Within Mitsubishi's new global product strategy, the Japanese firm decided to recover one of the most recognized models in its history. El Montero is back and already has a date to start a new stage.

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The brand recently presented its roadmap for the coming years, a plan that includes the launch of 13 vehicles between 2026 and 2031.

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Among all of them, one of the most important projects will be precisely the new generation of the Montero, an SUV that marked an era for its off-road capabilities.

A return that many expected

The confirmation ends years of speculation about the future of the model. Mitsubishi announced that the new Montero, known as Pajero in some markets, will debut globally during the fall of 2026.

The news has special relevance for the brand's followers in the United States. There, the last Montero stopped being sold in 2006, while other regions continued to receive new generations until the end of its production in 2021. If it finally reaches the North American market, it will mean the return of a historic name after two decades of absence.

It will target the major references in the segment

Mitsubishi announced that the future Montero will take the place of flagship SUV in its catalog. The intention is to offer a vehicle with authentic off-road capabilities and robust construction, prepared to compete against well-established models in the segment.

Among its possible rivals are names such as the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Ford Bronco, the Jeep Wrangler and the Lexus GX.

The company also assured that the vehicle will have a suspension developed specifically for this project, in addition to a differentiated cabin and a set-up focused on combining comfort and off-road performance.

More than a model, a complete family

Mitsubishi's plans go beyond launching a single SUV. The idea is to make the Montero the center of a line of products with its own identity.

According to the advances known so far, at least three different vehicles associated with this name could appear. Among them there would be a traditional off-roader, a family SUV and a compact alternative with adventure capabilities.

A story linked to the Dakar

The Montero's trajectory explains why his return generates so much expectation. Its story began in 1982, when Mitsubishi presented a vehicle that combined all-wheel drive with unusual levels of comfort for the time.

That formula was a success both on the streets and in the competition. The model racked up numerous international victories and built a legendary reputation in extreme events such as the Dakar Rally.

Throughout its different generations, the Montero managed to exceed 3,250,000 vehicles sold in more than 170 countries and regions, establishing itself as one of Mitsubishi's most successful and recognizable products.

A new stage for Mitsubishi

The return of the Montero is part of a broader transformation within the Japanese company. Its strategy includes a strong renewal of the range with SUVs, pickup trucks, family vehicles and electrified models.

Of the 13 launches planned until the beginning of the next decade, five will be hybrids and another five fully electric.

Everything indicates that Mitsubishi will concentrate its resources on utility and adventure vehicles, leaving rumors about the possible return of iconic sports cars like the Eclipse in the background.