. Regardless, it seems assured for North America, and we've already covered how it might differ from the Pajero.