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Mitsubishi Montero

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Mitsubishi Montero: Mitsubishi Montero: The Rugged Off-Roader Known Globally as Pajero
Photo: Ethan Llamas / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Mitsubishi Montero: The Rugged Off-Roader Known Globally as Pajero

The Montero was the North American name for Mitsubishi's legendary body-on-frame off-roader, a Dakar-winning 4x4 sold as the Pajero in most of the world.

Sold in the US and parts of the Americas as the Montero (and Pajero or Shogun elsewhere), this was Mitsubishi's serious off-road SUV. Across its run it earned a reputation for genuine backcountry capability, combining a tough chassis, locking differentials, and proven four-wheel-drive hardware.

The Montero gained credibility through Mitsubishi's dominance in the Dakar Rally, where Pajero-based machines racked up an extraordinary number of overall victories, cementing the model's tough image. Road-going versions ranged from utilitarian early models to the more refined, comfort-oriented later generations with independent suspension and V6 power.

Mitsubishi withdrew the Montero from the US market after 2006 as large body-on-frame SUVs fell out of favor there, but it continued in other regions for years. Today the Montero and its Pajero siblings enjoy a devoted following among overlanders and off-road enthusiasts who value durability and parts simplicity.

Frequently asked questions about Mitsubishi Montero

Is the Montero the same as the Pajero?
Yes, the Montero is the name used in North America and some other markets for the SUV sold elsewhere as the Pajero or Shogun.
Is the Montero good off-road?
Yes, the Montero is a capable body-on-frame off-roader with four-wheel drive, and its Pajero siblings dominated the Dakar Rally.
When did the Montero leave the US market?
Mitsubishi discontinued the Montero in the United States after 2006, though it continued in other regions for years.
What engines did the Montero use?
The Montero used a range of engines over its life, with later US versions powered by V6 gasoline engines.
Why is the Montero popular with overlanders?
Its proven durability, off-road hardware, and Dakar pedigree make the Montero a favorite among overlanders and 4x4 enthusiasts.

More on the Mitsubishi Montero

Mitsubishi brought the Pajero back as a real Land Cruiser rival
Mitsubishi brought the Pajero back as a real Land Cruiser rival

Mitsubishi revealed a fifth-generation Pajero on September 2, a body-on-frame SUV built in Thailand and aimed at the Toyota Land Cruiser. It is the first new Pajero since 2021, with a ladder frame from the Triton pickup, 9.1 inches of ground clearance, and a 2.4-liter turbodiesel.

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