Mitsubishi Revives Pajero After Nearly 10 Years, Eyeing U.S. Montero Return

Q: As Mitsubishi executes its Momentum 2030 strategy, will American drivers finally experience the highly anticipated Montero return?

Yes—but not soon, and not yet as a firm U.S. commitment. Mitsubishi has officially confirmed the Pajero’s global return, with a world premiere set for autumn 2026. The new model is a body-on-frame, Triton-based flagship off-road SUV, developed with its own cabin and suspension tuning, and positioned as a serious rival to vehicles such as the Toyota Land Cruiser. That makes the revival real at the global level. For American buyers, the picture is more cautious. Multiple reports tied to Mitsubishi’s June 2026 dealer presentation say the company showed a new Montero as part of its North American Momentum 2030 plan, with the SUV penciled in for the U.S. by 2030. Automotive News and other outlets reported that dealers were told a North American version is under consideration, likely badged Montero, and likely arriving later than the Asian-market Pajero. That fits the broader Momentum 2030 strategy, which calls for at least one new or significantly updated model each year through 2030. It also explains why Mitsubishi is signaling intent without announcing final U.S. specifications, pricing, powertrains, or an exact on-sale date. So the most evidence-based answer is that American drivers are likely to get the Montero back, but probably around 2030 rather than at the 2026 global launch. Until Mitsubishi formally confirms U.S. homologation, production plans, and timing, the return remains highly plausible rather than guaranteed.

3 articles · Updated · Gear Patrol · Aug 9

Mitsubishi is set to bring back the next-generation Pajero/Shogun/Montero within weeks, ending a hiatus of nearly a decade for one of Japan’s best-known off-road SUVs.
The revival restores Mitsubishi to the large off-roader segment, where the model is expected to line up against the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Armada.
A U.S. return is also rumored, with the SUV potentially sold again as the Montero, broadening the significance of the relaunch beyond Mitsubishi’s home markets.
The comeback adds to a busy 2026 for automakers, with new-model reveals and revivals making the year a notable one for upcoming vehicle launches.