As we’re inching closer to the global reveal of the revived Mitsubishi Pajero, a new development has emerged, and this could be of great delight to loyal Mitsubishi and Pajero fans.

According to Nikkei Asia, Mitsubishi Motors is looking to quickly expand the Pajero series and follow up the flagship model with two compact models – one could be a C-segment crossover that could take on the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, while the other could be a Jimny-sized version. 

This aligns with Mitsubishi’s confirmation of making the Pajero nameplate into a series of models, announced during Mitsubishi Motors Corporation's (MMC) 57th General Meeting of Shareholders.

As we know, the upcoming flagship Pajero SUV will be based on the Triton’s body-on-frame platform and will be manufactured in Thailand. The Japan launch is reportedly set for December, just a few months later than its global reveal set for September.

On the other hand, the compact model could be a RAV4- or CX-5-sized rival that will reportedly be built in Japan with its own crossover platform. As for its running gear, reports say it will share parts with the Outlander PHEV to keep development costs down and hasten its model rollout.

This could mark Mitsubishi’s entry into full hybrid vehicles in the Japanese market – a segment that the brand has yet to enter domestically. According to the report, sales of the compact Pajero hybrid could be targeted by late 2028 to early 2029. 

Lastly, the smaller Pajero will reportedly conform to Japan’s kei car regulations, which could put it in the same size as the Suzuki Jimny. This particular version could launch by around 2030. This could signal the revival of the Pajero Mini nameplate that Mitsubishi sold in Japan from 1994 to 2012.

The two compact versions of the Pajero will reportedly live up to the iconic SUV’s character, as both could feature electronically controlled four-wheel-drive systems designed to adapt to different terrain and suit customers who take their vehicles outdoors.