Well, here is something interesting for the truck-based/off-roading SUV crowd....from a manufacturer that has been seriously neglected (indeed, all but ignored) in the American market for a number of years now. The classic Mitsubishi Montero (Pajero in other markets) is returning to the U.S. after many years of absence. As before, it will be truck-based, ladder-frame, and compete with the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, although with somewhat of a higher starting price.

Now...if Mitsubishi only had some more DEALERS where they could actually SELL them. The number of Mitsubishi dealerships across the U.S. has been allowed (foolishly, IMO) to be bled so thin (and the company does not even display its products anymore in many American auto shows) that it may be difficult for many people to actually see one, look at it, and test-drive.







Not an awful lot of information is available on it right now, but here is at least some of the scoop from Car & Driver:

I didn't post any shots of the interior, because I couldn't verify that they were accurate for the new 2028 version.

https://www.caranddriver.com/mitsubishi/montero

Overview

After two decades of absence, the Mitsubishi Montero appears poised to make a comeback on American roads. The large, off-road-focused SUV stopped being imported to our shores after the 2006 model year, but a new Montero is undergoing development and appears to be based on the Nissan Armada SUV. Although a twin-turbocharged V-6 is expected to be under the hood, we think the Montero could feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain as an option. Premium amenities, three rows of roomy seats, and available off-road tech features are all but a certainty. We aren't exactly sure when the new Montero will go on sale, but we expect to see it debut in the next couple of years, possibly as a 2028 model year vehicle.

 

I'll be very surprised if this thing makes it to the US Market. My local Mitsu dealer has a C6 Corvette Stingray on the showroom floor...

 

I think it's a good idea for them. Mitsu is just an afterthought. Just make a boxy mid size SUV priced cheaply and they'll sell a ton of em.

 

Is this a rebadged Nissan? Looks great on the outside.

 

Once its body on frame it’s a brilliant move. Though Americans would buy a unibody too once it comes in dirt color and the advertising has it in the mountains driving lol.

 

What powertrain do they have to compete with the big boys? A 210hp 3.0 V6 from 1992 won't cut it and allowing this thing to sell at a Mitsu dealership will just be DOA.

There are rumblings of Honda maybe rebadging the thing.

 

Problem is, a 60K starting price is not very cheap....certainly not like the recent 15-20K Mirage.

Not only that, but Mitsubishi doesn't have many dealerships any more in the U.S. TO sell them. Many of them have closed up....although a new one DID open up in Manassas, VA several years ago, not that far from me....operating out of what is essentially a warehouse in an industrial park.

 

Well, if the overview from C&D is correct, it will have a twin-turbo V6...I think we can expect a little more than 210 HP. Turbo V6s often make more power than V8s.

 

Mitsu already has unibody crossovers that no one buys....

 

People do, however, buy reasonably-priced body-on-frame SUVs. Witness the sales of the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler....the two main targets the Montero seems to be going after.

 

The upcoming 2028 Mitsubishi Montero marks the legendary SUV's return to the body-on-frame market. Developed in alliance with Nissan, it is expected to feature rugged off-road credentials, standard 4WD, a V6 engine (potentially with hybrid options), and a starting price in the low-$60,000 range.

Key Details to Expect

• Design & Capability: Spyshots and concepts indicate a return to a boxy, rugged, and upright silhouette, heavily inspired by its Dakar Rally heritage.
• Platform: Developed using Nissan and Mitsubishi's shared alliance architecture, it will likely share DNA with the Nissan Armada and the Mitsubishi Triton.
• Powertrain: Expected to use a powerful V6 engine with plug-in or traditional hybrid options to balance off-road torque with fuel efficiency.

 

I believe Mitsibishis current crossovers are basically rebadged Nissans.

 

Perhaps, but the design of Mitsubishi crossovers is generally of little relevance to the Montero. This one is apparently going to be different....a true off-roader.

Nissan, BTW, with the XTerra, DID have a good rugged true off-roader at a reasonable price, but, needlessly IMO, dropped it some years ago.

 

Platform: Developed using Nissan and Mitsubishi's shared alliance architecture, it will likely share DNA with the Nissan Armada and the Mitsubishi Triton.

 

Never understood that decision. Cancelling the Xterra was a bad move.

I think cancelling the Titan is a bad move too.