- Camouflaged Mitsubishi SUV prototype spotted during testing in Southern Europe.
- The rugged, upright test car could preview the long-anticipated next-generation Pajero.
- It appears production-ready, though reports about its underpinnings remain contradictory.
A camouflaged prototype recently spotted in Southern Europe has reignited interest in Mitsubishi’s rugged SUV lineup, fueling speculation about the long-awaited return of the Pajero nameplate. Rumors have pointed in several directions, with some suggesting the new model could ride on the Outlander’s unibody platform, while others anticipate a more traditional ladder-frame setup borrowed from the Nissan Patrol.
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A new possibility has now entered the mix. This theory places the upcoming Pajero on the chassis of the Triton pickup, effectively stepping in for the aging Pajero Sport. Another contender is that the prototype represents the production version of the Mitsubishi DST concept, a seven-seat unibody SUV primarily intended for Asian markets.
Boxy Form, Familiar Features
Our spies captured the prototype undergoing hot-weather testing, showing off its nearly production-ready bodywork and lighting setup. The vehicle ditches earlier test mule disguises in favor of more refined, cohesive styling. It carries a tall, square profile with an upright nose and proportions that echo traditional off-roaders.
The front end features vertically-stacked LED DRLs set beside a wide grille and a bold skid plate. Along the sides, the greenhouse bears a resemblance to the DST concept, while the rear brings to mind the latest Nissan Patrol, thanks to its vertical window, connected LED taillights, and an oversized skid plate that doubles as a diffuser.
One of the more prominent theories comes from Australian outlet Drive, which suggests this prototype could replace the Pajero Sport, with Mitsubishi set to drop the “Sport” badge entirely. Earlier reports indicated that the next generation of this ladder-frame SUV would move further away from the closely related Triton pickup in terms of exterior styling.
Even so, based on the latest spy shots, the SUV seems to have slightly different proportions compared to previous Pajero Sport test mules. On closer inspection, it might share more in common with the unibody Outlander, though with a noticeably shorter front overhang and a more upright windshield.
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What Lies Beneath
The platform choice will ultimately shape the Pajero’s powertrain offerings. A version based on the Outlander’s CMF-C/D architecture would likely adopt the plug-in hybrid system producing 302 hp (225 kW / 306 PS). A ladder-frame chassis shared with the Triton would instead favor the 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine, delivering up to 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), with electrification expected to join the mix later.
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A model derived from the Patrol seems less likely, considering its 316 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) twin-turbo V6 and heavier-duty aspirations. There’s also the more economical option: a production version of the DST concept sharing its FWD layout and 1.5-liter, 103 hp (77 kW / 105 PS) gasoline engine with the Mitsubishi xForce. However, such a configuration would be an odd match for the Pajero name, which Mitsubishi probably won’t apply to an entry-level SUV.
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Given the stage of development shown in the latest spy shots, the final model may debut before the end of 2025, bringing some long-awaited answers with it.
Baldauf
#Mitsubishis #Boxy #SUV #Pajero #Reboot
