Reborn Pajero to Offer Compact, Small SUVs

Mitsubishi is expanding the Pajero nameplate to cover multiple market segments, with a compact and an even smaller SUV set to slot below the full-size flagship. The Japanese automaker confirmed plans this week to transform the legendary off-road nameplate into a broader family, following a five-year hiatus that left the original model dormant.

Flagship Unveiled, Smaller Models Teased

The new Pajero made its world premiere riding on a ladder-frame platform derived from the Triton pickup truck. During the reveal event, a compact model and an even smaller SUV briefly appeared in the background under covers. Company officials have yet to provide details on either, though both are clearly much smaller than the flagship.

The flagship measures 4,920 millimeters long, 1,925 millimeters wide, and 1,910 millimeters tall—dimensions befitting a full-size SUV. A 2,870-millimeter wheelbase creates space for three rows of seating, while the body-on-frame construction delivers the hardware needed for serious off-road driving.

Platform Questions Remain Open

It remains unclear whether the upcoming compact and small SUVs will share the flagship’s ladder-frame architecture or adopt more conventional unibody designs. Mitsubishi has not announced specifications for either model.

If the smaller Pajeros do arrive with unibody construction, they would likely benefit from a lighter and more efficient platform compared to the Triton-derived setup used by the flagship. The company has extensive experience building crossovers, which could inform how it approaches these upcoming models. Both additional vehicles are expected to feature boxy styling with some off-road capability, though the extent of their rugged credentials has not been detailed.

Engineering a dedicated body-on-frame platform for smaller vehicles would add significant cost, particularly for an automaker working to improve its financial position. Mitsubishi appears to be weighing whether the smaller Pajeros need the same heavy-duty hardware as the full-size model, or whether a lighter approach better suits their likely audience of urban and suburban buyers.

Global Rollout Plans

The flagship will launch first in Thailand, where it is manufactured, before expanding to other markets. Mitsubishi stated the new Pajero will eventually reach more than 100 countries and regions. In some markets, the vehicle will carry the Montero name instead.

North American dealers will not receive the model at launch. A recent teaser image has fueled speculation the region could see a variant before the decade ends, though no official plans have been confirmed. The automaker has yet to specify which markets will follow Thailand in receiving the vehicle or when broader availability might begin.