A reliable Japanese website has just published a report that claims the Mitsubishi Pajero SUV is making a comeback. The debut will happen 3 years from now, and the model is said to have retro styling mixed with a plug-in hybrid powertrain that’s great for both fuel economy and finding traction in difficult conditions.
The Pajero Evolution is rapidly gaining popularity as a JDM import to the United States under the 25-year rule. This limited-edition model is the SUV equivalent of the Lancer Evo, and it’s one chapter in the Pajero’s rich history.
According to the Japanese website Best Car Web, Mitsubishi sales are improving in Asia. As a result, the company is looking to bring back models that make customers say “This is a typical Mitshubishi car.” According to them, sources within the company have confirmed that the development of the new Pajero is advancing rapidly, and the SUV will be ready in a few years.
Mitsubishi first considered developing the Pajero based on the Triton, which is a body-on-frame small pickup like a Tacoma. However, engineers quickly realized that a ladder frame wouldn’t meet their requirements for the car, particularly ride comfort.
Pajero = JDM Range Rover?
The aim of the 2027 Pajero is to be a luxury SUV that attracts wealthy customers in the Asian market. In particular, they want it to be like “the Rolls-Royce of the desert,” a Range Rover. The platform they plan to use is a new architecture shared with the next-generation Outlander PHEV.
Our sources name the CMF-C/D architecture, which underpins the current Outlander and also things like the Nissan Rogue. However, it’s believed it will be closer to the CMF-EV architecture developed for V and scheduled to launch in 2025.
2027 Mitsubishi Pajero may use a layout similar to Nissan’s e-Power models, which are basically range-extender EVs. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder in the current Outlander PHEV would be paired with dual electric motors, making the SUV smooth on the road and capable off-road.
In terms of design, the 2027 Pajero will lean into retro styling, as seen in these rendered images. The 5-door body has clean lines and rectangular lights echoing the 90s era model. At the back, they’ve even created the outline of a fake spare when on the trunk lid.
From bumper to bumper, the SUV is expected to measure 4,900mm long, 1900mm in width, and 1850mm in height, making it slightly bigger than an Outlander PHEV. That’s a little smaller than a Range Rover Sport, but Japanese cars are typically smaller in their class.
A well-equipped 2027 Pajero is expected to cost around 8 million yen in Japan. That’s $55,000, a bargain compared to German or British luxury vehicles. And the affordability of the expected Mitsubishi SUV also remains impressive when compared to possible rivals like the Land Rover Defender and the Lexus GS.
