Mitsubishi Motors has confirmed the return of the Montero for the year 2027, a 4.92 meter long off-road vehicle that will offer seven seats and a spar chassis. The model will be equipped with a 2.4-liter diesel engine, coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system that includes low gear, highlighting its vocation for off-road use.
This launch marks the fifth generation of the Mitsubishi Montero, whose history dates back to 1982. The model had been discontinued, no longer being sold in Europe in 2019 and globally in 2021. In some markets, the Montero is known by the name Pajero. At the moment, Europe is not among the markets announced for the sale of this new version.
Dimensions and design that refer to the model’s history
The 2027 Mitsubishi Montero is 4.92 meters long, 1.93 meters wide and 1.91 meters high. Compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser, it is 5 millimeters shorter and 50 millimeters narrower, but 40 millimeters taller. The wheelbase, at 2870 millimeters, exceeds that of the competitor by 20 millimeters.
Mitsubishi sought inspiration from visual elements from previous generations of the Montero. The C pillar, for example, evokes the external protection bar of the original model, while the rear door has a hexagonal shape that refers to the spare wheel mounted on the rear of old versions. The vehicle will have two design options for the front grille, one with horizontal bars and the other with a honeycomb structure and the headlights will feature a “T” shaped light signature.
The sports utility vehicle’s architecture maintains the tradition of off-road vehicles, with an independent chassis with spars and crossmembers. The Japanese automaker reports that torsional and flexural rigidity has been improved, with the use of more high-strength steel to control weight.
In terms of suspension, the front configuration is independent, with double wishbones, and the rear has a rigid axle guided by five arms.
The Montero 2027 has 230 millimeters of ground clearance, surpassing the Toyota Land Cruiser by 25 millimeters, which has 205 millimeters. In terms of attack angles, the Toyota stands out slightly with 31 degrees compared to the Mitsubishi’s 30.4 degrees. In the ventral angle, the difference is more noticeable: 25 degrees in the Land Cruiser and 22.6 degrees in the Montero. However, the Mitsubishi gains an advantage in departure angle, reaching 25.8 degrees, while the Land Cruiser registers 17 degrees.
Performance with diesel engine and Super Select 4WD-II all-wheel drive system
The 2.4-liter diesel engine with variable geometry turbocharger is the only one announced by Mitsubishi so far. Maximum power has not yet been revealed, but the declared maximum torque is 480 Nm.
The powertrain is combined with a newly developed eight-speed automatic gearbox, which also offers a manual gear selection mode.
The Super Select 4WD-II traction system allows the driver to choose between four different settings: 2H, for rear-wheel drive; 4H, with permanent all-wheel drive; 4HLc, which blocks the center differential; and 4LLc, which adds reduced gearing.
Furthermore, the new Montero is equipped with the S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) system, which coordinates several functions related to traction, stability, brakes and yaw control.
The vehicle offers seven driving programs for different situations: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock. One program is for everyday use, another focuses on fuel economy and the remaining five are dedicated to low-grip surfaces or driving off asphalt, selected by a rotary control.
To assist with off-road driving, the utility has a camera system that displays on the screen what is directly in front of and below the vehicle, areas that are usually hidden. This view is automatically activated in 4HLc and 4LLc modes, but can also be activated manually.
Technology and comfort inside the Montero 2027
The Montero’s body has three rows of seats and capacity for seven occupants. The second row can be adjusted longitudinally by up to 150 millimeters and includes a mechanism to recline and tilt the seat, facilitating access to the third row. Mitsubishi informs that the third row seats were designed to also be used by adults.
The instrument panel maintains a horizontal design and integrates two screens, measuring up to 14.3 inches, visually unified. In certain versions, one of the screens is 12.3 inches.
The vehicle’s digital instrumentation was inspired by the three auxiliary indicators present in previous generations of the Montero. It can display data relevant to off-road use, such as altitude, compass direction, external temperature, vehicle longitudinal and lateral inclination, as well as the operation of AYC yaw control.
Among the available comfort and technology items, the vehicle includes a three-zone climate control, ventilation for the seats, acoustic glass on the windshield and doors, wireless connectivity for smartphones and a Yamaha sound system with 12 speakers and two amplifiers.
In terms of safety, the Montero can be equipped with automatic emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist and motorcycle detection, front cross-traffic alert and the MI-PILOT function, which combines adaptive cruise control with the lane centering system. The vehicle also has eight airbags, including a central one between the front occupants.
