A New Mitsubishi Montero Is Coming, but Not as Soon as Expected
Mitsubishi held a meeting on June 5 where it gave dealers a glimpse at a revamped North American lineup, according to Automotive News. Prototypes were shown for four new or revamped models that are expected to arrive in the United States between 2027 and 2030. The reimagined lineup includes an upgraded Outlander Trail Edition and a new Montero off-road SUV due by 2030.Mitsubishi's quest to stay competitive in North America continues—this time with tangible products, according to Automotive News. In a closed-door meeting on June 5, Mitsubishi executives gathered dealers from the United States and Canada to show proof of a new era for the company.MitsubishiThe Eclipse Sportback arrives in late 2026.Details like pricing, powertrains, and the exact launch timing are still unknown, but the event solidified Mitsubishi's commitment to its Momentum 2030 plan, which is supposed to reinvigorate its North American lineup with a new or upgraded model each year until March 2031. The plan kicks off with the Eclipse Sportback, a small electric SUV that goes on sale in late 2026.By mid-2027, Mitsubishi is expected to release an upgraded off-road Outlander that will improve on the current Trail Edition. The refresh is expected to increase ride height and include upgrades to the suspension and all-wheel-drive system, as well as revised front bumper styling.Michael Simari|Car and DriverThe second half of 2028 will likely include an overhaul for both the Outlander and Outlander Sport models. Both models will move to new platforms, and the Outlander Sport will get significantly larger. An Outlander Sport prototype at the event reportedly wore a rugged look, with a roof rack, ladder, all-terrain tires, and an aggressive front end with a large grille and push bar. The larger Outlander will receive an upgraded front end with sleek LED headlights.Mitsubishi also discussed plans to partner with Nissan for a new mid-size pickup truck for the North American market, which will ride on the same platform as the Frontier. The design is expected to be inspired by the Mitsubishi Triton truck, which is currently available in Asia, and the U.S.-bound truck is due out in 2029.KGP Photography|Car and DriverA new Pajero for Asia debuts later this year.Appearing in Asia for the first time this year is a new "cross-country SUV," which revives the Pajero nameplate. The reimagined Pajero shares its body-on-frame platform with the Triton and is reported to be roughly the same size as a Toyota Land Cruiser. The three-row SUV has about 12 inches of ground clearance and features a front light bar paired with vertically stacked headlights.While the Pajero will initially launch in Asia, Mitsubishi is considering a North American version as well. The SUV would likely arrive in showrooms badged as a Montero in 2030, according to Automotive News. The three-row SUV is also expected to trade the swinging rear door of past Monteros for a more standard rear hatch. Concrete details and designs are still far from complete, but more details should emerge in the next couple of years.➡️ Skip the lot. Let Car and Driver help you find your next car.Alayna Wilkening grew up reading motorsport magazines and following her grandpa around his Chevrolet dealership's showroom floor. In true Hoosier fashion, her first car was a hot pink custom cardboard "Fiero-vette" for her kindergarten Kindy 500 race. She now autocrosses a 1994 Miata with her dad, which she learned to drive the night before her first event. Alayna went to Indiana University and graduated with a degree in journalism and a minor in graphic design. As a testament to her great taste in cars, her first real one was a metallic orange 2007 Chevy HHR, which she lovingly called "The Dumptruck."
