Once a respected icon of off-road adventure, the Mitsubishi Montero, known globally as the Pajero, is on track to return to the U.S. market. This isn’t a facelift or a rebranding effort. It’s a calculated move by Mitsubishi to re-enter the full-size SUV segment with a rugged, modernized, and tech-forward off-roader built for North American roads and trails.
With spy shots, trademark filings, and strategic roadmaps pointing toward a 2028 model year release, the return of the Montero is more than just speculation. Here’s a deep look into everything known and expected about the next-generation Mitsubishi Montero, and how it fits into Mitsubishi’s broader global strategy.
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A Brief Look Back: The Legacy of the Mitsubishi Montero
The Mitsubishi Montero (or Pajero, as it’s known in many parts of the world) was once a serious player in the SUV landscape. It was equal parts capable and dependable, winning Dakar rallies while also comfortably hauling families to school and camping trips. It earned a reputation for toughness without sacrificing daily drivability.
However, Mitsubishi pulled the plug on the Montero in the U.S. after 2006, and by 2021, the global Pajero was discontinued altogether. Its absence left a noticeable gap, particularly in a market that’s only grown more SUV-hungry over the years.
Montero vs Pajero Sport: Not the Same SUV
Before diving into what’s next, it’s essential to clarify a common source of confusion; the difference between the Mitsubishi Montero and the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.
- The Pajero Sport is a mid-size body-on-frame SUV based on the Mitsubishi Triton pickup, aimed at global markets like Australia and Southeast Asia. It’s due for a redesign and global launch in 2026 but will not be sold in the U.S.
- The Montero, on the other hand, is expected to be a full-size, U.S.-focused SUV built on a Nissan-sourced body-on-frame platform. It’s likely to debut as a 2028 model.
While these SUVs may share lineage and off-road DNA, they serve very different roles in Mitsubishi’s portfolio.
What We Know: Mitsubishi Montero 2028 (Expected)
Platform & Architecture
The next-generation Mitsubishi Montero will likely ride on a body-on-frame chassis, sharing underpinnings with future Nissan SUVs like the Xterra or Armada. Spy photos show a vehicle with a solid rear axle, high clearance, and boxy dimensions—classic traits of off-road-oriented vehicles.
This isn’t going to be another soft-roader or crossover in disguise. Mitsubishi seems to be sticking with the core principles that made the Montero an icon.
Engine and Powertrain Options
At launch, the 2028 Montero is expected to offer:
- A twin-turbo V6 gasoline engine, likely sourced from Nissan, delivering around 335 hp and 400+ lb-ft of torque.
- A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option is strongly rumored, possibly based on the current Outlander PHEV’s powertrain: a 2.4L gasoline engine paired with dual electric motors and a 20 kWh battery, offering up to 38 miles of electric-only range.
This approach aligns with Mitsubishi’s “Momentum 2030” electrification roadmap, ensuring buyers have a choice between traditional and more eco-conscious options.
Interior and Technology
Expect a fully modern interior:
- Three-row seating for up to 7 passengers
- Large 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Digital instrument cluster with off-road telemetry
- Premium features: panoramic sunroof, leather upholstery, premium sound (likely Yamaha-branded)
This combination of ruggedness and luxury puts it squarely in competition with established players like the Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Bronco, and Land Rover Defender.
Off-Road Features
To be competitive in today’s adventure SUV segment, the Montero will likely include:
- Multiple terrain drive modes (rock, snow, sand, mud, etc.)
- Electronic locking differentials
- Hill descent control
- A 360-degree camera system with off-road assist views
All indicators point to a return of the Montero not just as a large SUV, but as a capable off-road machine.
Strategic Partnership with Nissan: A Smart Move
Mitsubishi is leaning heavily on its alliance with Nissan to reduce development costs and fast-track its re-entry into the U.S. market. Manufacturing could even take place in Nissan’s Canton, Mississippi plant, streamlining supply chains and bringing production stateside.
This kind of platform sharing isn’t new in the auto industry, and when executed well, it offers massive savings without compromising quality. For Mitsubishi, it’s a calculated way to revive a dormant model with lower financial risk.
Competitive Positioning and Pricing
The Mitsubishi Montero is expected to enter the U.S. as a premium full-size SUV, with a projected price range of $60,000 to $75,000, depending on trim level and drivetrain.
