Toyota isn't the only Japanese car company that is in the process of reviving iconic SUV models. Toyota's Land Cruiser J250 is a big topic of late, and we know Toyota is reviving names like the FJ Cruiser and even the Stout pickup truck. That said, Mitsubishi is bringing back one of its most iconic names in the SUV segment. The Pajero, also known as Montero in North Americ and Spain, for a very peculiar reason, is coming back in 2026, according to the Japanese publication, BestCarWeb.
I first learned of the Mitsubishi Pajero revival through Kirk Kreifels, who reported on the scoop from Japan. The trademark from last year is confirmation enough that the Mitsubishi Montero will be making a comeback, amidst the company's gradual transition to electrified propulsion. Fast-forward to now and I decided to compile everything there is to know about the Mitsubishi SUV, along with what the Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance could mean for the SUV model.
A new body-on-frame Mitsubishi SUV
The Pajero has always been Mitsubishi's flagship SUV model. The US market has had a weird relationship with the Pajero (Montero). The model was discontinued in the US, back in 2006, due to lagging sales. Mitsubishi's SUV model was always considered an alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser that was almost as good and cheaper to buy.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero/ Montero will stay true to tradition and feature a body-on-frame platform. Early reports suggested the upcoming Mitsubishi Pajero will share a body-on-frame platform with the Nissan Patrol, Infiniti QX80, and apparently, the Mitsubishi Triton/ L200, which uses a similar, body-on-frame architecture. The Triton's four-wheel-drive system will also be featured in the Montero, at least in the non-hybrid variants.
Mitsubishi and Nissan are already sharing platforms, so it is very likely. Honda may get its own version of the large SUV if the Nissan-Honda merger happens since Honda expressed interest in co-developing full-size SUVs and sharing EV development costs with Nissan and, by extension, Mitsubishi. We know the Mitsubishi Outlander will be heavily-based on the Nissan Rogue.
The Pajero/ Montero might not be built in Japan
It is not uncommon for vehicles to be produced in a few different places. Honda assembled many of its EU-bound models in the UK and Turkey, for example while many US-spec models are built in different parts of North America. Regardless, the Mitsubishi Montero will, reportedly, be built in Thailand, alongside the Triton pickup truck.
A variety of powertrains
The 2026 Mitsubishi Montero is said to arrive with a variety of powertrains. They will vary depending on the different markets. Some markets like Africa and the Middle East, will get the 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine, which is already in use in the Pajero/ Shogun Sport. Some markets will get powertrains with different levels of electrification, including a plug-in hybrid. The Pajero Sport's eight-speed automatic will continue to serve in the upcoming Montero.
How Mitsubishi Montero will succeed in North America
Currently, the Toyota Land Cruiser J250 is one of the most talked-about Japanese SUVs. The Montero has always been the more affordable alternative, but Mitsubishi has a chance to change that. There have been several complaints regarding the build quality of the J250 Land Cruiser, especially regarding the interior. Many prospective buyers opted for the Lexus equivalent in the form of the GX550, simply because of the more luxurious cabin. On top of that, Toyota dealerships are selling base-model J250 Land Cruisers at under MSRP, since they lack some key features that buyers are looking for.
If Mitsubishi gives the 2026 Montero a base trim that is generously-equipped and costs less than the base Land Cruiser, this could disrupt the market for rugged Japanese SUVs. Would you be interested in the upcoming Montero, or will you stick with the safe option from Toyota? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: Mitsubishi Pajero