Mitsubishi Confirms a New Flagship SUV — It Just Doesn’t Know What to Call It Yet

A New Mitsubishi Truck-Based SUV is Coming Soon

When the Mitsubishi Montero was discontinued in North America in 2006, the SUV lived for another generation as the Shogun and Pajero in most parts of the world. But even then, the flagship SUV ceased production in 2021, seemingly with no successor planned.

That said, there has been clamor for a new Mitsubishi midsize SUV since the Pajero/Montero/Shogun was axed, particularly around Asia. There have been hints about it before, but spy shots this year have suggested it’s making a comeback sooner rather than later.

It (Officially) Doesn’t Have a Name Yet, Though

One would think that reviving the Montero and Pajero names would be a sure thing by now, right? Well, not according to Mitsubishi Australia General Manager of Product Strategy Bruce Hampel. Speaking to Australian motoring site Drive, he said We will have a new flagship large SUV at the end of next year. We haven’t announced the naming yet.”

“We’ll have more to say on that probably within the next six months as it gets closer to launch,” added Hampel. If it’s any consolation, at least it’s confirmed that there will be a Montero/Pajero successor coming soon.

Seriously, though, Pajero or Montero would be a good fit for the upcoming model. Besides, the Montero name was filed as a trademark in the US Patent and Trademark Office. It appears that it will be a ladder-frame vehicle, unlike the last one, and spy shots have suggested that it might have a live axle at the back.

The Montero/Pajero Name is Still Alive Elsewhere

While the big Mitsubishi SUV is no longer around, the name is still being used in other parts of the world in a different form. Mitsubishi also produces a smaller truck-based SUV dubbed Montero Sport or, in countries that don’t speak Spanish, the Pajero Sport. The Montero Sport was sold in North America for just one generation from 1996 to 2004. However, it’s still in production today and now in its third generation.

That model will soon be replaced as well, since it was first launched ten years ago. It’s possible that Mitsubishi might consolidate the Montero and Montero Sport into one vehicle, but we will find out more once the company trickles down more information.

Reviving an Icon

While the Montero wasn’t a particularly huge seller in the US, it does have a bit of a cult following. A small but devoted set of fans keeps these SUVs alive, and it’s a celebrated nameplate in its home country and around Asia as the Pajero. Of course, let’s not forget Mitsubishi’s hugely successful Dakar Rally campaigns led by the Pajero Evolution.

If anything, Mitsubishi needs a model to boost its image outside of Asia, Africa, and Latin America. These days, the model range is slim with the Outlander, Eclipse Cross, and Outlander Sport. Meanwhile, the European offerings mainly consist of rebadged Renaults. The new, unnamed SUV that might be called Montero might be the ticket to that. Hopefully, it becomes one of the catalysts for Mitsubishi to start building cool stuff again.