Pajero Rendering Fuels Montero Return to North America

Pixel art sparks real-world hopes: could Montero return?

Digital artist Vince Burlapp recently circulated a fresh rendering of a potential 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero, and the reaction among fans was immediate: could the Montero nameplate be coming back to North America? The image, prompted by a Japanese outlet and amplified across social media, does more than tease styling. It reignites conversations about Mitsubishi's strategy for full-size SUVs and the company's relationship with Nissan platforms.

Why this rendering matters

Mitsubishi's Pajero has a long global history, but in North America the model was sold as the Montero until it disappeared from dealer lots in 2006. The brand currently leans heavily on the Outlander family, which sells well but leaves Mitsubishi Motors North America without a true large off-road flagship. The new rendering, even if unofficial, illustrates a big opportunity: returning the Montero or Pajero as a premium full-size SUV could restore some of Mitsubishi's former showroom gravitas.

Platform politics: Nissan DNA under the skin

Rumors point to a practical approach. Automotive insiders believe Mitsubishi will badge-engineer the third-generation Y63 Nissan Armada/Patrol to reduce development costs. The Y63 underpinnings are already shared with the Z63 Infiniti QX80, so platform sharing would be proven technology for a revived Pajero/Montero.

Key technical possibilities highlighted by the rumor mill:

• Y63 Nissan Armada platform as a base
• Common architecture with Z63 Infiniti QX80
• Potential use of the new 3.5 L VR35DDTT twin-turbo V6
• Power estimates: around 425 hp for the standard Armada and up to 460 hp for Nismo variants

If Mitsubishi follows this path, the result would likely be a capable towing and off-road machine with modern safety and infotainment systems, while keeping development costs manageable.

Design and character: more than a rebadged Armada?

The Burlapp rendering balances recognizability and new personality. Even when a vehicle shares its bones with another, strong exterior and interior design can give it a distinct identity. The unofficial Pajero concept in the image incorporates traditional off-road cues—boxy proportions, rugged cladding, and upright stance—while also adopting contemporary Mitsubishi design signatures.

"Badge-engineering need not equal blandness," the rendering seems to say. With the right tuning, suspension, and optional off-road kit, a Montero could genuinely compete with the Land Cruiser and other premium off-road SUVs.

Market positioning and business case

Would Mitsubishi bring Montero back to North America? From a market standpoint, a full-size flagship positioned above the Outlander makes sense. Buyers seeking towing capacity, three-row comfort, and genuine off-road capability often bypass Mitsubishi today. Reintroducing a Montero would plug that gap and could attract buyers who previously chose Toyota, Nissan, Ford, or Jeep.

Pros:

• Faster development by leveraging Nissan platforms
• Competitive powertrain options with the VR35DDTT engine
• Clear heritage and marketing story for off-road enthusiasts

Cons:

• Segment is competitive and margin-sensitive
• Dealer investment and marketing costs for repositioning the brand

Final take

The rendering is not a confirmation, but it is a credible nudge toward a strategic possibility. If Mitsubishi does revive the Montero alongside a new Pajero, badge-engineering with Nissan could give them a cost-effective route back into the full-size SUV market. For enthusiasts craving a modern Montero with genuine capability, the idea is hard to ignore.

What do you think: should Mitsubishi bring the Montero back as a North American flagship and build it on Nissan's Armada platform?

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