After a five-year break, Mitsubishi is bringing back the Montero, also known as the Pajero, in 2027. The new model is a complete overhaul aimed squarely at rivals like the Toyota Land Cruiser. This fifth-generation Montero is built to compete with serious off-roaders while building on more than nostalgia.
Unlike many SUVs that have shifted toward city driving, the new Montero sticks to its roots. It uses a ladder-frame chassis based on Mitsubishi's pickup platform, a clear sign of the company's focus on real 4x4 performance. Under the hood is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine producing up to 480 Nm of torque. Drivers get selectable four-wheel lead and seven driving modes: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock. The SUV is aimed at people who take their vehicles off-road.
The official world premiere of the new Pajero/Montero is scheduled for September 2, 2026.
Inside, the Montero 2027 moves away from its utilitarian past. The cabin is finished in leather, and the dashboard features two 14.3-inch screens, plus plenty of physical buttons and switches, a rare choice in an era dominated by touchscreens. Three rows of seats mean it can carry up to seven people, making it practical for families and travel off the beaten path.
Production has already started in Thailand, which will be the first market to get the new Montero. Mitsubishi plans to launch the SUV in over 100 countries, focusing first on Asia and Australia, then Latin America and the Middle East. A European launch may come later. Keisuke Kishiura, Mitsubishi's president and COO, calls the Montero the company's flagship and promises a new level of refinement. Automotive publications report that the phased rollout will begin in Thailand during the 2026 financial year, with Japan and Australia also included, followed by a wider release to about 100 markets in 2027.
The Montero 2027 looks different from earlier versions. Its exterior features Mitsubishi's latest design, with large wheel arches and a choice of two grille styles: horizontal bars or a honeycomb mesh. The result is a vehicle that stands out among other off-road SUVs.
The new Montero will initially be available exclusively with a diesel internal combustion engine, as Mitsubishi has not announced hybrid or plug-in hybrid versions for the launch. The company says electrified powertrains will require further development before introduction.
The Montero has a long history. Since 1982, Mitsubishi has sold more than 3.25 million units in 170 countries. The new model aims to build on that record by bringing back a familiar name and setting a new standard for modern off-road vehicles. As reported earlier, competition in this segment is heating up, with brands seeking to prove their vehicles' real-world abilities as well as their looks.
The Montero 2027 stands out for its focus on substance over trends. While many SUVs are designed for city buyers and feature hybrid systems, Mitsubishi is sticking with diesel power and strong mechanicals, backed by genuine off-road gear. The seven-seat layout and upscale interior are central to its global strategy, aimed at longtime fans and new buyers looking for more than marketing claims.
With production based in Thailand and launches planned for Japan and Australia by March next year, Mitsubishi is betting that demand for capable, authentic SUVs remains strong. The Montero's return challenges its competitors and signals that Mitsubishi still wants a place among serious off-road vehicles.
