Japanese SUV Revival // Mitsubishi's comeback starts with MONTERO (Pajero)

[@JA-zh5xi]

It’s hard to believe just how cool Mitsubishi was back in the 90s. They were crushing it with the eclipse, montero, diamanté, GT3000.

[@nextleveljourney6612]

Design and models yes - but those electrical problems on gremlins level and their transmission probs weren’t Giving

[@bhaktac5]

yeah dont know why they got rid of the Eclipse and 3000GT those were great cars so was the Lancer EVO

[@GoodlyPenguin]

Unfortunately "cool" doesn't pay the bills for a car company like Mitsubishi sadly

[@user-uq7io2os3r]

That started when they/MMC go to bed with Nissan 😢​@nextleveljourney6612

[@user-uq7io2os3r]

Famous mitsubishi Pajero/Montero sale slogan; " Born in Dakar championship " which was true as they still holds most of winning titles in aa row for Dakar championship in 90'ties..

[@seikocitizenwatches]

Montero is one of the greatest SUVs, the name of a Legend.

[@gerary]

Jimny needs to be sold here already it’s a no brainer

[@Ross-ue8gb]

No, tiny vehicles never worked out here in the America

[@bjsimon802]

they dont meet the safety standard here

[@faheemabbas3965]

Suzuki isn’t sold in America anymore

[@ChrisRobato]

Suzuki got burned here. Ain't coming back. Doing great in India instead.

[@globalcitizen8321]

​@@ChrisRobato it was wrongfully misjudged by Consumer Reports. They forged the rollover test, forcing a failure. (Suzuki Samurai which was the predecessor of the Jimny)

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Mitsubishi said they need to prioritize money making models first so remember guys,every new Mitsubishi SUV is just one step closer to a revived Lancer Evo.

[@Nemura12]

Good call, Mitsu. I do remember back in the 80s and 90s how well builded they were.

[@speedn16v]

Would love to see the Pajero Sport here in the U.S. after seeing them in Indonesia.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Mitsubishi is becoming cool again.😎

[@cardude1992]

Pajero my favourite.

[@masoudshaghaghi5744]

Remembering good old days with 1992 Galant VR4

[@brysonmblackwell]

Fingers crossed for a XTerra successor!

[@mrgurulittle7000]

Nissan confirmed it.👍

[@ericB3444]

If you say the legend returns, it has to be the Acura legend. The “icon” returns or something is better.

[@CsHyper]

YAY NEW RLX

[@Dwizzle2023]

If Mitsubishi shares cars with Nissan (outlander is rogue with make up) then it’s possible that the Xterra might come back with the Montero.

[@nnr3]

XTerra is alive and well just not sold in the US market.

[@GameMode7878]

Here in the Philippines, Pajero is still widely used until now with the likes of 2nd gen, Field Master and the 4th gen. Even though with its age and fuel efficiency issue, those cars still have one of the highest resale values.

[@bigprocrastinator]

If they bring back the Montero with a 6 cyl and it does even half of 4runner sales numbers I think toyota will put a v6 in it. Here's hoping the Montero makes it back to the US

[@michaelwillis5929]

Bring back the Jimmy!!! They were everywhere when I was in Iceland and Europe. It’s an awesome-looking car, and it would give that segment a run for its money.

[@eduardojimenez2044]

Isn't the Jimny a SUZUKI?

[@Dillingham-]

Isuzu Trooper please come back!

[@cardude1992]

@@Dillingham- it still exists but with a different name. It's called the Isuzu MU-X now.

[@Dillingham-]

@@cardude1992 Interesting, I wish it was in North America. One more reason to move to Australia lol

[@currythegoatofmankindthepa5156]

Should have never discontinued it was arguably the gen 2 was best the suv ever offered to the public in my opinion not the 80 series.

[@CarsTechWood]

Nissan should build the Xterra and make a deal with Mitsubishi to have a version of it as well

[@bigprocrastinator]

100% Nissan probably couldn't afford to do it without spreading costs across models

[@ChrisRobato]

Import the Nissan Terra.

[@laistrygonianrdc5537]

Pajero and Pajero Sport are two very different cars The Pajero Sport is a smaller version of the Pajero Pajero Sport is the rival of Toyota Fortuner (SUV based on Hilux) while Pajero is the rival of Landcruiser The Pajero Sport is still sold today and is based on the Triton, the current generation debuted in 2015 and one of its assembly locations is Thailand. Since the current generation is old, spyshots of the latest generation being tested have recently surfaced. And I think this is the Pajero Sport you are talking about, not the LandCruiser equivalent. The picture you provided also shows a face similar to the Triton. The Pajero (not Pajero Sport) is not based on the Triton and was never assembled in Thailand. But there is another rumor that mitsubishi wants to revive the Pajero (LandCruiser equivalent) using the base of the Armada/Patrol. And will likely be assembled in Japan like the Armada (the last generation Pajero was also only assembled in Japan).

