Mitsubishi Signals New-Generation Pajero with Mirip Destinator Appearance

Photo: Latest Mitsubishi Pajero leak. (Photo: Mitsubishi)

JAKARTA - Mitsubishi together with Ralliart are reviving the collective memory of rally fans through a nostalgic ad. The video full of history has successfully attracted attention, but it is the mysterious SUV in the closing scene that has caught the most attention because it seems to be a hard code for the return of Pajero in the form of a new generation.

The ad titled "I Love Adventurous People" weaves together footage of Mitsubishi's legendary exploits in the World Rally Championship to the ferocity of the Dakar Rally. In the narration, the voiceover alludes to a period described as "a dark time", hinting at a waning momentum.

Launching from Carscoops, Saturday, January 3, the scene then switched to a rally-spec Triton that sped up to conquer the heavy terrain. The car confirmed its capacity by winning the 2025 Asia Cross Country Rally with the Team Ralliart livery.

Towards the end of the video, the Dakar-winning Pajero crosses a stretch of desert, then the camera captures a new SUV speeding down the highway. This model is very similar to the prototype that was caught on a road test camera in mid-2025, although its camouflage appears to be thinner.

In terms of design, the SUV carries a boxy and upright posture typical of off-road vehicles. Its proportions are reminiscent of classic ladder frame SUVs: a sharply notched hood, square fenders, vertical LED accents on the bumper, and a thick C-pillar.

Interestingly, many observers consider the front face to have similarities with the Mitsubishi Destinator that is marketed in Indonesia. Starting from the grille character to the composition of the lights that trigger speculation that this mysterious SUV could be one of Mitsubishi's global design red threads.

The SUV's appearance comes just after the iconic Pajero has strengthened rumors of the big name's return to the Mitsubishi product line. Known as Montero and Shogun in a number of markets, Pajero was produced from 1981 to 2021 in four generations.

In the racing arena, his reputation is undeniable with 12 overall victories in the Dakar Rally, including seven consecutive titles in 2001-2007. The Pajero name also continues to live through the Triton-based Pajero Sport, which has entered three generations since 1996.

This model is also expected to get a major update, considering that the current version has been circulating since 2015 with refreshes in 2019 and 2024. Until now, Mitsubishi has not officially confirmed what will be exhibited at the Tokyo Auto Salon.