by Mitsubishi showed dealers the new Pajero, returning as Montero
For many years, Mitsubishi’s model lineup in the US has looked increasingly out of step with market trends. Now, reports suggest that what dealers saw behind closed doors could change the situation. At a private event near Chicago, the automaker allegedly showed retailers the new Pajero, which will return as the next Montero in North America, as well as all-new versions of the Outlander and Outlander Sport and a future pickup. This help may come just in time, although even that is no guarantee of success.
Momentum 2030 Strategy and Dealer Reaction
According to Autonews, about 180 dealers from the US and Canada attended the event on June 5, where Mitsubishi management outlined the Momentum 2030 strategy. The presentation allegedly showcased a steady stream of new products designed to breathe life into a brand that currently sells only three models in America and has seen sales decline over the past two years.
Also present at the event were Mitsubishi Motors President Keisuke Kishura, Head of Product Strategy Takayuki Yatabe, and Chief Designer Seiji Watanabe. Several dealers reportedly left significantly more optimistic about the brand’s future, with one calling the upcoming lineup “night and day compared to the current outdated range.”
New Pajero for America as Montero
Official teasers of the new generation Mitsubishi Pajero.
The most intriguing element was a body-on-frame SUV built on the revived Pajero, now confirmed for North America for the first time. It is expected to carry the Montero name in this market. The new flagship SUV is said to be based on the same ladder-frame architecture as the Triton pickup and could arrive around 2030.
Dealers compared it to the Toyota Land Cruiser, describing a boxy silhouette, approximately 12 inches (305 mm) of ground clearance (more than most off-road-oriented SUVs), distinctive LED lighting, and a spacious three-row cabin. According to dealers, the front features a light bar flanked by vertically positioned headlights, while the rear gets distinctive T-shaped taillights.
Prototype of the new Pajero undergoing testing (Baldauf).
Unlike previous Pajeros, the new version reportedly replaces the traditional side-opening rear door and external spare wheel with a conventional liftgate. Inside, dealers described the cabin as modern and premium, with a digital instrument cluster, a larger infotainment display, and a redesigned steering wheel that could be shared across the lineup.
Mitsubishi has already confirmed that the world premiere of the new Pajero will take place this fall.
Outlander Updates
At the same event in Chicago, Mitsubishi presented a completely redesigned Outlander Sport, expected to arrive in the second half of 2028. Dealers described it as a ground-up model that will be noticeably larger and taller than the current version. Prototypes reportedly featured slim LED headlights, exposed tow hooks, off-road tires, a roof rack with a ladder, and a protective grille. The crossover is expected to get a new platform, grow in size, and adopt a more aggressive, off-road character.
The next-generation Outlander is also planned for 2028 and reportedly will switch from the current Nissan-Renault platform to Mitsubishi’s own architecture.
Prior to this, dealers were shown an off-road version of the Outlander expected in 2027. The model is reportedly being developed with increased ground clearance, updated suspension, more substantial body cladding, a more aggressive front bumper, and an enhanced all-wheel-drive system.
Mitsubishi wants to enter the pickup segment
The long-discussed return of Mitsubishi to the pickup segment also appears to be progressing. A mid-size pickup based on the next-generation Nissan Frontier platform is reportedly planned for launch in 2029. It will share the platform and basic mechanical components with the Frontier, but dealers were told the vehicle will get its own distinctive Mitsubishi styling, interior, and driving character.
Company executives also told dealers that everything coming after 2027 will be electrified, with Mitsubishi likely leaning toward hybrids rather than fully electric models.
Timing Questions
The problem with all these new products is timing. Even if they launch on schedule, most may still arrive late relative to market trends. On paper, the strategy makes sense. Dealers have been asking for larger, higher-margin vehicles for years, and Mitsubishi’s current lineup lacks the “halo” products that attract buyers to showrooms. A powerful Montero, more capable Outlanders, and a pickup could help address this.
The issue is that most of these vehicles are not scheduled to arrive before the end of the decade. The automotive industry is changing rapidly. In just the last few years, the electric vehicle landscape has shifted dramatically, automakers are hinting at a revival of the sedan market, and affordability is becoming a primary concern.
This does not mean Mitsubishi’s plan is flawed. In fact, for a company with limited resources, focusing on profitable SUVs and pickups may be the safest way forward. Nevertheless, there is a difference between building vehicles that buyers want today and predicting what they will want (or be able to afford) in 2030.
Thus, Mitsubishi is betting on time-tested segments in an attempt to catch up. However, the key challenge remains the speed of market change: what looks attractive today may lose relevance in a few years, especially against the backdrop of rapid technological development and shifting consumer preferences. The company will need not only to launch new models but also to do so in a timely manner to avoid being left on the sidelines of progress.
