Mitsubishi dealers have received a first look at the reborn Montero, a body-on-frame SUV expected to challenge the Toyota Land Cruiser. However, the highly anticipated return to the U.S. market is reportedly not slated to happen until 2030.
After a five-year absence, Mitsubishi is gearing up to reintroduce the Pajero nameplate this fall with a new, off-road-focused SUV. This vehicle will share its underpinnings with the Triton pickup truck. The dual announcement of the Pajero and its Montero moniker for other markets immediately fueled speculation about a U.S. comeback for the rugged, large SUV.
Recent communications suggest these hopes are well-founded. Automotive News reports that Mitsubishi held a dealer meeting in Chicago on June 5, where approximately 180 U.S. and Canadian retailers were presented with the brand’s future product strategy. The centerpiece of this presentation was the ladder-frame SUV, which attendees described as significantly larger than the current Outlander and comparable in size and intent to the Toyota Land Cruiser.
Boxy Styling and a Conventional Tailgate
Those present at the dealer meeting described the new Montero as featuring a boxy exterior design. This aesthetic includes vertical headlights connected by a full-width light bar, a design theme that carries over to the rear with T-shaped taillights. A notable departure from previous generations, which consistently featured a rear-mounted spare tire on a side-hinged door, is the reported adoption of a conventional tailgate.
Three-Row Seating and Premium Interior Touches
The interior is said to offer three-row seating, providing ample space for passengers in all three rows. Up front, the cabin will feature a digital instrument cluster complemented by a large infotainment screen and a newly designed, smaller steering wheel intended for wider rollout across Mitsubishi’s lineup. Dealers characterized the cabin as “premium and modern,” suggesting a more upscale environment than that of the Triton pickup, a common practice when adapting truck platforms for family SUVs.
While detailed technical specifications were not fully disclosed, Mitsubishi reportedly indicated that the new Montero will offer approximately 12 inches of ground clearance. This figure places it in contention with established off-roaders; for comparison, a Ford Bronco with the Sasquatch Package offers 11.5 inches, and the Bronco Raptor boasts 13.1 inches.
Broader Product Offensive Planned for North America
The Montero’s potential return is part of a larger product revitalization plan for North America. Dealers were also informed about the next-generation Outlander Sport, expected in the latter half of 2028 with a new platform and increased dimensions. The larger Outlander is slated for a similar timeframe, transitioning to an all-Mitsubishi architecture and moving away from its current Renault underpinnings.
Looking further ahead to 2029, Mitsubishi is reportedly planning a new midsize truck. This model is expected to utilize the body-on-frame platform that will also underpin the next-generation Nissan Frontier. While sharing a platform, the Mitsubishi truck is said to adopt styling cues distinct from its Nissan counterpart, drawing inspiration from the Triton.
What to Expect from the New Montero
- Rivalry: Positioned to compete directly with the Toyota Land Cruiser.
- Platform: Body-on-frame construction, shared with the Triton pickup.
- Seating: Offers three rows of seating for up to seven passengers.
- Design: Boxy exterior with vertical headlights and T-shaped taillights; conventional tailgate.
- Capability: Expected to feature around 12 inches of ground clearance.
- U.S. Arrival: Currently slated for a 2030 launch.
