The new Mitsubishi Pajero is coming very soon. It’s supposed to be revealed this fall. However, people are already getting to see it in person. Some lucky Japanese fans got to see it early, and two Australian fans will be among the first to drive one in a few months. Meanwhile, the only Americans to have seen anything are some dealers, and no one Stateside will have their hands on it for years.
The First Markets To Get It Are Getting Previews
Over in Japan, Mitsubishi hosted its annual Star Camp events. Mitsubishi has been running them since 1991, and they’re an opportunity for Mitsubishi owners and fans to bring their vehicles out, camp, and have some fun. This year, Mitsubishi gave some attendees the opportunity to see the new Pajero before the rest of the world. Mitsubishi showed it in a blackout tent and even pulled the cover off for people checking it out.
You can see some of their reactions in the video above, though, you’ll need to understand Japanese to know exactly what they’re saying. Also, the camera team was very careful not to give anything away besides the shot of the headlights through the veil, and glimpses of the interior window sills. If you like tan interiors, the good news is that Mitsubishi will offer one.
Down in Australia, as spotted by news outlet Drive, Mitsubishi has a different experience planned. The automaker is running a contest where Pajero owners will submit videos talking about their favorite memories driving their big SUVs. The winners will get to attend a first drive event in December to take the new model for a spin before just about anyone else.
Mitsubishi Montero Pajero hot weather testingCarBuzz/Valnet
The American Launch Is Still Years Away
Some Americans have probably already seen the new Pajero, which will surely be called Montero when it arrives here. About a month ago, we learned that American Mitsubishi dealers got a rundown of what products will be launching in the next few years. Strangely, despite the fact it will be revealed to the world this fall, it won’t come to the US until 2030. That means it will be around three years old when buyers here can get it.
We’ve at least had previews thanks to teasers, as well as spy photos. The new Pajero will have a classically boxy and tall profile, and will have a traditional body-on-frame construction. We know it will share its underpinnings with upcoming Nissan body-on-frame products such as the new Xterra and Pathfinder. Its launch date in America also means it will feature a hybrid powertrain, which could be one of the factors delaying its introduction here. It will likely have a few design nods to past models, as the company revealed a display with various off-road-related dials and gauges, similar to a cluster offered on early models.
Mitsubishi Montero Pajero hot weather testingCarBuzz/Valnet
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
Clearly, Mitsubishi is full-speed ahead with its Pajero launch if it’s doing early previews and even early drives to potential customers. It’s showing a fair bit of confidence, too. We do have concerns about the late launch in America, though. Nissan will launch the Xterra here in 2028, two years ahead of the Mitsubishi. Other Nissan and Infiniti SUVs are also on the way, and even Hyundai is eying the segment. So Mitsubishi will be facing even more competition with a product that isn’t completely fresh. It’s an odd move when the vehicle seems ready to go.
Source: Mitsubishi via Drive
