2028 Mitsubishi Pajero Cross: Smaller SUV imagined

Mitsubishi appears to be on a mission to revitalise its model range, following the recent unveiling of its all-new Pajero.

With the current Mitsubishi Outlander now almost six years old, the SUV could be due for a major makeover, borrowing some styling cues from the Pajero – and potentially even its name.

While only speculation at this point, digital artist Theottle has proposed that Mitsubishi could reskin the Outlander with a Pajero-inspired design, creating a fresh identity under the Pajero umbrella.

These renderings from Theottle provide an insight into what a smaller 'Pajero Cross' could look like if Mitsubishi chose to expand its lineup and lean on the heritage of its most iconic SUV nameplate.

It may not be a completely Outlander-ish suggestion, given the Japanese automaker has previously offered the Pajero Mini, the Pajero Junior, the Pajero iO, and the Pajero Sport in global markets.

Indeed, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation president and chief operating officer Keisuke Kishiura said at the reveal of the fifth-generation Pajero in Tokyo earlier this month that the Japanese brand's new flagship SUV will spearhead an expanded range of SUV models wearing the 44-year-old nameplate.

“Going forward, with the all-new Pajero leading the lineup, we will expand the Pajero family to include compact and small SUVs,” he said.

Kishiura-san didn't provide any further information on the new Pajero-badged models, though a teaser image shown at the event featured two boxy vehicles under sheets.

It's not yet confirmed just how 'compact' and 'small' these vehicles will be. The term 'compact SUV' in the US refers to something Outlander-sized, for example. However, the 'small' Pajero-badged model in Mitsubishi's teaser image appears to be very small, which may mean it slots into Japan's 'kei' car segment.

The Mitsubishi president's remarks follow an earlier report from Nikkei Asia, which said Mitsubishi would launch a Toyota RAV4-sized SUV in 2028 or 2029, sold as a more off-road-capable alternative to the Outlander and sharing components but using a new platform developed in-house.

Mitsubishi has announced pricing for its all-new Pajero, with the entry-level five-seater GLS starting at $68,490 before on-road costs, and topping out at $84,990 before on-road costs for the GSR.

Underpinned by an upgraded version of the Triton ute's ladder-frame architecture, the new Pajero is powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine making 150kW and 480Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the company’s Super Select II four-wheel-drive system.

Should Mitsubishi choose to offer a Pajero Cross based on or positioned alongside the Outlander, it could be powered by the current model's 135kW/244Nm 2.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine, and/or its plug-in hybrid powertrain which combines a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 22.7kWh battery and dual electric motors, for total outputs of 221kW and 450Nm.

MORE: Explore the Mitsubishi showroom