Mitsubishi looks set to revive its big SUV, with a big 4×4 caught testing in Europe that may mark the return of the Pajero name.
The heavily camouflaged prototype, believed to be the 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero successor, reveal a boxy silhouette with clear body-on-frame proportions, including a solid rear axle and upright stance. While the front end is still hidden beneath disguise, the sleek lighting elements evoke similarities with the current Outlander. Pronounced bumpers, robust roof pillars, and off-road-ready mud flaps lend the SUV a rugged appearance, though the absence of a rear-mounted spare tyre marks a notable shift from previous Pajeros.

It has been suggested the model will not use the Pajero Sport nameplate to distinguish it further from its Triton ute sibling.
The rear styling also bears a resemblance to Nissan’s Patrol, with vertical tail-lights and a bold rear diffuser though it’s understood Mitsubishi has not had access to Nissan’s platform. Instead, the new model is widely tipped to ride on the same ladder-frame chassis as the latest Triton, marking a departure from the monocoque design of previous Pajeros.

There have been conflicting reports about the architecture, with some speculating that Mitsubishi could base the SUV on a stretched version of the CMF-CD platform shared with the Outlander. However, Mitsubishi has previously committed to building a new Pajero that honours the model’s legacy, reinforcing expectations of a robust, off-road-capable frame.
Power is expected to come from the same 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel used in the Triton, producing 150kW and 470Nm. Electrified options are also on the horizon, aligning with Mitsubishi’s broader strategy to introduce hybrid or plug-in hybrid variants across its line-up in the coming years.

A full reveal of the new Pajero is anticipated later this year, with a New Zealand showroom debut slated for late 2026.