[@cowbee8865]

Up this needs to be pinned or at the top as an owner of a Gen 4 Pajero the last generation. What makes the Pajero different from the trinity (LandCruiser, Patrol, Pajero) is that the Pajero Gen3/4 has a front and rear independent suspension (Same suspension set up used in their Dakar Rally Pajero) and a monocoque chassis with built in ladder frame. Gen3/4 Pajeros are closer to their Dakar Pajero cousins than like a Nascar Camaro. Also, no the Pajero always had a boxy body with the rear wheel on the tail gate and its pretty insulting to call it a defender clone when the Pajero design came from their Dakar rally experience and success recorded by the Guinness with 12 wins and 7 consecutive victory.

[@darrelltremblay9169]

I had mine for 23 years. It was a rock!

[@rafaelbetancourt3551]

I own a 2011 Mitsubishi Outlander with 149k miles, the car has given me great service. Simple 2.4 4 banger with CVT. The car has given me good service, maintenance has always been oil changes every 6k miles. For the price its been a great utility car.

[@marvdatboi]

They look like Range Rover knock offs you find in GTA… I’m not mad at it though 😂

[@bhaktac5]

had a 2000 Montero Sport ES great vehicle hope Mitsubishi brings it back to the states

[@waza3350]

The Montero/Pajero was not a body on frame 4x4, it switched to a monocoque design with the launch of the 3rd Gen. Pajero 4 also had a monocoque design. I think a lot of people are confusing the Montero/Pajero with the Pajero Sport which a completly different vehicle. Pajero sport is based on the L200. Since the L200/Triton has been updated, it is excepted that the Montero Sport will be updated as well. Based on the news I have read few weeks ago, the Pajero is except to come back on a monocoque chassis as a plug in hybrid, probably the same as the Outlander but much bigger. By the way the design we see on these 2 paper doesn't match the new Mitsubishi identity.

[@mrgurulittle7000]

That Range Rover looking SUV is actually the rendering for the Pajero and the SUV in front of of it is the Pajero Sport or Endeavor for the US market. But I find it weird that Ambition 2030 for North America had two SUVs that looked liked a Montero and an Endeavor/Montero Sport, while Ambition 2030 for Australia had a Pajero Sport with a next get Delica face on it.

[@mariocurbelo5822]

The montero two doors would be the really competition for the 2 doors wrangler and bronco

[@johnnysmile01]

They should do a new Pajero and a X-Terra they were pretty good and look nice it was a shame they didn't sold the Triton suv here in Portugal i think it a 3.0 v6 gas engine, i really liked because the L200 truck Strakar was pretty good, it would be nice to see a Delica outside Japan for european and American market, they also should bring the Evo and the Eclipse ( old good one) or even the 3000gt Mitsubishi had pretty cool cars back in the 90s like the Lancer variantions yeah

[@justincredible1990]

There used to be a Pajero mini back in the day, called the Shogun. It was similar sized to, and a rival of the Suzuki Jimny/Samurai. Great vehicles.

[@damilolaakanni]

The full size Pajero was what the UK called the Shogun. I think the one you're talking about is the Pajero Pinin/io which was about the size of most compact crossovers.

[@justincredible1990]

@@damilolaakanni You're not wrong but the smaller version was also called the Shogun in some markets too. I had a coworker with one here in Jamaica.

[@faheemabbas3965]

After the D:X concept production version for North America was basically confirmed, I wonder if the Pajero was in the Momentum 2030 press release photo. Like, the one with all the silhouettes?

[@pault7977]

I had a 2-door SWB Montero/Pajero/Shogun back in the early 90's. Absolutely amazing rig. It had the mechanics to go anywhere! Doesn't need to be luxurious or high-end. If they sold the 90's version today, I'd get it without hesitation.

[@joepup8348]

As exciting as it is to see Mitsubishi re-entering the BOF truck market, it'd be even cooler to see Isuzu come back with its Trooper and Rodeo. Talk about cult following, the Trooper in the 80s was probably the first boxy Japanese truck to really go mass market (the Land Cruiser was more niche). I think a plug-in Trooper would be a hit.

[@AxlAX]

They also need to bring back the Eclipse in AWD

[@Aprilsdailychaos]

I just bought a 2019 mitsubishi RVR and I love it! I traded in my 2014 caravan for it

[@miraphycs7377]

pajero sport is still in production. This "lesser" vehicle is actually body on frame solid rear axle while the big Pajero was unibody IRS IFS. Make that make sense...

