The Mitsubishi Pajero rumored to be revived as the “Japanese Range Rover”

The iconic Pajero SUV, once the backbone of the Mitsubishi brand, has been discontinued in many markets such as Japan. However, according to rumors, Mitsubishi may revive its iconic SUV model.

According to Japan’s Bestcarweb, Mitsubishi has already started developing the next generation of the Pajero. During the development of this new model, Mitsubishi considered several different approaches.

The first approach is to develop a new Mitsubishi Pajero based on the Triton pickup truck. The third-generation Mitsubishi Triton is a pickup truck that uses a ladder frame and has excellent off-road capabilities, which can provide the necessary performance for the new Pajero.

The latest diesel engine of the Mitsubishi Triton also aligns with the image of the next-generation Pajero. This is not to mention that the new Triton chassis is designed to be compatible with electric powertrains as well.

However, the development team feels that if they go with this option, the new Mitsubishi Pajero will not achieve the desired image, especially in terms of comfortable driving. Mitsubishi’s goal is to develop the new Pajero into a premium SUV with a luxurious driving experience on the road, but still with outstanding off-road capabilities. Without off-road capabilities, such a vehicle would not be worthy of the Mitsubishi Pajero brand.

According to Bestcarweb, Mitsubishi aims to revive the Pajero as the “Range Rover of Japan”. Therefore, the company has abandoned the option of developing a new Pajero based on the Triton chassis and switched to using the platform of the next-generation Outlander PHEV.

According to some sources, the next-generation Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV may switch to using the CMF-EV platform currently under development. If the new Pajero shares the platform with the Outlander PHEV, it is highly likely to be equipped with a more fuel-efficient plug-in hybrid powertrain.

Specific details about the new Mitsubishi Pajero’s engine have not been disclosed. However, the possibility of Mitsubishi developing a new gasoline engine for the vehicle is quite low. Instead, the vehicle may use an upgraded version of the previous 2.4L inline-4 gasoline engine from the Outlander PHEV or be equipped with a smaller displacement turbocharged engine.

More importantly, the electric motor used in the vehicle will be crucial. In addition, the Mitsubishi Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system, a distinctive feature of Mitsubishi, will also be upgraded to provide higher stability and better driving quality both on the road and off-road.

Mitsubishi is currently focusing on improving profit margins, so the introduction of higher-end vehicle models is not surprising. The new generation Mitsubishi Pajero may be launched in 2027 and will be available in both Japan and international markets.