New gen 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero to spawn 3 new models

The automotive world has been buzzing ever since rumours surfaced that Mitsubishi is preparing a grand return of the Pajero (or Montero in some markets).

According to a company presentation to investors, however, the Japanese automaker isn't just planning a single comeback vehicle. It is pulling a page out of the Toyota Land Cruiser playbook by transforming the legendary nameplate into an entire Series for the Pajero.

The current Land Cruiser family features a robust four-model lineup: the compact, retro FJ; the workhorse, heavy-duty 70 Series; the core lifestyle 250 Series (Prado); and the ultra-premium flagship 300 Series. Mitsubishi appears to be aiming for a very similar blueprint with its own heritage badge.

In the document, the strategy is explicitly laid out under the banner of "Distinctive Products that Embody 'Mitsubishi Motors-ness'". The presentation showcases three vehicle silhouettes under wraps, positioned under the iconic Pajero name.

The text confirms that the main flagship all-new Pajero will adopt a highly robust ladder-frame chassis and will be exclusively developed as a premium cross-country SUV. Production is slated to take place in Thailand, marking a highly anticipated return to global markets.

However, the real surprise is hidden further into the product pipeline. In their roadmap of 13 new models scheduled for launch between 2026 and 2031, Mitsubishi groups its vehicles into distinct categories.

Under the Off-Road Product Group, those exact same three covered silhouettes reappear, but this time they are explicitly labelled as Small SUV, Compact SUV, and the flagship "New Pajero".

This visual data confirms that the rugged off-road DNA, legendary 4WD capability, and durability of the Pajero brand will trickle down into smaller, more accessible segments.

Mitsubishi's broader roadmap will also heavily rely on proprietary electrification. While the company will use partnerships for full battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), it is focusing its in-house development on new HEV and PHEV powertrains.

After years of what we thought was the end of the Pajero namebrand, Mitsubishi is officially swinging hard with what's arguably its most famous badge to bring the fight back into the modern off-road market.