Mitsubishi Brings the Revival of its Beloved 4Runner Fighter Much Closer to Reality

Although it’s been quite a minute since Mitsubishi gave enthusiasts something to be excited about, the brand has clearly been keen to improve its image by currying the favor of those who get excited about driving.

After all, following the launch of the Outlander Trail Edition, Mitsubishi has since introduced the Triton Savana, previewed the Elevance concept and confirmed the development of a new “off-road-focused vehicle” with “off-road-specific bodywork, off-road-focused drive modes and performance upgrades and unique interior styling with specific materials.” 

Mitsubishi

In other words, the brand is pulling out all the stops to assert its relevance once again. Now, there’s a new promo video that hints at the revival of one of Mitsubishi’s most beloved off-roaders: the Montero.

Reveling in the Ralliart

Even before Mitsubishi announced the Momentum 2030 business plan last year, it had filed a trademark for the Montero. As such, though the automaker discontinued the model’s international equivalent (the Pajero) back in 2021, many had already suspected that it might be gearing up for a return.

Now, Mitsubishi has yet to officially announce anything, but the YouTube video is the closest to an admission that we’ve seen at this stage. It opens with archival footage of Mitsubishi and Ralliart competing in the World Rally Championship as well as the Dakar endurance rally before transitioning to the present day.

Then, when the song “Layla” by Derek and The Dominos plays, we’re shown clips of the current Triton race truck competing in the East Asia Cross Country Rally. Mitsubishi’s “Drive your ambition” flashes on screen before cutting to an old clip of a Pajero racer speeding across the desert and a shadowy SUV driving down the highway.

Mitsubishi

The visual parallels alone make for pretty obvious hints, and Mitsubishi’s intermixing of current and archival footage helps to build the narrative. 

The brand might not call out the Montero by name, then, but it’s abundantly obvious that it will be leaning on its history with its next release. Recently, the brand even gave its first Dakar-winning Pajero a full restoration to preserve it for years to come.

Mitsubishi Motors

A likely Nissan collab

Now, seeing as Mitsubishi has teased little more than the headlights at this point, there are still quite a lot of unknowns, and we can only speculate about details like the powertrain. 

Nevertheless, Mitsubishi has been pretty candid about its intentions.

Mitsubishi

For instance, as part of the Momentum 2030 business plan, Mitsubishi intends to field an all-new BEV based on the next-generation Nissan Leaf. Per the brand’s last announcement, it’s expected to hit the American market in the second half of 2026.

But that’s not all. Through the collaboration, Mitsubishi will also be leveraging its plug-in hybrid expertise to help supply a new Nissan model for the American market. With the Xterra confirmed to be making a return, it’ll likely benefit from the new PHEV powertrain.

Nissan

Seeing as the Outlander gained an updated Plug-in Hybrid variant and Mitsubishi has a new mild-hybrid option inbound, the Montero is likely to keep up the mixed-energy approach.

As such, should the off-roader share its bones with the Xterra (as would seem fit), chances are good it’ll feature some form of the 3.8-liter V6 from the Nissan Frontier under the hood. Moreover, if the Xterra is to be a hybrid, Mitsubishi will most likely want to take advantage of that tech in a revived flagship like the Montero.

Nissan

Until Mitsubishi goes on record with an update on its plans, all we can do is hope that the Montero is actually heading for production as it seems to be.

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics