Mitsubishi Montero Set for 2030 Return to America, Dealers Reveal

Mitsubishi Montero Poised for American Comeback

Mitsubishi dealers in America are anticipating the return of the Montero, with expectations pointing towards a 2030 launch. The resurrected SUV is slated to compete directly with the Toyota Land Cruiser, signaling a significant move for the brand in the United States market.

Dealer Meeting Reveals Future Product Plans

Details emerged following a Mitsubishi dealer meeting held on June 5 in Chicago, attended by approximately 180 retailers from the United States and Canada. The upcoming Montero was a key highlight, described by dealers as a significantly larger vehicle than the current Outlander. This new iteration is expected to be a body-on-frame, three-row SUV, built upon the platform of the Triton pickup truck.

Design and Features of the New Montero

Attendees at the dealer meeting described the new Montero, also referred to by its global name Pajero, as featuring boxy styling. The exterior design includes vertical headlights connected by a wide light bar, and T-shaped taillights at the rear. A notable departure from previous generations, the resurrected off-roader will reportedly adopt a conventional tailgate, moving away from the side-hinged rear door and externally mounted spare wheel.

Inside, the SUV is expected to offer three-row seating with ample space for passengers, even in the rearmost seats. The cabin is characterized as 'premium and modern,' suggesting a more refined interior compared to its pickup truck underpinnings. The new Montero is anticipated to offer around 12 inches (nearly 305 millimeters) of ground clearance, positioning it as a capable off-road contender. For context, the Ford Bronco offers 11.5 inches (292 millimeters) and the Bronco Raptor boasts 13.1 inches (332 millimeters).

Broader Product Strategy for North America

Beyond the Montero, Mitsubishi's future product lineup for North America includes other significant updates. The Outlander Sport is scheduled for its next generation in the second half of 2028, with expectations of a new platform and increased dimensions. The larger Outlander is also slated for a similar arrival timeframe, potentially moving to an all-Mitsubishi architecture, distancing itself from Renault ties.

Furthermore, by 2029, a new midsize truck is expected to reach U.S. dealerships. This truck will be derived from the body-on-frame platform that will also underpin the next-generation Ford Frontier. While sharing a platform, this new Mitsubishi truck is expected to have a distinct design, drawing inspiration from Mitsubishi's own Triton.