Spied: Is this the all-new 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero?

Spy photographers spot a large body-on-frame Mitsubishi SUV

It looks like Mitsubishi is preparing to bring back a familiar (and revered) nameplate. Recently, spy photographers spotted what appears to be a large, boxy, body-on-frame SUV. Despite its camouflage livery, our spies told us that the mystery SUV is from Mitsubishi.

With its massive size, body-on-frame construction, and dynamic looks, it seems we’re looking at the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero. Also called the Mitsubishi Montero, the camouflaged SUV gets similar styling elements inspired by other Mitsubishi models, particularly the XForce and the latest Outlander.

It gets boxy fenders, flared wheel arches, distinct lighting elements that follow Mitsubishi’s design language, and an eye-catching grille. It also has side steps, a massive tailgate, and chunky roof pillars that give it a broader and more muscular appearance. Overall, the large and chunky-looking mystery SUV from Mitsubishi is big and bold.

However, we noticed that its rear LED taillights and tailgate appear to have the same appearance as the all-new Y63 Nissan Patrol. This suggests that the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero may be based on the Y63 Patrol platform. Combined with the fact that it has a body-on-frame construction, it’s hard not to think that Mitsubishi has kept the reveal of the Pajero name under wraps until now.

With Nissan and Mitsubishi already cooperating on building (and providing) several nameplates for each other, the fact that Mitsubishi is testing a prototype SUV in Europe speaks volumes about the brand’s ambitious plans. More importantly, if the Pajero/Montero name is indeed returning via the all-new Y63 Patrol, Mitsubishi may have something special coming soon.

The 2025 Japan Mobility Show (JMS) is just several months away, and with Mitsubishi busy testing a prototype, perhaps we might get to see the concept or production version make its debut at this year’s JMS. We’ll be keeping our fingers crossed that is indeed what will happen once October rolls around.