The Mitsubishi Montero Is Back, and It Could Be Headed for North America
Big news for anyone who grew up loving rugged SUVs: the Mitsubishi Montero is coming back. This morning, Mitsubishi revealed its all-new flagship SUV, the Pajero, at its world premiere. It wears the Pajero name overseas and the Montero name in markets like ours. For longtime fans, this feels like a real “Mitsubishi is back” moment. For families shopping a few years down the road, it could be one more capable, three-row option worth a spot on the list.
What Mitsubishi Just Revealed
Mitsubishi is launching the new SUV in Thailand first, then Japan and Australia during the current fiscal year. From fiscal 2027 onward, the company plans to sell it in roughly 100 countries, including Latin America and the Middle East. Production will run out of Thailand.
The Mitsubishi Montero name also carries serious history. Since 1982, the Pajero and Montero have sold more than 3.29 million units across four generations, with fans in more than 170 countries. In other words, this is not a badge Mitsubishi hands out lightly.
A Closer Look at the New Mitsubishi Montero
Underneath, this is a true body-on-frame SUV, riding on a ladder frame shared with Mitsubishi’s Triton pickup. That truck DNA matters, because it points to real towing, hauling, and off-road ability instead of soft-road styling.
Globally, power comes from a 2.4-liter clean diesel with a variable-geometry turbo, paired with a new eight-speed automatic. Mitsubishi quotes up to 354 lb-ft of torque (480 Nm), which is exactly the low-end muscle families want for trailers, boats, and steep grades. With North American sales still unconfirmed, the U.S. powertrain is also in doubt, but I would suspect a V6 or turbo-4 gas engine.
The 4WD hardware looks the part, too. The Super Select system adds a low range, and drivers can pick terrain modes for gravel, snow, mud, sand, and rock. Ground clearance measures 9.1 inches (230 mm), with a 30.4-degree approach angle and a 25.8-degree departure angle.
Room and Tech the Whole Family Will Notice
This is where the Mitsubishi Montero gets interesting for our audience. The cabin seats seven across three rows, and the second row slides nearly six inches and tumbles forward for easier third-row access. In plain terms, car seats, cargo, and quick loading all get easier.
Safety gear comes standard in a big way. The list includes forward collision mitigation that can spot pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, plus emergency lane assist, front cross traffic alert, and eight airbags. Mitsubishi also added a 3D camera system with an under-floor view, which helps on tight trails and in busy parking lots alike.
Inside, families get a dual-screen dashboard up to 14.3 inches, wireless phone connectivity, three-zone climate control, ventilated seats, and a 12-speaker Yamaha stereo. Acoustic glass and added insulation should keep road noise, and backseat chaos, easier to manage on long trips.
Where the Nissan Alliance Fits In
Here is where we want to be clear, because the rumors have been flying. This new SUV is not the same vehicle as the upcoming Nissan Xterra, and it does not ride on a Nissan platform. Instead, it uses Mitsubishi’s own Triton-based frame.
Still, the Nissan connection is real in other products. Mitsubishi is developing a separate midsize pickup alongside Nissan on the next-generation Frontier platform, and reports expect it around 2029. A fresh Xterra, meanwhile, is anticipated closer to 2028 as its own model. So the alliance is bringing several trucks and SUVs, and the Montero stands on its own rather than as a rebadge.
When Can North American Families Actually Buy One?
You will need some patience. Mitsubishi previewed the SUV to about 180 U.S. and Canadian dealers near Chicago on June 5, and reports peg the Mitsubishi Montero’s North American launch around 2030. That is a long runway, though the company has hinted it could move faster if demand is strong.
For context, dealers reportedly measured the Montero against the Toyota Land Cruiser and Ford Bronco. At roughly 194 inches long, it lands squarely in full-size, adventure-ready territory. The biggest question is timing, because buyer tastes and rivals can change a lot before 2030.
Why This Matters for GT: Garage Talk® Families
At GT: Garage Talk, we care most about helping families find their next vehicle, and a capable, three-row SUV with true off-road chops is exactly the kind of story we love. The enthusiast in us is thrilled to see the Mitsubishi Montero name return. The parent in us wants to know how it handles car seats, road trips, and daily driving.
For now, we will track the details that matter most, especially the U.S. powertrain, pricing, and final feature list. When the Montero gets closer to showrooms, you can count on our family-first review. Until then, follow along at GTGarageTalk.com and subscribe on YouTube so you never miss an update.
