Mitsubishi's 2027 Pajero/Montero Breaks Cover in Exclusive First Look!
Mitsubishi has unveiled the 2027 Pajero, known previously as the Montero in the U.S., a rugged body-on-frame SUV that stays true to its legendary roots with a 2.4L diesel engine and advanced 4WD. Despite its global availability, the prospects for its introduction to the U.S. market remain uncertain, highlighting a strategic balance between off-road ability and on-road refinement.
Mitsubishi has unveiled the 2027 Pajero, a vehicle known as the Montero in the United States, rekindling discussions about its potential return to the American market. While Mitsubishi representatives have indicated that no definitive decision has been made regarding a U.S. introduction, the burly new Pajero appears unlikely for Stateside sale, despite its confirmed availability in regions like Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.
The 2027 Pajero marks the fifth generation of this iconic SUV, staying true to its revered legacy. Mitsubishi first introduced this boxy, body-on-frame SUV in 1982, with the production of the fourth-generation Montero concluding in 2021. Critically, the new Pajero avoids becoming merely a high-riding crossover bearing a legendary name. Instead, it maintains its foundational identity as a three-row, seven-seat, body-on-frame vehicle featuring a rear-drive-based powertrain, blending modern styling cues with traditional, robust hardware enhanced by high-tech advancements.
Dimensionally, the new Pajero is comparable in length to a Toyota 4Runner, yet narrower—aligning with the width of a Ford Bronco—and nearly as tall as a Land Cruiser. Its chassis boasts a sturdy ladder frame, with the front wheels connected via a double-wishbone setup. The rear suspension features a new five-link coil-spring arrangement for its live rear axle, contributing to both its capability and ride characteristics.
Under the hood, the Pajero is powered by a 2.4-liter diesel engine equipped with a variable-geometry turbocharger. While Mitsubishi has not yet disclosed a horsepower figure, the engine delivers a substantial 354 lb-ft of torque. Power is managed by a new eight-speed automatic transmission, designed to provide efficient and smooth power delivery across various driving conditions.
The drive system, branded as S-AWC (Super All-Wheel Control), is a sophisticated and proper four-wheel-drive setup. It includes a two-speed transfer case and a locking center differential, offering drivers a range of selectable modes: two-wheel-drive high range, full-time four-wheel-drive high range, 4WD low range, and 4WD low with the center differential locked. As expected from a modern SUV, it also features multiple drive modes tailored for different terrains such as gravel, sand, and snow, optimizing performance and traction.
Mitsubishi has also provided specific off-road measurements for the new Pajero, including 9.1 inches of ground clearance and approach, breakover, and departure angles of 30.4, 22.6, and 25.8 degrees, respectively. These figures suggest commendable off-road capability, though they fall short of the more extreme off-road-focused variants of vehicles like the 4Runner, Bronco, and Land Cruiser. Mitsubishi's press release highlighted a strategic compromise between off-road prowess and on-road handling and refinement, indicating a vehicle designed to confidently tackle off-road excursions without necessarily being an extreme rock-crawler, thus catering to a broader range of user needs.