Mitsubishi Motors is continuing to expand its electric vehicle lineup with the introduction of a new EV developed through its alliance with Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi. However, while the company moves toward electrification, many Mitsubishi enthusiasts are still waiting for the return of one legendary name: the Mitsubishi Pajero.

The latest electric model is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback, a compact electric vehicle that takes a completely different direction from the original Eclipse sports car. Instead of being a performance coupe, the new Eclipse arrives as a modern electric crossover based on the latest Nissan Leaf platform.

As a rebadged model, the Eclipse Sportback shares many key components with the Nissan Leaf, including its electric architecture and underlying platform. Mitsubishi has added its own identity through unique exterior styling, featuring the brand’s signature Dynamic Shield front design, revised bumpers, exclusive wheel designs, and several rear-end changes to distinguish it from its Nissan counterpart.

This strategy allows Mitsubishi to accelerate its EV development without the massive cost of creating a completely new platform from scratch. By utilizing technology from Nissan, Mitsubishi can bring electric vehicles to market faster while strengthening its position in an increasingly competitive EV industry.

However, for longtime Mitsubishi fans, the biggest anticipation remains focused on the next-generation Pajero. The legendary SUV has built a strong reputation as one of the world’s most capable off-road vehicles, especially through its success in the Dakar Rally, where it became a symbol of Mitsubishi’s engineering strength and durability.

After production ended in 2021, Mitsubishi has started preparing the return of the Pajero name. The new generation is expected to become the brand’s flagship SUV, combining the legendary off-road capability of the original model with modern technology and improved comfort.

Unlike the Eclipse Sportback, which relies on alliance-based EV technology, the new Pajero is expected to use a rugged ladder-frame platform derived from the Mitsubishi Triton/L200 family. This foundation will provide the strength needed for serious off-road performance while also improving everyday drivability.

The return of the Pajero represents an important step for Mitsubishi in rebuilding its adventure-focused identity. After years of focusing more on family SUVs and collaboration-based models, the Pajero is expected to bring back the rugged character that made Mitsubishi famous among off-road enthusiasts worldwide.

While the Eclipse Sportback represents Mitsubishi’s future direction in the electric era, the new Pajero remains the model that many fans are eagerly waiting to see return.