Electric Cars

The revered Mitsubishi Pajero, also known as the Montero in certain regions, is making a triumphant return after a significant absence. Discontinued globally five years ago and in the United States even earlier in 2006, this iconic off-road vehicle accumulated over 3.3 million sales across more than 170 countries since its debut in 1982. Its unexpected cessation in 2021 left a void, but now, the fifth-generation model is poised to reclaim its legacy, offering a compelling alternative to established rivals like the Toyota Land Cruiser.

The New Era of Mitsubishi Pajero: Design, Performance, and Interior Innovations

Mitsubishi's latest iteration of the Pajero emerges with a completely reimagined design, yet subtly nodding to its heritage. Its exterior showcases a commanding presence, featuring bold fenders, an imposing front grille, and substantial ground clearance—attributes essential for a serious off-road contender. The rugged aesthetic is further enhanced by chunky mud flaps and side steps, alongside generous suspension travel, signaling its readiness for challenging terrains. Equipped with either Toyo Open Country H/T or Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires (255/55 R20), the vehicle is built for adventure. A notable change is the shift from a traditional fifth door to a conventional tailgate, with the spare wheel thoughtfully mounted underneath.

Dimensionally, the new Pajero is a formidable machine, measuring 193.7 inches (4,920 millimeters) in length, 75.8 inches (1,925 millimeters) in width, and 75.2 inches (1,910 millimeters) in height. Its wheelbase extends to 113 inches (2,870 millimeters), with both axles maintaining a 1,630-mm (64.2-inch) track, ensuring stability and a commanding road presence. Under the hood, Mitsubishi has confirmed a turbocharged 2.4-liter diesel engine, borrowed from the Triton pickup, delivering a robust 354 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is complemented by the brand’s renowned Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II) system, offering four selectable modes to conquer diverse landscapes.

The interior of the 2027 Pajero marks a significant leap in luxury and functionality. Designed to accommodate seven passengers across three rows, the cabin boasts premium leather upholstery in higher trim levels, creating a sophisticated and inviting ambiance. The second-row seats offer 5.9 inches (150 millimeters) of sliding adjustment and a tumble mechanism for enhanced cargo capacity and easier access to the third row. A flat roofline ensures ample headroom, even for those in the rearmost seats. Comfort and convenience are paramount, with features such as double-glazed windows, an acoustic windshield for a quieter ride, a cooled storage area, a 12-speaker Yamaha sound system, tri-zone automatic climate control, manual rear shades, and heated second-row seats.

Technology takes center stage with dual 14.3-inch screens dominating the dashboard, providing a modern interface while retaining essential physical controls for frequently used functions like climate settings. A rotary knob allows for seamless switching between 4WD modes, and USB ports are conveniently located across all three rows. The innovative Multi Meter, now a digital layout integrated into the central screen, offers critical off-road information including pitch and roll angles, altitude, compass heading, and left-right torque distribution. Lower trim levels will feature slightly smaller 12.3-inch screens.

At its core, the new Pajero is built on a robust ladder-frame platform, shared with the Triton pickup, but with enhanced rigidity due to increased use of high-tensile steel. This structural improvement promises superior durability and reliability, both on and off the road. The SUV is equipped with a high-mounted double-wishbone front suspension and a new five-link rigid rear axle, meticulously tuned to balance on-road refinement with exceptional off-road capability. The steering is designed for natural feel, and the ride is composed, whether cruising highways or tackling challenging terrains.

Further enhancing its off-road prowess is Mitsubishi's Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This integrated system orchestrates the four-wheel-drive, Active Yaw Control, Active Stability and Traction Control, and ABS to ensure optimal stability and predictable handling. Continuously adapting to driver inputs and terrain conditions, the S-AWC system provides confidence in diverse environments. With 9.1 inches (230 millimeters) of ground clearance and impressive off-road angles—30.4 degrees approach, 22.6 degrees breakover, and 25.8 degrees departure—the Pajero is engineered for adventure. Its 52:48 front-to-rear weight distribution and long-travel suspension keep tires firmly planted, ensuring maximum traction over rugged landscapes.

