Mark your calendars: the Mitsubishi Pajero’s return has just been made official. The Japanese carmaker has announced that its new “cross country SUV” will take on the name Pajero and its world premiere is scheduled sometime in the third to fourth quarter of 2026 (September to December).
The return of the Pajero marks the first time the nameplate returns after it was discontinued in 2021.
First launched in 1982, the Pajero was developed as a recreational vehicle (RV, now widely known as an SUV) with a new concept that combined the off-road performance of a full-fledged four-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle with the comfort of a passenger car.
Across four generations, the model has become one of Mitsubishi Motors’ most iconic models, with cumulative global sales of more than 3.25 million units in over 170 countries and regions worldwide.
The Pajero began competing in the Dakar Rally, the world’s most demanding rally, in 1983, securing a total of 12 victories, including seven consecutive wins. Through these achievements, the model established a reputation for unparalleled off-road performance, handling stability, and proven durability as a cross-country SUV, earning the trust of customers around the world.
In Japan, the Pajero led the RV boom of the 1990s and played a key role in promoting outdoor and leisure lifestyles, with the series expanding to include the Pajero Mini kei-car, Pajero Junior compact SUV, and the Pajero iO compact SUV.
Mitsubishi has confirmed that the all-new Pajero will ride on the Triton’s robust ladder frame but with model-specific developments and enhancements made to the cabin, and front and rear suspension. It promises not only outstanding off-road capability but also a refined and comfortable ride.
It will also spawn a series of models which Mitsubishi will use to promote its brand DNA.
The legend is back
ReplyDeleteI was looking forward to the release of next generation Fortuner to replace my 2018 Fortuner, but it seems I will have to consider this as an option too. Looking forward to its release locally!
ReplyDeleteIt's gonna be bad.
ReplyDeleteBad for the competitors. 🙃
DeleteIsn't the existing Montero also the Pajero in some markets?
ReplyDeleteWill there be a separate model for each?
The existing PPV Montero specs (i.e. emission) wont pass in most developed countries. If this new Pajero can be sold in Japan and North America, then this will be an enticing proposition for PH consumers.
Montero in other market isnt pajero but a pajero sports
DeleteI'm more excited about what comes next, since the upcoming Pajero is reportedly just the start of a "Pajero series".
ReplyDeleteThe upcoming Triton-based Pajero is likely to replace both the long discontinued Pajero and the existing Pajero Sport (aka Montero Sport here in the Philippines) in terms of positioning. So this upcoming Pajero will somehow battle it out against both the Fortuner and Land Cruiser Prado at the same time.
So when I saw that Mitsubishi is planning two more vehicles wearing the Pajero name (a compact SUV and a small SUV), I immediately thought that they might be working on an LC FJ competitor and Jimny competitor, respectively. Maybe the MonteroSport/PajeroSport could be downsized to a compact SUV to compete against the LC FJ and a Pajero Mini to compete against the Jimny.
My guess would be a Pajero and a Pajero Sport (Montero) still. There's already the Xpander, Destinator and Xforce which are, in effect, the smaller "SUVs" so to speak. Nevertheless, if they bring in a new Pajero Mini, and it's sub P1.5M, I'll probably be buying.
DeleteHere is how I imagine the upcoming Pajero series will be like:
Delete• Pajero/Montero - competes against Fortuner and LC250 Prado
• Pajero Sport/Montero Sport - competes against Land Cruiser FJ
• Pajero Mini/ Montero Mini - competes against Jimny (Kei-sized)
It's built on the Triton platform so manage your expectations accordingly.
ReplyDelete