Mitsubishi Motors is preparing to launch a new Pajero-sized SUV later this year, according to president and COO Keisuke Kishiura. While he did not explicitly named Pajero, news reports indicated the return of the legendary off-roader in a new form.
The company has described the upcoming model as a “true cross-country SUV,” a phrase many says is an indication towards Pajero. According to reports, the reference points towards a rugged vehicle with strong off-road capability, potentially with a body-on-frame setup or comparable terrain-focused engineering.
The Pajero name continues to hold strong recall among enthusiasts, particularly for its durability and go-anywhere capability. If revived, the new model is likely to lean heavily on this legacy while incorporating modern design and technology.
In India, Mitsubishi vehicles have been absent from the new car market since around 2020, when stricter BS6 emission norms came into force. However, the brand still enjoys a niche following, with a steady demand for pre-owned Pajero Sport SUVs.
Historically, Hindustan Motors managed Mitsubishi’s operations in India, including assembling CKD units of the Pajero Sport. Prices for the automatic variant once hovered around Rs 23.55 lakh in 2014, rising to approximately Rs 28–30 lakh before the model was discontinued.
More recently, Mitsubishi has been laying the groundwork for a potential long-term return. In 2024, TVS Mobility entered a joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation to build a comprehensive mobility ecosystem in India. The partnership includes an initial investment of Rs 300 crore and focuses on areas such as vehicle sales, after-sales services, and Vehicle-as-a-Service solutions.
This collaboration signals Mitsubishi’s intent to strengthen its presence in India’s evolving mobility space, even if a direct re-entry into passenger vehicles is yet to be confirmed.
Notably, Mitsubishi reintroduced the Pajero Sport in Thailand in 2024, hinting at a broader regional strategy that could eventually include India if market conditions align.
