2027 Mitsubishi Pajero - Montero: Triton-Based Return

Mitsubishi brings the Pajero/Montero back on a Triton platform

Mitsubishi has officially announced the world premiere of the all-new 2027 Pajero — badged Montero in the U.S. — set for September 2. After years of a lineup dominated by Outlander variants, Eclipse Cross and the smaller ASX-based models, the Japanese brand is reintroducing a proper, ladder-frame off-roader built on the bones of the Triton pickup. Early teaser images and fan-made renderings give us a strong idea of what to expect: a rugged, modern SUV aimed squarely at buyers who want genuine off-road capability rather than soft-roader styling.

Heritage and what’s changed

The original Pajero (aka Montero or Shogun in some markets) ran for four generations before production paused roughly five years ago. The fourth-generation model — produced at Sakahogi, Gifu — was available as both three- and five-door configurations and offered a mix of petrol and diesel engines, including straight-fours and V6s, with manuals and automatics. Those older Pajeros were substantial machines: the five-door model measured about 4,900 mm in length, had a 2,780 mm wheelbase and weighed in the region of 2.1 tons curb.

The 2027 model departs visually from its predecessors. Rather than an evolution of the old boxy silhouette, Mitsubishi appears to have designed a contemporary yet purposeful SUV that still communicates toughness and capability.

Design: modern, boxy and functional

Render artist @kelsonik’s CGI — based on Mitsubishi’s teaser cues — portrays a vehicle that's clearly more modern but unmistakably off-road oriented. Notable exterior elements shown in renders and teasers include:

• T-shaped LED headlights and a front light bar interrupted by the Mitsubishi badge
• A tall, wide grille and a clamshell-style hood
• Boxier proportions with pronounced wheel arches and restrained roof rails
• Full-size spare wheel mounted on the tailgate and taillight shapes echoing the front lamps
• Underbody protection, chunky plastic cladding and large tires on concave wheels

The CGI shown in bright orange with black accents and anthracite wheels makes the new Pajero look ready for trails as well as lifestyle-focused urban owners who want the aesthetic of capability.

Underpinnings and off-road kit: Triton DNA

The headline technical detail is that the new Pajero shares its platform with the Triton pickup — meaning a ladder-frame chassis and hardware designed with durability and towing in mind. Mitsubishi has confirmed technology carryover from the Triton, including Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) on higher trims. Key off-road systems expected or confirmed:

• S-AWC (ability to switch between full-time 4WD and RWD)
• Locking center differential and low-range gearbox for demanding terrain
• Terrain Drive Mode selector covering Normal, Gravel, Snow, Sand, Mud, Rock and Eco

These systems give the Pajero a credible claim against ladder-frame rivals such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and position it as a serious choice for buyers who need genuine off-road ability rather than just rugged looks.

Powertrain and spec expectations

While Mitsubishi has not published full powertrain specs yet, the Triton’s roster offers clues. Expect a mix of turbocharged diesel and petrol options, and possibly electrified variants as Mitsubishi expands EV and hybrid offerings across its range. Transmissions will likely mirror the Triton’s choices, with manuals and multi-speed automatics paired to heavy-duty drivetrains for towing and off-road use.

Market positioning and future spin-offs

Reintroducing the Pajero/Montero fills a gap in Mitsubishi’s lineup between soft crossovers and its rugged pickup trucks. The move also sets the stage for a broader family of high-riders reportedly expected to wear the Pajero badge:

• A compact crossover possibly called the Pajero Mini to compete with smaller premium off-roaders
• A potential kei-class model for Japan around the turn of the decade

If realized, this strategy would revive the Pajero name as a multi-model sub-brand — from full-size ladder-frame SUVs to city-friendly compact off-roaders.

How it stacks up

Comparisons with the Land Cruiser are inevitable given the ladder-frame construction and true off-road focus. Mitsubishi’s strengths will be packaging the Triton’s proven underpinnings into a family-friendly SUV format, plus the added benefit of modern safety and driver-assist tech expected in 2027 models.

Highlights:

• Ladder-frame chassis derived from the Triton
• S-AWC and dedicated terrain modes for serious off-road control
• Contemporary, purposeful exterior design and full-size spare

"This feels like Mitsubishi betting on authenticity — real off-road hardware wrapped in a modern SUV package," one industry analyst might say. The approach should resonate with buyers who value capability over trendy crossover styling.

Final thoughts

The 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero looks set to be a credible, modern return for a storied nameplate. Early renderings show a vehicle that balances contemporary design with uncompromised off-road capability. With a September 2 premiere confirmed, fans won’t wait long to see the production version and full specification list. Expect Mitsubishi to promote this as an antidote to soft-road SUVs — an honest, ladder-frame 4x4 for those who actually go off the beaten path.

Do you prefer traditional ladder-frame SUVs or modern unibody crossover off-roaders? Share your thoughts on the Pajero’s design and strategy — will Mitsubishi win back the serious off-road crowd, or is it too late for a nameplate revival?