Mitsubishi isn’t in the greatest shape these days, and a reborn Montero could change that. This old SUV was sold in the rest of the world as the Pajero, and a new one is on the way. Some customers, and some dealers, have already seen it. But now it looks like the rest of us won’t have to wait much longer… if a recent report proves accurate.
The new Montero will reportedly be revealed on September 2. But it will be a lot longer before you see it on an American highway.
Mitsubishi’s Big Rugged SUV Is Nearly Back
2027 Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero spy photo testingCarBuzz
Mitsubishi’s Montero, aka Pajero, has been the company’s biggest model for most of the last 45 years. It’s also been one of the smallest, at least in its Evolution form. The Montero was sold in the US for most of its life, and around the world for its entire existence. It left the US market in 2006, but was sold elsewhere until 2022.
Earlier this year, Mitsubishi confirmed that it was building a new one to go after the Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser. It also confirmed that the SUV was going on sale in the US, when it showed the truck-based SUV to dealers. But it didn’t say when the SUV would show up.
Now Japanese car news source Best Car reports that Mitsubishi plans to unveil the Pajero on September 2. It will be announced simultaneously around the world, the report says, and so Mitsubishi is putting a lot of effort into the party.
What Will Power This Pajero?
Mitsubishi Montero Pajero hot weather testingCarBuzz/Valnet
The same report has estimated pricing, though the Japan-specific figures might not be applicable to the US. The site estimates the Pajero, based on the Mitsubishi Triton pickup, will run between 5.5 and 7 million yen, or around $34,000-$43,000. Best Car’s price estimate puts it right on top of a loaded Outlander PHEV, a model that costs around $50,000 in the US. For reference, a Nissan Armada is $59,000.
When Mitsubishi reveals the SUV for Japan and the rest of the world, expect the 204 horsepower and 347 pound-feet of torque of the Triton’s 2.4-liter turbodiesel. As far as engines for the US, Mitsubishi may need to introduce something completely new. Its most powerful vehicle here is the PHEV Outlander, and that engine is certainly not up to the task.
It could launch a new engine, but Mitsubishi could also leverage its corporate alliances. Nissan’s 3.8-liter V6 from the Frontier pickup, for example, could be a perfect fit. On the other hand, Nissan’s own SUV needs might keep it off the table.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
2001 – 2002 Mitsubishi Montero front 3/4 angle in redMitsubishi
Mitsubishi sells four vehicles in the US right now, and two of those are really variations of the same vehicle. It needs more vehicles to sell, and the Leaf-based EV coming isn’t likely to move the needle much in terms of finding customers.
A big, rugged SUV might be just the ticket to help Mitsubishi’s US recovery. But it might also end up being too expensive for a brand that has focused on price for more than a decade.
The September 2 reveal has not been officially confirmed. But even if the SUV does show up in a few weeks, it will likely be a year before a US version is in showrooms.
Source: Best Car Web
