Mitsubishi just unveiled its new flagship SUV in Japan. The automotive brand has big plans for 2027 and even has a new electric vehicle on the way for its American portfolio.
The glory days of popular nameplates like the Lancer Evolution, Galant and Eclipse may have come and gone, but the Japanese automaker isn't done innovating.
Here's what drivers need to know about its new SUV and how it could impact the American Mitsubishi portfolio.
Mitsubishi revives Pajero nameplate as flagship SUV in Japan
The Mitsubishi Pajero is an off-road SUV that was globally discontinued in 2021 after an incredible 40-year production run. Mitsubishi sold around 3.3 million Pajero units over the years, says Motor1. Now, after a half-decade hiatus, the Pajero is making a comeback as a 2027 model year and the brand's flagship
SUV leading the charge toward the future.
The redesigned Pajero cross-country SUV will be produced in Thailand for the Thai market at first. It will also be sold in Japan and Australia. Mitsubishi plans to launch the Pajero in "approximately 100 countries worldwide" including in Latin America and the Middle East, according to its press release.
It's a premium three-row off-road model that measures around 194 inches long, the size of many popular midsize SUVs. The new Pajero comes with a 14.3-inch infotainment display, a forward collision mitigation system and lane keep assist.
Mitsubishi has not announced plans to bring the Pajero to the U.S., but the American lineup lacks a competitive midsize three-row SUV model.
Mitsubishi's American portfolio offerings in 2026
Mitsubishi Motors currently has four vehicles in its American portfolio for sale in 2026.
Mitsubishi models available for 2026 so far:
- Outlander ($29,995)
- Outlander PHEV ($43,245)
- Outlander Sport ($23,995)
- Eclipse Cross ($27,695)
The automaker does not have any sedans in its American lineup following the discontinuation of several impactful car models. It has an upcoming electric vehicle, the 2027 Eclipse Sportback EV slated for the fall for 2026.
Mitsubishi's Outlander small SUV is its most popular model for the American market. It's one of the few compact SUVs with three rows of seats.
Does Mitsubishi still make good cars for the US?
Mitsubishi's SUV models may be appealing to some drivers, but none of the SUVs sit at the top of ranking lists from major automotive ranking and review sites. The Japanese automaker attempts to compete against fierce rivals in the subcompact SUV segment like the Hyundai Kona and Mazda CX-30.
Its best-selling model, the Outlander, is regularly outsold by Japanese competitors like the popular Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V. Mazda and South Korean automaker Hyundai also produce popular small SUVs that tend to outrank the Outlander.
Mitsubishi still produces solid SUV models for its core fanbase, but its American portfolio could use a serious refresh. The Pajero may be exactly what the brand needs to shake things up as it once did in the 1990s.
Contact me at CSingh@Gannett.com to let me know your thoughts on Mitsubishi's American lineup and if it needs the Pajero to revitalize the portfolio.
Charles Singh is an Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY Network. Contact him at CSingh@Gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mitsubishi reveals new flagship SUV in Japan. Will it come to the US?