[@bruce7890]

Montero body on frame might be the new Montero/Pajero Sport, not the monocoque Montero/Pajero

[@ej254]

I had 2 Pejeros before (the full size Pajero) Its an amazing 4wd car, extremely reliable (I can tell its as reliable as the Land Cruiser) for 1/2 the price of LC. Never had a single problem at all. Only 2 things I hate (The small fuel tank size, it's only 70 L for big SUV👎 And the other thing is the steering wheel feedback is so numb and can be improved)

[@emran1906]

I have an outlander 2016 with a quarter million miles, no problem, it's super solid with 3 row compromised

[@kheirfrancis22]

If the montero comes back, its gonna clean house with the SUVs we got today

[@atmartens]

I like Mitsubishi, but they're currently the super value brand. I think of Nissan as the value Japanese brand, and Mitsubishi even more so. I hope they'll come up with something, but they need to start moving quickly.

[@thebeast9606]

2006 was the last year of the Gen 3 full-size Montero Limited. I owned a 2005, lifted with 33-inch tires, the thing was an absolute BEAST, but it started to nickel and dime me. I recently traded it in for a 2024 4Runner Limited and overall don't regret it as they are fairly comparable vehicles. Hopefully, Mitsubishi does the Montero justice and makes a worthy off roader, not some watered-down mall crawler.

[@itsaboutfam]

It would be fitting and perfect timing for Mitsubishi to make it's comeback with probably their most decorated and successful product which is the Pajero/Montero. Some will say the Lancer Evo and yes it was a absolutely great car....but the Pajero/Montero is what started Mitsubishis Golden years. I am happy to see they are going back to the body on frame chassis. I am not saying the Gen 3 Montero/Pajero wasn't capable, because it was but it had its limitations. I would like to see them go with a more retro styling though with the 5th Gen Montero/Pajero. The next Outlander looks really good though!

[@ekinteko]

I don't think these reports are true. The Pajero was their most successful vehicle, it just wasn't popular in North America as the Montero. For those wondering, the Pajero used a hardened monocoque body for off-road purposes. It was not a ladder-frame style. And if you're wondering, yes, it makes a big difference. If the reports are talking about a new SUV from Mitsubishi, and it mentions ladder-frame style.... well that is NOT the Pajero/Shogun/Montero. If it shares the same chassis as the Mitsu Triton, then that would actually make it the next-gen Challenger. The last-gen Pajero (2007-2020) did pretty darn well, and there's heaps still on the road worldwide. It came in a SWB model. There was also the Mini or Pipin version, which was actually a different car/chassis (basically a Kei SUV). And there was even a Homologous Racing Car developed in the mid-90s to win the Dakar Rally based on this SUV which was sold to the public as the Mitsubishi EVOLUTION shogun.

[@eduardojimenez2044]

The best part of Montero were the drivers seats. Hopefully they'll bring them back in the new models.

[@Torsee]

My 84 had that seat! I can give you a false sense of security. I got airborne an bottomed it out… got shorter that day! 👍👍

[@dumdumbrown4225]

Great video, mate -- gives me hope! When I moved from Oz to the US I was stunned to find that the Suzuki Jimny, Nisan Patrol and the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero weren't sold here. Such a shame about how some testing agency got bribed by GM or Ford -- can't remember -- and tried to prove that the Jimny would flip over when all that while it was actually the Bronco and its buddies that kept flipping over. Can't blame Suzuki for leaving the USA. I was somewhat consoled to see the Nissan Armada with its brilliant Patrol V8 and 4x4 configuration, although I'm not sure it comes with limited-slip diffs and all the off-road goodies Nissan sells it with in west Asia and Australia -- believe it or not these things beat Lamborghinis and Dodge Challengers at drag races in the UAE and elsewhere. The Delica wasn't sold in Australia either but you could import it straight from Japan because Australia and Japan share the RHD system versus North America's LHD system. Eager to see Delicas and Pajeros/Monteros landing in the US of A ...yaaay!!

[@edwarddejong8025]

The Montero was sold in Brasil as an inexpensive 4 wheel drive vehicle. It did okay. This new Montero looks bigger than it used to be. The Pajero Mini is like the Suzuki Jimny which is one of the most popular cars on the planet. The Jimny costs a fortune in Brasil, but people love it because it is so cute. (The Jimny is the evolution of the Suzuki Samurai which had a brief fling in the USA)

[@ChrisRobato]

That's the Pajero TR, or referred to as the Pajero Pinin. It has a 1.5 or 2 liter four cylinder engine. The Pajero TR comes after the Pajero Junior (1000cc) which is bigger than the Pajero Mini (660cc). After the Pajero TR, then you have the Pajero Sport then the Pajero itself.