The return of the Pajero is more than just a single model launch; Mitsubishi envisions it as the genesis of a new family of off-road vehicles. Following strategies employed by Toyota with its expanding Land Cruiser line and Land Rover with its diverse Defender offerings, Mitsubishi plans to introduce at least two smaller off-roaders under the Pajero nameplate. This strategic expansion signals Mitsubishi’s renewed commitment to the off-road segment and its ambition to regain market share globally. The brand's contemplation of reintroducing the Montero to North America further underscores its potential for a robust comeback.

The revival of the Mitsubishi Pajero is an exciting development for enthusiasts and a significant statement from the manufacturer. Its blend of rugged capability, luxurious comfort, and advanced technology positions it as a strong contender in the competitive SUV market. The decision to expand the Pajero into a series of models indicates a clear vision for the future, promising diverse options for adventurers worldwide.

Land Rover is poised to introduce its first fully electric Range Rover for the 2027 model year, a momentous occasion in the brand's 57-year history. This innovative SUV seamlessly merges the renowned luxury and off-road capabilities of the Range Rover with an advanced electric powertrain. It promises robust performance, an extensive driving range, and a design that thoughtfully blends tradition with cutting-edge electric vehicle technology, setting a new standard for electric luxury SUVs.

For decades, the Range Rover has epitomized luxury and rugged performance. Its transition to an all-electric variant has been a highly anticipated development since the introduction of the current fifth-generation model in 2022. The 2027 Range Rover Electric retains much of the aesthetic appeal of its gasoline-powered sibling. Engineers have meticulously refined the exterior, focusing on aerodynamic efficiency by redesigning the grille, optimizing the wheels, and incorporating streamlined underbody panels. Despite housing a substantial battery pack beneath the floor, the interior maintains the opulent and familiar layout characteristic of the Range Rover, ensuring that the plush cabin experience remains uninterrupted.

Under the hood, or rather, beneath the chassis, the Range Rover Electric boasts a sophisticated dual-motor electric powertrain. This system delivers a formidable 542 horsepower and an impressive 627 pound-feet of torque, enabling the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 4.3 seconds. During early test drives, prototypes demonstrated this exhilarating performance. All models are equipped with an adjustable air-spring suspension, providing a remarkably smooth and hushed ride, a hallmark of Range Rover comfort. The vehicle also retains its legendary off-road prowess, as evidenced by its performance on Land Rover's U.K. test facility in Gaydon, where it effortlessly navigated challenging terrain.

The electric traction management system, a standout feature, responds to wheel spin with exceptional speed—100 times faster than its combustion engine equivalent—at just 50 milliseconds. This rapid response significantly enhances control and stability during off-road excursions. Furthermore, the single-pedal driving mode, common in electric vehicles, offers precise control on steep inclines, simplifying navigation in demanding environments. The Range Rover Electric can also confidently wade through water up to 35 inches deep, matching the capabilities of its gasoline-powered counterpart.

On paved roads, the Range Rover Electric achieves an EPA-estimated driving range of 333 miles on a full charge from its 119-kWh battery pack. It incorporates an 800-volt architecture, supporting DC fast-charging at up to 350 kW. This advanced charging capability allows the battery to replenish from 10 to 80 percent in just 22 minutes, or add 125 miles of range in a mere 10 minutes. Every Range Rover Electric will come standard with a NACS charging port, ensuring broad compatibility with charging infrastructure.

The starting price for the Range Rover Electric is set at $140,550. While this represents a premium over the base gasoline model, which starts at $115,750, it is only a modest increase of $9,200 compared to the P550e plug-in hybrid's $131,350. For its inaugural year, a special First Edition model will be available, offering exclusive color options such as Belgravia Green, Santorini Black, or Varesine Blue. The First Edition also features a Light Cloud interior with Ultrafabric faux-leather upholstery, with genuine leather likely offered as an upgrade option. Additionally, customers can personalize their Range Rover Electric through the Bespoke customization program, ensuring a vehicle that truly reflects their individual preferences. Owners will also benefit from a dedicated smartphone app, allowing remote climate control adjustments, air purifier activation, and convenient monitoring of the vehicle's driving range.

This electric iteration continues the Range Rover's legacy of delivering unparalleled luxury and off-road performance, now with the added benefits of electric power. The 2027 Range Rover Electric is set to redefine what a premium electric SUV can be, offering a blend of elegance, capability, and environmental consciousness that is truly forward-looking.