Mitsubishi’s New Land Cruiser Rival Is Finally Happening

One of Mitsubishi’s most significant nameplates is gearing up for a comeback. The Pajero, also known in the States as the Montero, is set to return as a direct challenger to the Toyota Land Cruiser. Just weeks after Mitsubishi teased the model, it’s been spotted by our spy photographers out in the wild testing in Europe.

In some markets, including the UK, the reborn SUV is expected to carry the Shogun name, bringing back a badge that disappeared when Mitsubishi exited the region back in 2021, before reentering again this year.

Read: Mitsubishi Boss Confirms A 2026 SUV, And It Sure Looks Like A New Pajero

Mitsubishi’s current lineup has been among the least inspiring in the industry, and the company badly needs something that can spark renewed interest. A new Pajero or Montero could do just that. Despite the full-body wrap, this early prototype suggests the design is heading in the right direction.

Boxy and Purposeful

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Unlike the rounded, almost soft-edged styling of the current Outlander, the new Pajero adopts a much squarer and tougher profile, not far off from the Lexus GX 550. Up front, it features angular LED daytime running lights, a large upright grille, and a bumper clearly shaped with off-road use in mind.

Along the sides, you’ll notice the squared-off wheel arches, the brawny quarter panels, and the fixed side steps. The shape of the side windows closely mirrors that of the Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX, with sharp front corners that sweep upward in a smooth arc toward the second row.

The boxy silhouette continues at the back. There’s a roof-mounted spoiler, an upright rear glass, and what appears to be a split-opening tailgate. A few testers have been seen with winter tires and a panoramic sunroof, suggesting cold-weather trials and possibly a higher trim level in development.

A Shared Base, But Not With Nissan

There was some early speculation that the new Pajero might share components with the latest Nissan Patrol, but that no longer appears to be the case. Instead, Mitsubishi is believed to have developed the model independently, building it on the ladder-frame chassis of the current Triton pickup.

Review: Mitsubishi Triton GSR Stands Out In A Crowded Pickup Truck Market

That platform supports the company’s updated four-wheel-drive system, which includes seven selectable terrain modes: Normal, ECO, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock.

Power is expected to come from the same 2.4-liter twin-turbo diesel found in the Triton, delivering 201 horsepower and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm) of torque. An electrified variant is also likely, potentially borrowing the plug-in hybrid system from the Outlander PHEV.

That system pairs a 2.4-liter petrol engine with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, delivering a combined 248 hp and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm). For a larger, heavier vehicle like the Pajero, though, Mitsubishi may well need to push those figures higher.

Mark Your Calendar

A full debut is expected by summer 2026, with sales in most markets beginning in early 2027. Once launched, the Pajero will sit above both the Outlander as Mitsubishi’s flagship SUV.

Mitsubishi has already announced its return to the UK market, starting with the Outlander PHEV and L200. The Pajero, or Shogun, would mark the brand’s first proper effort to reestablish itself in the full-size SUV segment there.

What About the US?

As for North America, things are less certain. Mitsubishi has re-registered the Montero name through a trademark filing, which isn’t a guarantee of anything, but it does leave the door open.

Read: Mitsubishi’s New US 2030 Product Plan Includes Wild Off-Road Van

The company is planning to grow its North American lineup with several new models, including an electrified crossover and a more adventurous passenger van. These are all part of Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 strategy to nearly double its US offerings through a mix of internal combustion, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric models.

Still, the company hasn’t confirmed whether the Pajero or Montero will be part of that strategy. If not, it’s possible Mitsubishi could team up with Nissan to build a different large SUV tailored specifically for the North American market.

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