Mitsubishi Pajero Cross Could Become a Smaller, Rugged Addition to the Revived SUV Family

Mitsubishi is considering expanding the Pajero family following the nameplate’s return to its lineup. One potential addition could be a compact Pajero Cross styled after the flagship Pajero. For now, however, the project has not been officially confirmed, and the images circulating online are digital renderings of what a hypothetical production model could look like.

Mitsubishi has used the Pajero name on several SUVs of different sizes over the years. The company previously offered models such as the Pajero Mini, Pajero Junior, Pajero iO and Pajero Sport, giving the automaker plenty of historical precedent for expanding the family beyond a single model.

The idea of a new compact SUV carrying the Pajero name comes as Mitsubishi prepares to revive its flagship off-roader. During the presentation of the fifth-generation Pajero in Tokyo, Mitsubishi President and Chief Operating Officer Keisuke Kishiura said the company plans to expand the family with smaller and more compact SUVs.

Mitsubishi Pajero 2027 Preview

The event also featured a teaser showing two angular SUVs, although Mitsubishi did not reveal their dimensions or technical specifications. That makes it impossible to determine exactly which segments the upcoming models will target. According to reports, one could be a compact SUV roughly comparable in size to the Outlander, while the other could occupy a smaller segment.

Nikkei Asia previously reported that Mitsubishi could bring one of these vehicles to market for the 2028 or 2029 model year. The vehicle is expected to offer a more off-road-focused alternative to the Outlander, potentially sharing some components with it while using a newly developed platform.

Independent Mitsubishi Pajero Cross 2028 Rendering

Based on those statements, digital artist Theottle created his own interpretation of a compact Pajero Cross. The renderings borrow styling cues from the new Pajero and adapt them to a smaller body. The design retains the flagship SUV's boxy proportions and distinctive styling elements while translating them into a more compact package.

Whether the future model would actually be called the Pajero Cross or take a position alongside or below the Outlander remains unclear. One possible approach would involve using technology from the current Outlander while giving the vehicle a revised architecture and a stronger focus on off-road capability.

If Mitsubishi does develop a Pajero Cross using Outlander technology, or positions the new model as an alternative to the Outlander, its potential powertrain lineup could include familiar hardware. One gasoline option could be a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder producing 184 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque.

A plug-in hybrid version could use a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 22.7-kWh battery and two electric motors. Combined output is estimated at around 300 horsepower, with maximum torque reaching approximately 332 lb-ft.

For comparison, the new flagship Pajero is based on an upgraded version of the Triton’s body-on-frame architecture. Its powertrain includes a 2.4-liter turbo-diesel four-cylinder producing 204 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and Mitsubishi’s Super Select II four-wheel-drive system.

There has also been another theory surrounding Mitsubishi’s upcoming Pajero projects. Some reports have suggested that one of the vehicles previewed alongside the flagship Pajero could be a new Pajero Mini. That model would reportedly use a conventional crossover platform and serve as a road-oriented alternative with a similar appeal to the Suzuki Jimny Nomade.