The all new 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero

2027 Mitsubishi Pajero: The Icon Returns

After months of teaser images and videos building anticipation, the all-new 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero has finally been revealed, marking the return of one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates.

The new Pajero ushers in the model’s fifth generation and features an entirely new construction. Built around a ladder-frame chassis, the seven-seat SUV is designed to take on established off-road rivals such as the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Unfortunately, fans in the United States may have to wait a while longer to see the Pajero—or Montero, as it was known in North America—return to local roads. And if it does eventually arrive, it may not look exactly like the global-market model unveiled today.

A New Generation from the Ground Up

Say hello to the reborn Mitsubishi Pajero. After disappearing from global markets only five years ago, the legendary SUV is finally making a comeback. For North American enthusiasts who remember it as the Montero, however, the wait has been considerably longer, with the nameplate absent from the market since 2006.

Now, Mitsubishi is bringing the Pajero back for its fifth generation, combining a familiar, rugged design with an entirely new platform and chassis.

Underneath the bodywork, the Pajero has been redesigned from the ground up. It rides on a ladder-frame chassis that Mitsubishi says has been extensively strengthened to improve rigidity. The SUV features independent front suspension, while the rear uses a five-link arrangement supporting a solid axle. The setup is intended to strike a balance between comfortable road manners and serious off-road capability.

Familiar, Rugged Styling

Visually, the new Pajero looks much like we expected—and that is certainly a good thing.

The SUV adopts an upright profile with squared-off fenders, a tall grille, and a flat hood that gives it a distinctly rugged character. Large windows and generous sightlines should also make it easier for drivers to judge the vehicle’s surroundings, particularly when tackling difficult terrain.

The roof remains relatively flat before tapering toward the rear, creating a design that should provide plenty of headroom throughout the cabin, including for passengers occupying the third row.

A More Premium Interior

Step inside, and the new Pajero takes a more upscale approach than its rugged exterior might suggest.

The cabin accommodates seven passengers, while the second-row seats can slide by approximately 5.9 inches to make accessing the third row easier. Comfort features include heated second-row seats and a 12-speaker audio system.

One particularly welcome detail is Mitsubishi’s decision to retain plenty of physical controls on the dashboard, despite the growing reliance on digital interfaces in modern vehicles.

There are still plenty of screens, however. The dashboard features two large 14.3-inch displays, with one serving infotainment functions and the other handling the instrument cluster.

Taking on the Toyota Land Cruiser

With its combination of premium interior appointments, rugged styling, and body-on-frame construction, the new Pajero is clearly positioned to compete with serious off-roaders such as the Toyota Land Cruiser.

The two SUVs are closely matched in terms of off-road capability. The Land Cruiser holds an advantage in approach and break-over angles, while the Pajero counters with a better departure angle and more ground clearance—just over nine inches.

Those figures suggest Mitsubishi is not simply reviving the Pajero name for nostalgia. The company appears intent on making the fifth-generation model a genuine contender in the modern off-road SUV market.

Will the Montero Return to the U.S.?

For now, Mitsubishi remains tight-lipped about whether the new Pajero will make its way to the United States wearing the Montero badge.

The North American market was notably absent from Mitsubishi’s initial plans, and the fifth-generation Pajero is being built in Thailand. That makes a U.S. launch of this exact model seem unlikely, at least in the near term.

There is, however, another possibility. Mitsubishi could eventually introduce a Montero based on the next-generation Nissan Frontier platform. If that happens, we may have to wait until closer to 2030 before learning more.

For now, though, there is plenty to celebrate. After years away, the Mitsubishi Pajero is finally back—and it looks ready to reclaim its place among the world’s most capable adventure SUVs.