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Mitsubishi’s Coming After the Land Cruiser in More Ways than One

Mitsubishi is keeping tradition with the overhaul of its signature four-wheeler, and then some.

Close-up of a silver Mitsubishi vehicle's rear tail light and part of the rear bumper with the Mitsubishi logo.Mitsubishi
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By Chris Chin

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Mitsubishi’s next-gen Pajero is truly shaping up to be one of the manufacturer’s biggest new vehicle launches in decades. With so much anticipation behind it, the company is obviously keeping its cards close to keep fans on the edge of their seats.

Thus, not many details are readily available. And the information that is surfacing about the next new Pajero is coming out in a trickle. In the latest, Japan’s BestCar reports the Pajero will be taking aim at the Land Cruiser in a familiar way: through multiple body styles.

More importantly, Mitsubishi is also gearing up to launch the vehicle in more markets than ever before. Could that mean the US will once again get its share of new Mitsu four-wheeling fun?

Going for a three-trim approach

Silver Mitsubishi Shogun Sport SUV parked on grassy hill near a large tree with ocean in background.
The Mitsubishi Pajero, also sold as the Shogun, came in multiple body styles, such as the Sport pictured here.
Mitsubishi

According to the latest update, Mitsubishi is keeping with tradition. The next-gen Pajero will reportedly launch with three different trims. This update aligns with the Pajero’s long-running model range. Previously, Mitsu offered buyers a choice when it came to the theme and styling.

Like Pajeros of recent past, the new model will stick to offering three different models. They’ll be split in a way to cater to customers with specific needs.

Silver Mitsubishi SUV driving through shallow water with gravel mounds and trees in the background.
The Mitsubishi Shogun Sport is basically the newer version of America’s old Montero Sport.
Mitsubishi

For instance, there will be a base model which will serve the role as the more rugged, utilitarian version. It will be aimed specifically at buyers looking to put their Pajero to work.

As such, it will supposedly distinguish itself through bare unpainted bumper covers, smaller wheels with beefier tires and rugged appointments.

However, another trim will be a much posher model with more luxurious appointments and upscale aesthetics. The fancier model will take aim at the Land Cruiser’s luxury variant, the Lexus LX, but without going all the way.

Silver Mitsubishi SUV splashing water while driving on a dirt road in a grassy hilly area.
The four-wheeling world isn’t complete without a Pajero/Shogun from Mitsubishi.
Mitsubishi

And rumors suggest the third variant could either be a smaller, “sport” version or three-door option. In the past, the Pajero came in a more road-friendly and smaller Pajero Sport form. Older generations also came with a three-door version, similar to the Land Rover Defender.

A Pajero for multiple markets

Red Mitsubishi SUV climbing a steep rocky dirt hill with trees and mountains in the background.
The next-gen Pajero could offer a Sport version, just like the outgoing model.
Mitsubishi

In the same news bit, word has it that Mitsubishi is also preparing the Pajero for multiple markets. It’s unsurprising, given that the Pajero is a worldly automobile like the Land Cruiser.

Whether one of those markets includes the US remains to be determined. Mitsubishi’s latest plan to offer the Pajero in multiple trims is supposedly a move to make the SUV more marketable in different parts of the world.

Two silver Mitsubishi Pajero SUVs parked on an asphalt lot with trees in the background.
We hope Mitsubishi’s planning a three-door variant, which is a cult favorite.
Mitsubishi

Hopefully, that also includes America, as it’s been years since we got Mitsu’s signature off-roader. Overlanding is still a booming trend and off-roading continues exploding in popularity.

Because of this, automakers are jumping onto the train by offering more adventurous models and versions of preexisting cars. With this trend Mitsubishi could be convinced of the Pajero’s marketability in America.

Two Mitsubishi Pajero SUVs, one silver older model in the foreground and one black newer model in the background, parked on dry dirt with greenery behind.
You can still find old Pajeros putting in work in the furthest corners of the world.
Mitsubishi

In which case, it leaves doors open for a Montero revival here in the States. We’re crossing our fingers.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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