The Mitsubishi Pajero Returns In 2026, As A Rugged Competitor To The Toyota Land Cruiser

We have been hearing bits and pieces about future Japanese models, and let’s just say things are getting interesting. When carmakers are drawing on their heritage to revive iconic nameplates, it is usually a winning strategy. Toyota and Nissan are good examples of that, with models like the GR Supra and Z, to name a few. Mitsubishi has been on the sidelines for the most part, but things are happening there as well. 

The Japanese brand needs a much-needed shock to the system, as its automotive division is a shadow of its former glory. New scoops from BestCarWeb suggest that the next-generation Mitsubishi Pajero will arrive in the US, and from what we know so far, it will be aimed straight at the Toyota Land Cruiser J250. 

The 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero powertrain could be more competitive than anticipated

Currently, Mitsubishi doesn’t have any performance powertrains. Luckily, the Pajero (Montero in some markets) was never about that, unless you count the 1997-1999 Pajero Evolution rally homologation model. We know some markets will get turbodiesel engines, but historically, these never made it to the US, which is a shame. But even if a diesel Pajero/ Montero is available in the US, it would need to be something larger than the 2.4-liter unit seen in the Triton pickup truck. 

That said, Mitsubishi plans a plug-in hybrid version and since the latest reports confirm that the SUV is returning to the US market, it will likely be a PHEV model. The brand already has a similar setup working in the Mitsubishi Outlander, which also happens to be the new Nissan Rogue PHEV, just rebadged and rated for less power. 

Those SUVs have a 2.4-liter, normally-aspirated inline-four, which alone, develops 136 horsepower. It is aided by two electric motors, which in the Mitsubishi Outlander translates into a system output of 306 horsepower. It also allows for up to 53 miles on a single charge.

Mitsubishi wants to build a “Japanese Range Rover” and this is a problem

According to Japanese reports, Mitsubishi is targeting the luxury SUV segment. I see this as a problem as it implies a steep price tag and a unibody platform, which isn’t what the Pajero (Montero) is about (maybe a new Pajero Sport?). Fortunately, the latest reports also indicate that Mitsubishi decided to use the Triton’s body-on-frame platform instead of stretching the Outlander’s chassis. 

This is the right way forward as it will adhere to the Pajero’s original philosophy of a rugged off-road vehicle that rivals the Land Cruiser. As such, it goes without question that the next-generation Pajero will come standard with four-wheel drive.

A more powerful variant is possible

At the Tokyo Mobility Show, Mitsubishi showed the Elevance - an EV concept powered by four electric motors (one for each wheel). While it isn’t expected to go into production, some of its technology will be used in future models. The 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero could be among them, which means a potential PHEV variant with closer to 400 horsepower. We’ll have to wait for future details to confirm that. 

The future Mitsubishi Pajero will be made in the company’s plant in Thailand, alongside the Triton pickup truck (L200 in some markets). That said, Mitsubishi is in talks with Nissan for future joint production. This includes Mitsubishi’s use of Nissan US-based facilities in order to mitigate import tariffs. 

What transmission will the 2026 Pajero/ Montero have?

The transmission remains a mystery for now. A Pajero will not feature a CVT transmission and the only other automatic Mitsubishi has is a six-speed torque-converter unit. I suspect the SUV could borrow the Mercedes-derived nine-speed automatic from Nissan. Even with what Mitsubishi currently shows us, the Pajero has potential to be a formidable competitor to the hybrid Land Cruiser. With almost identical horsepower to the Toyota model and the ability to drive over 50 miles on electricity, the Pajero could disrupt the US market for Japanese SUVs.

If the model is reasonably priced, would you choose the Mitsubishi Pajero over the Land Cruiser? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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Image source: Mitsubishi Pajero

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.