Next-gen Mitsubishi Pajero takes shape in fresh renders: Details from Japan shed light on rugged new Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol rival apparently in development: Reports

Word of a new generation of Mitsubishi Pajero is strengthening, with Japanese reports detailing the large SUV and even providing prospective design renders.

Japanese motoring outlet Best Car is the source for the designs and some insider details apparently gleaned from those with knowledge at Mitsubishi, but more details have already been swirling around the potential Pajero return, including some from here in Australia.

First up is a suggestion that seems to be consistent with most reports regarding the LandCruiser and Patrol rival — it’s going to be more upmarket than its predecessor, like a ‘Japanese Range Rover’, without sacrificing too much of its 4WD ability.

To this end, the Pajero’s drivetrain is reportedly going to be based on the same as the next-generation Outlander PHEV.

But new information from Best Car also speculates that there could be a Triton-based Pajero, something that seems likely to clash with the Pajero Sport and is potentially a bit of a red herring in the mix.

Even if that does happen, the Pajero could still take the electrification route — the current Triton was built with that potential in mind.

The other possibility is for the Pajero to use the CMF-C/D platform, which underpins the current Outlander and as well as Nissan’s Pathfinder.

In terms of how it looks and its market positioning, we’re yet to have any clarity, but the renders pictured in this story tell the story of a potential Outlander-based Pajero (red) or a Triton-based SUV (grey).

What we do know for sure is that something is coming to fill the Pajero’s boots.

Shaun Westcott, Mitsubishi Australia’s CEO, has told CarsGuide before that there is a large SUV coming, and that it’s going to be a “halo” model.

“I cannot tell you what it is, what it looks like, what the powertrain is, whether there’s a ladder frame, whether there’s monocoque. I cannot give you any of that information other than to say that Mitsubishi has announced that we are working on a large SUV,” said Westcott.

"I have put up my hand and said we would love to have one because it's a very valuable nameplate, because it is a fantastic product, because it's a halo product.

"For all of the above reasons, we would love to have one here."

If signs aren’t pointing to the Pajero there, we’re interested to see what else it could possibly be.