The automotive world is buzzing with speculation about Mitsubishi’s upcoming 2026 SUV that could revive the iconic Pajero nameplate. After years of being known as the Pajero Sport, industry insiders suggest that the new model could actually be the successor to the Pajero Sport but might drop the “Sport” designation altogether. This potential naming change represents more than just a marketing decision—it signals a significant shift in Mitsubishi’s SUV strategy and could have major implications for buyers in the competitive off-road SUV market.
The End of an Era: Understanding the Pajero Legacy
The original Mitsubishi Pajero was discontinued in 2021 after a remarkable 40-year run, generating more than 3.3 million sales worldwide. The full-size SUV had become synonymous with rugged off-road capability and reliability, earning a cult following among adventure enthusiasts and families alike. The Pajero nameplate derives from Leopardus pajeros, the Pampas cat, and was marketed as the Montero in North America and Shogun in the UK.
When the original Pajero was discontinued, the Pajero Sport became the flagship frame-based SUV for the brand. However, despite the similarity in name, the Pajero Sport shares none of the original Pajero’s underpinnings and is smaller in overall size. This has created confusion among consumers who associate the Pajero name with the larger, more capable original model.
What We Know About the 2026 Model
Development and Testing
Mitsubishi has been spotted testing a new generation of the Pajero Sport, with spy shots revealing early engineering prototypes. The new SUV is expected to share its platform with the latest Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck that went on sale overseas in 2023. Reports suggest the upcoming model could make its global debut sometime by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Technical Specifications
The SUV will feature four-wheel-drive capability and be powered by the same 2.4-liter 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine as the Triton, producing 201 BHP and 470 Nm of torque. The latest Triton pickup offers the choice of two turbodiesel engines and a single gas option, all 2.4-liter 4-cylinder units, and the same will likely be the case for the new SUV.
Design Evolution
The camouflaged prototype suggests Mitsubishi will stick with evolutionary styling, with a hood that appears to sit slightly higher than the current model and headlights positioned higher as well. Teaser images reveal a far more modern exterior treatment, with sleeker lighting front and rear and a raked black panel on the D pillar.
The Significance of Dropping “Sport” from the Name
Brand Consolidation Strategy
The potential decision to drop “Sport” from the name reflects a broader strategy to simplify Mitsubishi’s SUV lineup. With the original Pajero discontinued in 2021, reverting to the simpler “Pajero” name could help the brand capitalize on the nameplate’s 40-year legacy and heritage. This move would position the 2026 model as the true successor to the Pajero legacy, rather than a derivative “Sport” version.
Market Positioning
By dropping “Sport,” Mitsubishi may be signaling that this SUV is intended to be more than just a performance-oriented variant. The simplified naming suggests the vehicle will serve as the brand’s flagship SUV, appealing to a broader audience including families, adventure seekers, and commercial users who valued the original Pajero’s versatility.
Consumer Clarity
The naming change could reduce confusion among consumers who have long wondered about the relationship between the Pajero and Pajero Sport. Many buyers were unaware that the Pajero Sport shared none of the original Pajero’s underpinnings, leading to misconceptions about the vehicle’s capabilities and positioning.
Implications for SUV Buyers
Enhanced Capability Expectations
If Mitsubishi does drop the “Sport” designation, buyers can expect the 2026 model to offer enhanced off-road capabilities that better align with the original Pajero’s reputation. The new model features a ladder frame chassis with improved torsional rigidity, with Mitsubishi claiming 60 percent more torsional rigidity for the redesigned platform.
Competitive Positioning
The new SUV will compete against established rivals like the Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser Prado. By adopting the prestigious Pajero name, Mitsubishi aims to elevate the model’s market position and compete more effectively with these premium off-road SUVs.
Electrification Plans
Reports suggest that diesel engines are unlikely to last the entire lifespan of the new SUV, with both Mitsubishi and Nissan reportedly studying petrol plug-in hybrid solutions. This electrification strategy could make the 2026 Pajero more appealing to environmentally conscious buyers while maintaining off-road capability.
Regional Market Considerations
Global Availability
While the new SUV is expected to start sales in 2026, a U.S. launch is unlikely. However, the model will be available in key markets including Australia, Southeast Asia, and other regions where the Pajero name carries significant brand equity.
Market-Specific Challenges
In Australia, Mitsubishi recently dropped the Pajero Sport from its lineup due to new safety regulations requiring expensive autonomous emergency braking system upgrades. The 2026 model will need to address these regulatory requirements to succeed in developed markets.
What This Means for Current Pajero Sport Owners
Resale Value Impact
Current Pajero Sport owners may see their vehicles’ resale values affected by the naming change. If the 2026 model successfully establishes itself as the “true” Pajero successor, current Sport models might be viewed as transition vehicles, potentially impacting their market value.
Parts and Service Continuity
The Pajero Sport has been built on the Triton pickup truck platform since 1996, spanning over three generations. This platform continuity should ensure that parts and service support remain available for existing owners even as the brand transitions to the new naming convention.
The Future of Mitsubishi’s SUV Strategy
Product Line Simplification
The potential naming change is part of Mitsubishi’s broader strategy to streamline its SUV offerings. With the company having recently dropped the ASX, Eclipse Cross, and Pajero Sport from its Australian lineup, leaving just the Triton and Outlander, the new Pajero could help fill the premium SUV gap in the brand’s portfolio.
Partnership Opportunities
Mitsubishi may also be planning a new version of the larger Pajero/Montero via a partnership with Nissan, which is a major shareholder of Mitsubishi. This could lead to additional SUV offerings that leverage both brands’ strengths in the off-road segment.
A Strategic Reset for Mitsubishi
The potential decision to drop “Sport” from the 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero represents more than a simple name change—it’s a strategic reset that could redefine the brand’s position in the competitive SUV market. For buyers, this means accessing a vehicle that promises to deliver the rugged capability and reliability associated with the original Pajero name, while incorporating modern technology and efficiency.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve toward electrification and stricter safety standards, Mitsubishi’s decision to revive the Pajero nameplate demonstrates confidence in the enduring appeal of body-on-frame SUVs. Whether this gamble pays off will depend on the company’s ability to deliver a vehicle that lives up to the Pajero legacy while meeting the demands of today’s SUV buyers.
The 2026 model year will be crucial for determining whether Mitsubishi can successfully resurrect one of its most iconic nameplates and reclaim its position as a leader in the off-road SUV segment.