The return of the Mitsubishi Pajero is undeniably in full swing. Though it was confirmed earlier this year by the Japanese automaker that there will be more models using the Pajero name beyond the upcoming full-size SUV, this is the first time we’ll be hearing how this plan will be executed.
We already know that the full-size, body-on-frame Pajero will debut later this fall, but Nikkei reports that this will be followed by a compact unibody crossover SUV around 2028 or 2029. The report also says that the compact crossover SUV version of the Pajero will be differentiated from other rivals by its four-wheel drive (4WD) tech. The vehicle will also come with a hybrid drivetrain.
Even more interesting is the rebirth of what was known as the Pajero Mini. This will be a kei-class off-roader similar in size to the Suzuki Jimny, though unlike the Jimny’s body-on-frame construction, this will also utilize a unibody crossover platform. All-wheel drive (AWD) will be available, while the publication reports that it will use the same hybrid drivetrain as the Xfroce HEV.
The good news is that the report says that there won’t be any platform sharing with a Nissan or a Renault for the upcoming Pajero crossovers. For now, these are still unconfirmed by Mitsubishi themselves, but the product plans from Nikkei’s report for the Pajero family do make sense.
Mitsubishi needs fresh products at the moment, and a Pajero compact crossover could be a popular model in the future, since it is this segment that’s in high demand worldwide. Meanwhile, a kei-class crossover SUV will also be popular in Japan, considering that the Jimny is a popular choice for Japanese consumers looking for a compact and affordable off-roader.
Mitsubishi’s path is very similar to what Toyota has done for the Land Cruiser. The Land Cruiser in 2026 doesn’t just include the full-size Land Cruiser 300, but also the Land Cruiser Prado and more recently, the compact Land Cruiser FJ.
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