Next-generation Mitsubishi Pajero to adopt modern boxy looks

You may have read rumors about the return of the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero, which is expected to arrive in the next few years. Now, an independent designer has revealed his vision for the new Pajero.

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The project was initiated by Filipino designer Enoch Gonzales, who recently designed a modern version of the Mitsubishi Endeavour. For the Pajero, Gonzales opted for a boxier shape that borrows from previous generations of the popular off-roader.

More: What we know about the 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero luxury model

The front end features a set of T-shaped LEDs, a large grille and a simplified version of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield. The silhouette is less attractive, with straight lines and classic SUV proportions. This brings us to the upright tailgate, with a bulge reminiscent of a spare wheel cover.

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Designers gave the Pajero body-colored cladding, flush door handles, and a clamshell hood to appeal to “luxury SUV buyers.” This direction is no accident, as recent news from Japan suggests the next-generation Pajero could move upmarket.

True to its heritage, the Mitsubishi Pajero is planned to ride on a ladder-frame chassis. One can only dream of a new ladder-frame SUV, and the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance certainly has the parts bin to support such a model. The new Pajero is likely to share many parts with the Infiniti QX80 or the upcoming Nissan Patrol, making it a worthy competitor to the Toyota Land Cruiser J300. The same applies to the twin-turbo V6 engine provided by Infiniti, matched to a strong 4WD system.

However, recent reports suggest the new Pajero could adopt the Mitsubishi Outlander’s unibody CMF-C/D architecture and feature a hybrid powertrain. While it’s hard to say, this might make more sense than the old ladder-frame SUV, especially if Mitsubishi wants to sell the new Pajero globally.

As always, it remains to be seen whether the Mitsubishi Pajero bears any resemblance to the renderings we’ve seen over the years. The automaker hasn’t provided a timeline for its release, but we wouldn’t be surprised if it shows up on our radar around 2027.

Note: These independent renderings are unofficial reports and have nothing to do with Mitsubishi.

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Illustration: Enoch Gonzales