The revived Mitsubishi Pajero is receiving positive early reviews in Japan, with praise for its cabin quality, off-road capability and on-road comfort. The SUV returned in September 2026 after a five-year absence, raising the possibility that it could challenge the Toyota Land Cruiser and 4Runner if Mitsubishi brings it to the United States.
Mitsubishi Pajero Returns After Five Years
The Mitsubishi Pajero, known as the Montero in the United States, was one of Japan’s early SUVs and offered a more accessible alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol. The model also established a major motorsports legacy, with 12 overall victories in the Dakar Rally.
The Montero once enjoyed considerable success in the American market, but growing competition gradually reduced its market share. Mitsubishi discontinued the SUV in the United States and Canada in 2006 as the company’s sales declined during the mid-2000s.
The fourth-generation Pajero remained in production from 2006 through 2021, with some markets continuing to sell remaining inventory in 2022. The Pajero and Montero nameplates then remained dormant for five years before Mitsubishi began signaling their revival in 2026.
The SUV officially returned in September, marking Mitsubishi’s effort to regain ground in the market.
New Mitsubishi Pajero Earns Praise for Ride Quality
Initial impressions of the revived Pajero are beginning to emerge in Japan, where expectations for the familiar nameplate remain high.
Automotive journalist Mitsuhiro Kunisawa described the new SUV as one of the better body-on-frame vehicles he had driven in some time. He praised its performance over rough terrain while noting that its on-road behavior was also well-mannered.
The cabin’s construction and interior materials also received positive feedback. One of the most notable assessments concerned the SUV’s perceived quality, with Kunisawa saying the interior felt better than that of a Toyota Land Cruiser.
Pajero Interior Compared With Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series
The comparison extended beyond the Land Cruiser 250 Series sold in the United States. The revived Pajero’s cabin was also compared with the full-size Land Cruiser 300 Series, which serves as the basis for the Lexus LX.
The assessment did not claim that the Mitsubishi’s construction surpassed the Lexus. However, the comparison with the Land Cruiser 300 Series highlighted the level of interior quality reported in the new Pajero.
U.S. Dealers Also Praise the Pajero’s Cabin
American Mitsubishi dealers who saw the SUV earlier in 2026 offered similar feedback, highlighting its high-grade cabin and upscale interior feel. Those qualities could help distinguish the new model from expectations associated with Mitsubishi’s current lineup.
The positive reactions in Japan and the United States suggest that the Pajero could become a credible competitor to the Toyota Land Cruiser. It could also attract buyers considering the Toyota 4Runner.
Will the Mitsubishi Pajero Come to America?
Mitsubishi Motors North America has not confirmed plans to sell the revived Pajero in the United States. Its arrival in American showrooms remains uncertain, although stronger consumer demand could improve the chances of a launch.
A diesel version would not be available in the United States, but Mitsubishi has hinted that a hybrid variant is under development.
Pricing could also play an important role in the SUV’s competitiveness. In some key markets, the Pajero costs less than the Toyota Land Cruiser, potentially giving Mitsubishi an advantage as it seeks to rebuild the nameplate’s market presence.
The revived Mitsubishi Pajero’s future in the United States remains undecided. However, its early reception and the positive feedback on its interior quality have raised expectations for a possible return to the North American market.
