Next-Gen Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Render Looks Nothing Like You Expected

The Mitsubishi Pajero is not the only nameplate making a return. Its smaller sibling, the Pajero Sport, is also in the pipeline for a big comeback. Even though the Pajero Sport has been pulled from markets like Australia earlier this year, it is still alive in other regions, with production continuing in Asia.

This third-generation model has been around for about 10 years, built on the same platform as the outgoing Mitsubishi Triton or L200 pickup truck. It has competed in a crowded SUV segment against vehicles like the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X, and Ford Everest, offering both gasoline and diesel engine options.

Since the Triton got a complete redesign recently, it only makes sense that its SUV counterpart would follow suit. Test prototypes of the next-generation Pajero Sport have already been spotted in public, showcasing a completely closed-off rear end for a more traditional SUV look—perfect for families who need cargo space rather than an open bed.

Design-wise, while many expect the new Pajero Sport to closely resemble the Triton from the front, others have imagined a bolder direction. A recent digital rendering from Kolesa presents a rugged, squared-off design with Y-shaped LED headlights, plastic body cladding, and a full-width rear light bar. It looks like a more compact version of the upcoming new Pajero, which is also in development.

Interestingly, the new Pajero is rumored to be a rebadged version of the Nissan Patrol, albeit with Mitsubishi’s unique design elements and a slightly tweaked cabin. That vehicle could arrive later this year or in early 2026. As for the Pajero Sport, Mitsubishi appears to be taking a bit more time, with an estimated release timeframe of either 2026 or even 2027.

Between us, the unofficial rendering has a lot of appeal—it brings personality and presence that the current model lacks. If the production version ends up looking anything like that, Mitsubishi might have a real winner on its hands. What kind of design would you prefer: something bold and boxy, or something that stays closer to the Triton?