We miss the Mitsubishi Montero. Rumor has it that the brand could bring it back. Say it's so!

We miss the Mitsubishi Montero. Rumor has it that the brand could bring it back. Say it's so! originally appeared on Autoblog.

The brand needs a bigger SUV sooner rather than later

The Mitsubishi Montero hasn’t been sold in the U.S. in almost two decades. The legendary off-road icon and Dakar Rally champion is also known as the Pajero in overseas markets, where it’s still sold today. There's also a smaller Pajero Sport. If you take one look at Mitsubishi’s American lineup, you’ll find that there’s a gaping off-roader-sized hole that the Montero left behind. Spy shots of a new Montero prototype on testing grounds have hit the web, and that makes it more than just some rumor.  An all-new model could emerge as early as late 2025 in Europe, and we might very well see the return of the Montero to our shores.

Renderings have appeared all over the web, and recent spy shots reveal a potential Montero successor with a boxy body and upright grille. If this concept is indeed close to a production model, expect a tall silhouette, vertical LED headlights similar to those of the current Outlander, a prominent grille, and skid plates up front. Large, squared-off windows and vertical rear design evoke classic Montero off-road styling. A more modern fascia could be inspired by Mitsubishi’s DST and Destinator concept vehicles.

Body-on-Frame & Hybrid Possibilities

The new Montero would likely share its underpinnings with the current Nissan Armada, which is also found in the Infiniti QX80. The most likely powerplant would be Nissan’s 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine under the hood of the Armada. The engine produces 425 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. The Montero would likely receive upscale features, spacious three-row seating similar to the Armada, and advanced off-road technology to carry forward its reputation for ruggedness.

Like the Armada on which the new Montero would be based, there would be a body-on-frame platform, ideal for bona fide off-roading, with features like solid rear axles. To bolster those capabilities, we expect the new Montero to get the Armada PRO-4X's Adaptive Electronic Air Suspension. This system enables the vehicle to be raised or lowered, providing increased ground clearance and improved approach/departure angles for tackling rough terrain, while offering a comfortable ride for daily driving.

Rumor has it that a plug-in hybrid variant could also be on the table. A hybrid powertrain seems probable, particularly for Europe. Potential options include a plug-in hybrid with a 2.4-liter gasoline engine similar to the one found in the current Outlander PHEV. Four-wheel drive would be mandatory to maintain the Montero's reputation.

When Could It Arrive?

As for a real Montero to return to the States, signs look good. Mitsubishi hasn't confirmed anything yet, but the presence of testing prototypes suggests that something is in the works for 2025 in Europe and a potential 2028 release in America. Mitsubishi’s 2024 “Momentum 30” strategy says they will introduce one new model per year starting in 2026, and that could mean a real Montero for hungry American off-road SUV customers. We'll have to see if the prototype turns into a production version soon.

Final thoughts

Mitsubishi needs an infusion of adrenaline here, and that could be in the form of a new Montero. The addition makes sense for the brand, and a larger three-row off-roader could make a massive difference for Mitsubishi. The Montero name is legendary, and it could fill a slot above the smaller Outlander quite nicely. Family-friendly off-roaders are a big deal right now, and the timing for a new Montero in 2028 could be just right.

We miss the Mitsubishi Montero. Rumor has it that the brand could bring it back. Say it's so! first appeared on Autoblog on Aug 16, 2025

This story was originally reported by Autoblog on Aug 16, 2025, where it first appeared.