2028 Mitsubishi Montero is shaping up as a true body‑on‑frame comeback SUV, aimed at buyers who want a modern, tech‑rich truck that can still tackle serious trails. Early reports and prototypes suggest a rugged design, Nissan‑shared hardware and plug‑in hybrid tech to bring the legendary nameplate into the EV‑leaning late‑2020s market.
Comeback Overview And Positioning
Mitsubishi has filed fresh Montero trademarks and has been caught testing a boxy, camouflaged SUV that strongly hints at a Pajero/Montero revival. After nearly two decades away from the U.S., the 2028 Montero is expected to return as a full‑size or near full‑size SUV, sitting above Outlander and targeting rivals like Toyota 4Runner, Land Cruiser and Nissan Armada.
Most sources expect the new Montero to lean heavily into off‑road credibility—ladder‑frame construction, real 4WD hardware and generous ground clearance—rather than simply being an enlarged crossover. This strategy aims to re‑establish Mitsubishi as a serious player in the adventure and overlanding space.
Platform, Powertrains And Off‑Road Hardware
Car-and-Driver and other outlets expect the 2028 Montero to share its basic platform and some running gear with the Nissan Armada or a related ladder‑frame SUV, thanks to the Renault‑Nissan‑Mitsubishi alliance. That means a robust frame suited to towing, payload and rough terrain, potentially paired with a twin‑turbo V6 as the main gasoline engine.
On the electrified side, a plug‑in hybrid (PHEV) version is strongly rumored, likely borrowing from Mitsubishi’s Outlander PHEV setup but scaled up with a larger battery and more powerful motors. Expect a dual‑motor all‑wheel‑drive layout, multi‑mode 4WD, locking functions and hill‑descent control to support genuine off‑road use rather than just soft‑roading.
Design, Cabin And Everyday Practicality
Spy shots show a tall, square‑shouldered body with pronounced wheel arches, vertical front fascia details and a full‑width rear light treatment that echoes modern off‑roaders. Short overhangs, high ride height and a relatively upright glasshouse all hint at strong approach and departure angles and good visibility on trails.
Inside, the Montero is expected to mix functional, wipe‑clean materials with upscale touches to compete in the family‑adventure segment. Three rows of seating, flexible cargo options and lots of small‑item storage are likely, positioning it as both a long‑distance tourer and a camping/overlanding base vehicle.
Price, Trims And Value Position
Pricing is still speculative, but most analysts expect the 2028 Montero to land slightly below comparable Toyotas while sitting above Outlander to reflect its size and hardware. A base gas model may start somewhere in the mid‑$40,000s, with well‑equipped off‑road and PHEV variants moving into the $55,000–$65,000 range depending on market and equipment.
Trim strategy will likely mirror rivals: a value‑focused entry model, a comfort‑oriented mid‑grade, and one or more off‑road‑oriented trims with extra protection, all‑terrain tires and unique styling accents. Regional pricing will depend heavily on import duties, local assembly and tax incentives for plug‑in hybrids.
Core 2028 Montero Details At A Glance (Projected)
| Area | Expected 2028 Montero Highlights |
|---|---|
| Platform | Body‑on‑frame SUV, likely sharing underpinnings with a Nissan Armada‑class ladder‑frame chassis. |
| Engines | Twin‑turbo V6 gas engine plus a larger, more powerful PHEV setup derived from Outlander PHEV tech. |
| Off‑Road Gear | Full‑time or selectable 4WD, low‑range, terrain modes, hill‑descent control, skid plates and high ground clearance. |
| Interior | Three rows, adventure‑oriented storage, durable materials with modern digital displays and connectivity. |
| Target Price Band | Roughly mid‑$40k entry to around mid‑$60k for top off‑road/PHEV trims (market‑dependent). |
| Market Focus | North America, Asia-Pacific and select global markets where Pajero/Montero has strong brand equity. |
These points blend what’s been reported with logical extensions of Mitsubishi’s current product and alliance strategy; final specs will only be clear after an official reveal.
Tech, Safety And Infotainment
Mitsubishi’s recent models emphasize value‑packed tech, and the Montero should benefit from the latest alliance infotainment and driver‑assist platforms. Expect a large central touchscreen, fully digital or hybrid instrument cluster, wireless smartphone integration, multiple USB‑C ports and connected navigation tuned for off‑road routing.
Advanced driver‑assist systems such as adaptive cruise control, lane‑keeping assist, blind‑spot monitoring, rear cross‑traffic alert and 360‑degree cameras are likely to be standard or widely available. Off‑road specific camera views, trail maps and possibly downloadable drive‑mode updates could help the Montero stand out among adventure SUVs.
Release Timing And What To Watch
Reports from Japan and dealer channels point to development targeting a production start around 2027, with the Montero arriving as a 2028 model in key markets. Mitsubishi has already filed name trademarks and is testing camouflaged prototypes in Europe and North America, reinforcing the timeline.
Buyers interested in the comeback should watch for a concept or near‑production reveal around mid‑decade auto shows, followed by order‑book openings roughly a year ahead of launch. Early adopters, especially in North America, may see limited initial allocations as Mitsubishi gauges demand and ramps up production.
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FAQs
Q1: Is the 2028 Montero officially confirmed?
Mitsubishi hasn’t issued a full model announcement yet, but trademarks, reports and prototype sightings strongly indicate a Montero/Pajero revival targeting around 2027–2028.
Q2: Will the new Montero be a serious off‑roader?
Yes, current reports point to body‑on‑frame construction, real 4WD hardware and trail‑focused design rather than a soft crossover.
Q3: Will there be a hybrid or PHEV version?
A plug‑in hybrid variant based on enlarged Outlander PHEV tech is widely expected as part of Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 electrification roadmap.
