- Mitsubishi has briefed Australian dealers on when the Pajero will launch.
- Platform is shared with the Triton, bringing serious off-road credentials.
- Styling goes more rugged, closer to the Land Cruiser than the Outlander.
The next-generation Mitsubishi Pajero, which may also be sold as the Montero or Shogun, depending on the region, is nearing production readiness. Current reports suggest a global reveal in Q3, followed by initial customer deliveries before year’s end.
According to Mitsubishi dealers in Australia who spoke with Carsales, this long-anticipated Toyota Land Cruiser rival is expected to debut in August or September. Pre-orders should open soon after, with deliveries potentially beginning in December.
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It’ll retain the Pajero name in Australia and most other markets, while a UK launch could see it revive the Shogun badge. A US return remains unconfirmed, though Mitsubishi has recently re-registered the Montero name, which suggests the possibility is still on the table.
Familiar Underpinnings
Mitsubishi has revealed precious few details about the new model so far, offering little more than a low-resolution teaser image. However, all signs point towards using the same ladder-frame chassis as the Triton or L200 pickup truck, which itself is already used by the new Nissan Navara. This platform is expected to include a new all-wheel drive system with multiple selectable drive modes, including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock.
The brand isn’t exactly thriving at the moment, with a 7.5 percent dip in global sales last year, so it probably wouldn’t be able to justify the expense of developing a new architecture just for this model. If the chassis is indeed shared with the Triton, it’s safe to assume the Pajero’s engine will be the same, too. This would mean a 2.4-liter twin-turbo diesel with 201 hp and 347 lb-ft (470 Nm).
The platform is also believed to support electrified powertrains, which could help widen the SUV’s appeal in more family-oriented markets.
There is, however, a potential wrinkle. Car Sales reports that Mitsubishi may drop one of the diesel engine’s turbos to comply with Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NEVS). Even so, expectations are that towing capacity will remain unchanged, matching the Triton’s 3,500 kg (7,716 lbs) braked rating.
When it comes to the styling, the new Pajero represents a clear break from its predecessor. Spy shots suggest it will share a similar overall shape and size with the current Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX, adopting a boxier, more aggressive profile in place of the softer, more rounded look of Mitsubishi’s most popular SUV, the Outlander.
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Among the key design highlights will be a set of T-shaped LED taillights, a large front grille, squared-off wheel arches, side steps, and roof rails. There may also be a split-opening tailgate, and some models could be offered with panoramic glass roofs.