[@KreeH2023]

I had two best friends with Mitsubishi Monteros. They were awesome 4x4's. They also had some early hybrids (if my memory is correct). I wish the best for them. One an earlier video, re-who should team up, maybe they could team up with Mazda or Honda, or both!!

[@mjaraz5442]

My 24 Outlander is not powerful but I sure love the simplicity of its engine design and direct features.

[@bryannantrax110]

we can only pray they bring back the montero in its full glory

[@TataieTNR]

I hope the pajero will have a SWB version ❤

[@pedrolmaldonado1554]

People even loved the early Nissan Pathfinders (First and Second Generation). They aren't made as before.

[@charlesheller4667]

I have a 2007 6 speed manual 4x4 Nissan Xterra Pro 4x I don't want to let go of. I don't know why Nissan stopped making Xterras.

[@rrt08]

Nissan couldn’t keep them on the lot if they still had them with that V6.

[@lchanceiv]

That red Pajero mock up is giving land rover copy. I lived in Japan and would love a hybrid AWD Delica. In Japan these are not mommy mobiles but fun outdoor vehicles more in line with the VW vans. I hope it is not too late for Mitsubishi and they get some good product over here. I stress that they should have one hybrid powertrain to save money and R&D.

[@danielmelendez9943]

Ita very difficult for Mitsubishi to make a comeback. They dont have a vast network of dealers and they are not popular in the USA

[@brandonangelodiaz8854]

Watching here for the new Montero sport/Pajero sport news. Still waiting for the all new model of this! Also, the new Pajero that is confirmed to commence production in the next coming years.

[@the_original_misseclipse]

This is HUGE!!! ❤

[@tylersrubar6451]

If anything comes to US. That should brand it as Nissan it would sell better. Like this Pajero thing.

[@doodskie999]

Delica, Pajero, Lancer, 3000 GT, Eclipse, Triton/L200, Montero(pajero sport in other markets) Mitsubishi has a solid lineup in the 90's till early 2000's and they screwed it up! I wont forgive Miisubishi until they bring back the OG Pajero/Montero!

[@vivid25vb]

Own a 2005 Montero. Love it, but it's making funny sounds in drive. Would love to get a newer one with all the new technology.

[@CarsTechWood]

I am waiting for Nissan to bring back the Xterra so I can buy it

[@darknessislight3689]

This would be EPIC 😆

[@kittenastrophy5951]

Obviously since it will be built out of Thailand plant, the new Pajero Sport design is inspired by "Moo Deng". Look, how they're similar!

[@zbassr2106]

Miss my 02 Montero limited 😢

[@kingsleyadusei7606]

I have 2023 mitsubishi outlander sel,regular gas here in Connecticut. My dream was to get the pajero which didn't work..if they bring it back to USA, I'm sure I'm gonna get one ..

[@joepup8348]

Somehow the cool boxy trucks from Japan--the FJ Cruiser, Xterra, and early 2010s Pilot--disappeared just before boxy trucks became 'cool' again in the late 2010s. What poor timing!

[@marcusdumitru]

It's weird to hear about a new Outlander already, when the new one is still very new. The Nativa/Pajero/Montero Sport has always been built on the L200/Triton platform, and is in big need if s new model. The old Montero has been dead for the last 10 years. But if they do a new one, it's not on the Triton/L200 platform.

[@GIGABACHI]

I know these are CG images and probably not even close to the real article. But all I see it's a Jeep Wagoneer and Land Rover Discovery Sport. By all means, Please ! Bring those 2 over ! Specially the Montero. 👌

[@mikeausyou]

Mitsubishi have only just completed implementing their "Dynamic Shield" front-end design across their major models - Outlander, Pajero/Montero Sport, Triton/L200. I find it hard to believe that Mitsubishi will abandon that design concept so quickly for these future designs. These photos look just like so many other cars - not the new Mitsubishi design.

[@burningknuckle26]

i had the Pajero in gran turismo

[@faheemabbas3965]

What about the silhouettes from the Mitsubishi Momentum 2030 press release photo, where the production DX concept was?

[@davidkeetz]

I may just have to get the new montero to go with my full size gen 1

[@dexburwell]

I’m old school… 1980’s Mitsu. Montero/Dodge Raider 4x4 2 door 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@LeoTheShortGuy]

Awesome

[@jeromep3182]

I also loved the Isuzu Trooper too

[@ChrisRobato]

That one came to the US ironically as the first gen Honda Pilot. It was rebadged.

