Mitsubishi has officially confirmed that a new flagship large SUV is on the horizon, slated for reveal before the end of 2026. While the company has not officially confirmed the name, industry insiders and recent teasers strongly suggest the return of the legendary Pajero brand.
This move signals Mitsubishi’s intent to re-enter the highly competitive arena occupied by established giants like the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and the Ford Everest.
A Rugged Foundation: Ladder-Frame vs. Monocoque
Unlike the Mitsubishi Outlander—the brand’s current bestseller which utilizes a car-like monocoque construction—the upcoming flagship is expected to utilize a ladder-frame chassis.
This distinction is critical for off-road enthusiasts. A ladder-frame architecture provides the structural rigidity and durability required for heavy-duty towing and demanding terrain, making it the gold standard for serious adventure vehicles.
Shared DNA and Powertrains
To optimize development, Mitsubishi is expected to leverage its existing platform sharing within the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance. The new SUV will likely share its underpinnings with:
– The current Mitsubishi Triton pickup.
– The upcoming 2025 Nissan Navara.
This technical synergy suggests the vehicle will likely feature a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, currently delivering 150kW and 470Nm. However, there is a significant opportunity for electrification; Mitsubishi is currently developing a hybrid Triton powertrain independently of its alliance partners, which could provide a high-tech, electrified option for the new flagship.
Technological Evolution: The Elevance Concept
At the 2025 Tokyo Motor Show, Mitsubishi showcased the Elevance Concept, providing a glimpse into the direction of its future flagship models. The concept emphasized a blend of ruggedness and high-end technology, featuring:
– A Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
– A sophisticated AI “Co-Driver” system.
– A full-width digital cockpit and configurable seating.
This suggests that the new Pajero will not just be a mechanical beast, but a tech-forward vehicle designed to compete with modern, digitally-integrated SUVs.
Strategic Positioning in the Market
The revival of the Pajero name is a strategic necessity for Mitsubishi, particularly in markets like Australia. The brand currently lacks a heavy-duty, large-scale SUV after the local discontinuation of the Pajero Sport, which was phased out due to new 2025 side-impact safety regulations.
Mitsubishi appears to be planning a tiered lineup to capture different segments of the off-road market:
1. Standard Variants: For daily driving and family use.
2. Rugged Variants: Similar to the “Triton Raider” concept, featuring specialized suspension, steering, and all-terrain tires. This would allow Mitsubishi to compete directly with specialized models like the Ford Everest Tremor.
The return of the Pajero would mark the first time the name has been used on a standalone model since global production ceased in 2021, potentially reclaiming a piece of automotive heritage.
The Competitive Landscape
The timing of Mitsubishi’s launch places it in direct competition with several heavy hitters. As the new Pajero prepares for its 2026 debut, it will face a crowded field, including the upcoming Nissan Patrol Warrior (expected around the same timeframe) and the perennial dominance of the Toyota Prado.
In summary, Mitsubishi is leveraging its alliance-based engineering and much-needed brand heritage to launch a high-tech, rugged SUV designed to reclaim its status in the global off-road market.
