2003 Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero/Shogun 5-doors Photos, engines & full specs

In 2003, Mitsubishi introduced a refreshed version of its aging Pajero/Montero/Shogun, improving both the design and the drivetrain for this SUV.

Mitsubishi's off-road flagship model featured a unibody construction with an integrated chassis that helped it keeps its weight under control. Not by much, though, as it was no featherweight either. But when that advantage was no longer enough to attract customers to the carmaker's showrooms, a facelift was needed to improve the vehicle. Yet, the powerplant remained the same 3.2-liter unit that was heavily taxed in many European countries, and that drove many customers away.

The Japanese automaker reshaped the front bumper and ditched the formerly used squared fog lamps replacing them with smaller round ones underneath the headlights. In addition, the entire range received body-colored bumpers and side protection moldings, thus improving the car's look. On the long wheelbase version, the rear doors sported a widened backside connected to the quarter panels. The big SUV also featured a third side window placed between the C-pillars and the tailgate.

Inside, the carmaker improved the cabin and included a restyled dashboard design that featured wood trims on the center stack and on the steering wheel. Mitsubishi offered an option for leather seats, while the base version featured cloth upholstery. As an option, customers could get the vehicle with a seven-seat option, the last row being placed in the trunk area.

The most significant upgrade was made under the hood, where the carmaker installed the same option for a 3.2-liter turbo-diesel or a 3.5-liter V-6. They were both mated with a five-speed automatic gearbox that featured manual mode.