[@nicolasbozzo2364]

That montero looks very similar to the third gen Pathfinder

[@mas7653]

They need to make a 2 door Montero

[@overunder_4x4]

Great news!

[@Blank00]

An Outlander refresh is coming for 2025. Do you think the standard model will see the 2.5 replaced by the 1.5 VCT like the Rogue?

[@ChrisRobato]

I'm guessing not. The PR25DD 2.5 is a rather new engine only introduced in 2021 so Nissan needs to milk the cost of its development through an extended production run before it gets replaced. The previous engine QR25DE lasted 15 years.

[@ChrisRobato]

Pajero Sport aka Montero Sport is not discontinued in the globe. NA missed further two generations of it, the last and current still being sold and popular.

[@KirkKreifels]

Yes. Did you see my footnote in the video?

[@ChrisRobato]

​@@KirkKreifelsok

[@pauladam8918]

I love the 2022 outlander looks and bought one great SUV the new one your showing is ugly I thought they were finally changing their looks for the better that is a huge step back

[@giocoby]

If it's based in the Triton platform and made in Thailand, then that will likely be a Pajero/Montero Sport.

[@joebrown9621]

Mitsubishi had a Pajero Jr ( Junior ) years ago it was a little bigger the Suzuki Jimny but just as capable 4WD system

[@aydenu9057]

I think with the new Nissan/mitsubishi/honda alliance, i think Mitsubishi would be the perfect company to start selling work vans/trucks to compete against Ram. Put any Honda motor in there and it’ll instantly be a success.

[@rrt08]

Mitsubishi little pickups were great years ago.

[@joeschlepp]

oh good built in Mexico because that's worked out so well for Toyota's Tacoma.

[@nicolasbozzo2364]

Is your cap from Target? I think I have the same one!

[@terrancedarrisaw9604]

Something that won’t be coming to the US

[@747-pilot]

I would not touch anything built in MEXICO with a 10 foot pole. Bad enough things built in North America (USA/Canada) are lower quality than JAPANESE built units. But Mexico? Are you kidding me? 😂 …..I can’t believe that you can even say that with a straight face. That is exactly the reason I would not touch the Toyota Tacoma with a 10 foot pole! (Luckily I’m not in the market for a pickup truck, and never will be!).

[@Venomoustoxins2122]

I hope it’s related to the frontier and use the 3.8l vq38 engine

[@rogerjosuepena875]

Even a Triton based US FRONTIER

[@kiskis4376]

Outlander looks like the Pajero BK

[@amimartian]

Neither Pajero, nor Pajero of the early 2000s were not to body-on-frame, but a frame reinforced monocoque.

[@ra_redesignautomobiles]

Theyll all share some badge with nissan as Triton will be Frontier Np300 Navara and Pajero Sport will be Terra

[@ibanezmakki]

The Pajero and Montero switched from being body on frame to a unibody design from the 1999 model 😢

[@ChrisRobato]

This sounds to me a Pajero Sport or Montero Sport replacement. The current Pajero Sport began in 2015 so it's already due for a generation change. The last two generations of Pajero Sport has sold well for Mitsubishi without the bother of the US market, so I see this new Pajero Sport continuing this and it won't be exported to the US. Instead, look for the new Mitsubishi Xforce crossover as a likely replacement to the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport in the US, albeit with a 2 liter engine instead of a 1.5. I don't think the Renault based new Mitsubishi ASX will come to the US, previous ASX has been the basis for the Outlander Sport.

[@brysonmblackwell]

Serious question. If they had given the Titan another generation with the same new tech as the new Armada? Do you think it would have sold better?

[@tylersrubar6451]

I think maybe, but realistically it never really sold that well. I don’t think it ever came close to 100k.

[@MrGtronx]

Kirk can you do a video on the upcoming M Delica

[@darrelltremblay9169]

Out of Mexico, that’s a deal breaker!

[@AllanBrogdon]

My only vehicle is a 2000 Montero sport.

[@watchchimp3102]

Glad to hear the Mitsubishi Montero is making a comeback. But, I am not thrilled with the direction they've chosen to take. Looks like they're hitting the middle ground between an Explorer and a 4-Runner. MEH! I was really hoping for a Japanese Jeep/Bronco competitor with a drop or removable top. Something more rugged and less Chi-Chi. But, I'll reserve judgment until we see it in the metal! 😮

[@allisonpalaganas5957]

just bring back the Pajero mk2.5 with a modern engine and tech

[@aarsenalfan]

Looks like new 4runner (no electric garbage) , hopefully cheaper 👌🤣🍻