Mitsubishi is preparing to launch an all-new flagship SUV by late 2026 – one that could mark the return of the legendary Pajero nameplate. Although the official name has yet to be confirmed, the brand has made it clear that this next-generation off-roader will embody Mitsubishi’s core values of durability, capability, and quality.
Bruce Hampel, Mitsubishi Australia’s General Manager for Product Strategy, spoke to Australian media outlet Drive regarding the brand’s confirmation of a new off-road SUV under development to be slotted above the Pajero Sport, known in the Philippines as the Montero Sport. The executive noted that, while the revival of the Pajero name remains undecided, any model that carries it must live up to the strong reputation the nameplate holds, both in Australia and globally.
Hampel explained that Mitsubishi aims to deliver a vehicle that rightfully deserves to stand as the brand’s flagship SUV. He went on to say that the model needs to be more than just an off-roader – it must also offer refinement, comfort, and reliability expected from a modern Mitsubishi vehicle.
The Pajero’s legacy dates back to the early 1980s. Evolving through four generations that transitioned from a ladder-frame platform to a more refined monocoque structure. This shift allowed the model to balance rugged performance with on-road comfort, establishing it as an SUV that appealed to both adventurers and everyday drivers.
For the upcoming model, Mitsubishi is still assessing whether to use a monocoque or ladder-frame chassis, depending on which approach offers a mix of performance and cost efficiency. Industry observers, however, suggest that the company may once again draw from the new Triton pickup’s ladder-frame underpinnings, a proven approach used in the Montero Sport.
Hampel emphasized that the new SUV must capture Mitsubishi’s adventurous DNA. As such, it must deliver the durability and high quality long associated with the Pajero badge. With development underway and more details expected to surface within the next six months, the project signals a potential comeback for one of Mitsubishi’s most iconic models. If realized, the 2026 model could reaffirm the Pajero’s place among the most respected off-road SUVs in the world.