This positions it against:
- Toyota 4Runner (and possibly the new Land Cruiser Prado)
- Chevrolet Tahoe
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Ford Bronco and Expedition
- Land Rover Defender
It won’t be a mass-market vehicle, it’s being positioned as a specialty product for buyers who value capability, technology, and a unique brand story.
Why Now?
Mitsubishi’s “Momentum 2030” strategy aims to introduce at least one new vehicle per year through the end of the decade. With outdoor recreation seeing a surge in popularity and SUV buyers demanding more from their vehicles—more space, more tech, more capability; now is the right time for a Montero comeback.
More importantly, the Montero fills a gap in Mitsubishi’s current U.S. lineup, which lacks a full-size SUV and anything with true off-road chops.
Is the Montero a Risk or a Revival?
Let’s be clear: reintroducing a full-size SUV after a two-decade absence isn’t a sure bet. The segment is crowded, and brand awareness for the Montero has faded since 2006.
But if Mitsubishi plays it smart, by leaning into its off-road heritage, delivering real capability, offering electrified options, and keeping pricing competitive; the Montero could make a serious impact.
More than anything, this is a test of Mitsubishi’s ability to evolve without abandoning its roots. And based on early signs, they just might pull it off.
A Glimpse Into the Future: Speculative Render of the Next Mitsubishi Montero
While Mitsubishi has yet to officially unveil the next-generation Montero, recent renders and concept images give us a compelling glimpse into what may be in store. These speculative designs, likely drawing inspiration from internal design studies and evolving market trends, showcase a bold vision for the future of Mitsubishi’s flagship SUV.
Muscular and Geometric Design Cues
From the images, it’s immediately apparent that the upcoming Montero / Pajero could embrace a boxier, upright stance, a deliberate nod to its rugged heritage. The prominent squared-off wheel arches, chunky fenders, and high beltline suggest an SUV engineered for both aesthetic presence and true off-road functionality.
The front fascia is likely to carry Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield design language, but reinterpreted in a more angular and aggressive form. Slim LED daytime running lights flank a broad grille, giving the SUV a futuristic but tough expression.
Elevated Stance and Off-Road Intent
After observing the renders and spy shots, a few shared traits stand out:
- Tall ride height and generous ground clearance
- Thick side sills and durable skid-plate elements integrated into the bumpers
- Large wheels wrapped in all-terrain or hybrid tread patterns, ideal for trail work but refined enough for highway driving
These design decisions align with Mitsubishi’s goal of re-establishing the Montero as a serious off-road contender without alienating urban buyers who value aesthetics and comfort.
Modern Minimalism with Functional Edge
On the side profile, you can see a commitment to clean, flush surfacing punctuated by sculpted geometric contours that give the SUV a dynamic, futuristic silhouette. Vertical accents near the C-pillar evoke utilitarian roots, potentially offering form-meets-function design, reinforcing the Montero’s adventurous identity.
Meanwhile, the rear quarter of the vehicle avoids the overly curvy aesthetic of modern crossovers. Instead, it favors sharp LED lighting elements and a squared-off tailgate, reminiscent of classic 4x4s but executed with high-tech sophistication.
Potential Influence on the Final Production Model
It’s important to recognize that concept vehicles and speculative renders often take creative liberties. However, automakers frequently borrow heavily from these previews for real-world models. In this case, the following design features seem likely to carry over to the production Mitsubishi Montero:
- Split-level lighting layout, integrating DRLs and projectors
- Chunky, modular fender flares hinting at customizable off-road trims
- Monolithic side profile with minimal overhangs, ideal for trail approach and departure angles
- Floating roofline effect, lending a modern and upscale feel
These elements would position the next Montero as a contemporary reinterpretation of a legacy SUV, balancing digital-age refinement with the authentic off-road credibility that defined the nameplate for decades.
Final Thoughts
The Mitsubishi Montero is on track for a return not as a nostalgia play, but as a serious contender in the modern SUV world. Built on a body-on-frame chassis, likely featuring both gas and plug-in hybrid options, and loaded with advanced off-road features, the 2028 Montero could be the flagship vehicle Mitsubishi needs to re-establish its brand in North America.
Keep an eye out for official announcements over the next two years. If the prototype sightings, trademark filings, and strategic roadmap hold true, the Mitsubishi Montero is poised to make a long-awaited and potentially game-changing return.
