Even though most never leave the pavement, rugged SUVs are some of the most desirable vehicles on the market today. Mitsubishi knows that, or at least recently remembered it, and may be doing something to jump (back) on the bandwagon. The iconic Montero may be on its way back, as recent spy shots captured a new off-road SUV that looks an awful lot like the beloved model.
Mitsubishi announced plans for several new vehicles in the next few years and filed a trademark for the Montero name last year, but that’s about as much confirmation as we have. The Montero, known as the Pajero in other markets, was a successful off-roader in the 1980s and 1990s, but Mitsubishi’s lineup has dwindled to a few humdrum SUVs in the U.S. in recent years.
The spy photos show a boxy SUV with an upright shape and vertical LED headlights. It features a large grille and tall side windows. Keen-eyed observers also spotted a solid rear axle in the shots, which could mean a rugged body-on-frame configuration. We’ll also likely see hybrid power of some sort, especially if the SUV goes on sale in Europe.
While nothing is confirmed, we could see a new Montero as soon as next year, given Mitsubishi’s commitment to release a new model every year starting in 2026. It would be nice to see a new sports car from the brand, but the return of the Montero would be an exciting development for Mitsubishi.
[Images: fireflite59 via Shutterstock.com, Dmitry Dven via Shutterstock.com]
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Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.
More by Chris Teague
Pair it with the plug-in hybrid and i’d daily a new montero. I care less about the power and more about efficiency and off-road ability. Would be nice to be able to fit 33’s on it without mods and maintain economy and drivability
A Turbo4 would be a mistake, unless the Montero’s MSRP is substantially below the new Toyota 4Runner. I prefer a V-6 over a Turbo4 in a large SUV.
