2025 Mitsubishi Pajero imagined: VOTE! Which look do you prefer?

Mitsubishi is in the midst of a product offensive, with the recently launched 2024 Triton ute to be followed by a host of new metal – including, potentially, a new Pajero.

One of the already confirmed new Mitsies is a monocoque large SUV. Some have speculated that model will debut as a Toyota Kluger rival – but could it be a 2025 Pajero? Perhaps.

Previously mooted as a platform-share reboot with the Nissan Pathfinder, Mitsubishi executives have since shown an unwillingness to compromise the Pajero's tough image with a soft-roader reimagining.

Instead, if the Pajero name is to come back – something described as “a wonderful dream" by Mitsubishi president Takato Kato – it'll be a serious piece of kit.

To whet the appetite (and perhaps even inspire Mitsubishi itself), our mate Theottle has spun up a couple of potential Pajeros inspired by existing products in the Mitsubishi and broader alliance portfolio.

Let's take a look.

1) Outlander lends its looks to papa Pajero

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New Pajero imagined by | Theottle [↗] | Video [↗]

The first of Theo's concepts takes its cues from the new Infiniti QX80, known to be a preview for the next Nissan Patrol.

To give it a Mitsu edge, Theottle has gone the obvious route of stretching and re-shaping the popular Outlander midsize SUV to suit the proportions and intent of the Pajero.

There's a clear family connection here to not only the Outlander but also the brutish new Triton – so it could be just the ticket for a new-generation 'Padger'.

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New Pajero imagined by | Theottle [↗] | Video [↗]

2) XForce expands to large SUV

The second is a burgundy beaut', with a look inspired by the compact XForce concept revealed in 2023.

If that's the next ASX, could it also be a hint of Mitsu's next design direction?

Given such an evolution, we could expect the new Pajero's 'Dynamic Shield' front end and signature lighting to make a distinct leap away from the brand's current look.

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2025 Mitsubishi Pajero rendered by Theottle | © Wheels Media

For its proportions, we've looked to a combination of the outgoing Nissan Patrol and, again, the big new Infiniti QX80 – or more specifically, the earlier Infiniti QX Monograph.

The rear end, too, carries QX Monograph dimensions and broad shoulder line though it's accessorised with Mitsubishi-style LED tail lights and alloy wheels from the Pajero Sport ladder-frame SUV.

It is, of course, a huge departure from the last Pajero that first went on sale in 2006 and had various life-cycle updates that kept the monocoque 4x4 going until its plant closure in 2020.

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2025 Mitsubishi Pajero rendered by Theottle | © Wheels Media

Which would you prefer?

"if we do it, we want to control everything”

Although our imagined Pajero concepts borrow much of their overall shape from Nissan, Mitsubishi's Pajero (if it comes to be) won't just be a Patrol clone.

"A vehicle like Pajero? That's our brand", Koichi Namiki, general manager product strategy division told 4x4 Australia, adding "if we do it, we want to control everything.”

That could mean the new Pajero would transition to being a body-on-frame vehicle like the LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol, utilising a modified version of the Triton's ladder frame chassis.

It would certainly take the vehicle away from its heritage, but for towing, loading and off-roading, the ladder frame solution could work. Mitsubishi would also be able to better integrate battery-electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains from the ute.

What do you think of our Pajero imagination? Have your say in the comments!