Mitsubishi Pajero is Making a Comeback The Mitsubishi Pajero, which was phased out in 2021, is set to make a comeback. The global debut of the fifth-generation flagship SUV will take place on 2 September 2026 and bookings for the model will open in a few days. As per the plan, first customer deliveries of the model will be done by December 2026.
This iteration of the Pajero returns one of Mitsubishi’s most iconic off-road nameplates. Over the years and throughout more than 170 countries and regions around the world, more than 3.25 million Pajeros have been sold since the model’s debut in 1982. It also created a legendary off-road motorsport history with 12 overall wins in the Dakar Rally, including seven consecutive wins from 2001 to 2007.
1. The Fifth-Generation Mitsubishi Pajero Returns as a Global Flagship
Mitsubishi is resurrecting the Pajero in the form of an all-new fifth-generation flagship cross-country SUV after five years of absence. The SUV is scheduled to be globally unveiled on September 2, 2026, with pre-orders likely to start shortly afterwards. The first batch of SUVs are expected to reach customers by December 2026 in select markets, including Australia. Mitsubishi is not going to restrict the returns to a minor regional launch and plans to introduce the SUV across more than 100 markets.
Pajero’s Global Comeback Highlights:
- Fifth generation officially confirmed
- Global debut September 2, 2026
- Deliveries begin December 2026
- More than 100 markets planned
- Over 3.25 million sold historically
Strong pedigree supports Pajero comeback The name has a longstanding history, originating in 1982 and spanning four generations, and Mitsubishi is estimated to have sold more than 3.25 million units in more than 170 countries and regions. The Pajero has been well received as an authentic four-wheel-drive with the comfort of a passenger vehicle, and its racing history added to the name’s legend. The Pajero competed in the Dakar Rally for the first time in 1983 and achieved 12 overall wins, including a run of seven straight between 2001 and 2007.
2. Mitsubishi Brings Back a Heavy-Duty Body-on-Frame Chassis
The new Pajero will get the biggest change on the body-on-frame front. Unlike the previous fourth-generation (2006-2021) that used a unibody, the fifth-generation will revert to a more traditional heavy-duty ladder-frame. Interestingly, this platform is the same one used on the latest Triton pick-up truck, and both will be produced in Thailand in tandem, giving the Pajero the Triton platform while establishing its own SUV presence.
Heavy-Duty Chassis Features:
- Ladder-frame construction returns
- Triton platform provides foundation
- Thailand handles shared production
- Unique Pajero chassis tuning
- Bespoke cabin architecture developed
“The Pajero is not a Triton with a covered truck bed,” the automaker claims. “While a shared ladder-frame chassis architecture and powertrain development is used, engineers have created an entirely different cabin architecture for the SUV. They have tuned the chassis specifically for the Pajero so that it has a unique character on the road. This vehicle-specific engineering maximizes the benefits of a shared platform.”
3. Dakar-Inspired Suspension Balances Comfort and Off-Road Agility
The new Pajero features double wishbone independent suspension at the front and a five-link rigid rear axle. The familiar Dakar Rally programme has been tapped for experience in building a new suspension system for the Pajero. Engineering emphasis has been placed on minimising the pitching and vibrations of the vehicle body in urban and paved-surface driving while ensuring the strongest wheel articulation of any Pajero for off-road conditions. As a result, the new Pajero offers a comfortable, refined ride on paved roads, yet tackles tough off-road terrain with equal ease.
Suspension Engineering Priorities:
- Independent double-wishbone front
- Five-link rigid rear axle
- Dakar-derived tuning experience
- Reduced road vibration
- Increased off-road wheel articulation
The road-going suspension tuning complements the two-fold personality of the Pajero. On paved roads, the most noticeable difference is the way the suspension minimises body movement and vibration, resulting in the smooth and refined ride that luxury SUV buyers want. When the journey heads off-road, the suspension can adjust for greater wheel articulation while sustaining the Pajero’s high levels of off-road performance and robustness.
4. Pajero’s Off-Road Geometry Is Built for Difficult Terrain
Dimensions The 5th-generation Pajero was sized for tough off-road driving. It has a ground clearance of 9.1″ (230 mm) to allow the SUV to clear large obstacles, boulders, or deep ruts. The approach angle is 30.4-degrees, breakover angle is 22.6-degrees, and departure angle is 25.8-degrees. As compared to the 4th-generation Pajero, the last number is higher to bring the driver additional mechanical confidence with steep hillsides, rocky switchbacks, mountain trails, water crossings, and mountain passes.
Pajero Off-Road Geometry Details:
- 230 mm ground clearance
- 30.4-degree approach angle
- 22.6-degree breakover angle
- 25.8-degree departure angle
- Designed for rough terrain
Having 230 mm of ground clearance allows for more space under the vehicle when crossing terrain. A 30.4 degree approach angle allows the SUV to approach steep terrain without hitting the front underside easily. The higher the breakover and departure angles, the more confident you can be crossing harsh terrain. These measurements along with the approach angle give the Pajero a true set of physical features built on exploration, not styling.
5. The New Pajero Gets a Bold Exterior and Seven-Seat Cabin
The large, confident, modern and slab-sided appearance characterizes the exterior of the fifth-generation Pajero. At the front, the improved design features aggressive T-shaped LED headlights and chunky skid plates while squared-off wheel arches and side gills with Pajero lettering are seen on its rugged dimensions. The textured C-pillar blends into the roof design while a distinct tailgate shapes the rear of the vehicle. The overall length is 4,920 mm and highlights metallic paint options such as Armour Copper Metallic and Phantom Blue Metallic with gold accents.
Exterior and Cabin Highlights:
- Upright slab-sided body
- T-shaped LED lighting
- Protective front skid plates
- 4,920 mm overall length
- Seven-passenger three-row cabin
UP TO SEVEN INSIDE: The Mitsubishi Pajero seats up to seven inside, with room for three rows of passengers. Building the interior for passenger comfort and premium feels: The 2,870 mm wheelbase underpinning Pajero (GLX to GL) layout and cabin. Despite the Pajero’s off-road roots, Mitsubishi concentrated on creating a more upmarket interior, with select interior contact points dressing in soft touch materials and optional Camel leather with black inlays and contrast stitching.
6. Modern Technology Brings a Premium Experience Inside
Features & Accessories Pajero Dashboard And Digital Screen System And Display The Pajero’s dashboard is based around an advanced digital screen system. The top of the range models will be able to have a dual 14.3 inch display that would be positioned inside one of the streamlined displays. The lower trim models will have a single 12.3 inch display, with the system offering 16 different backgrounds.
Interior Technology Features:
- Dual 14.3-inch displays
- 12.3-inch lower trim screen
- Sixteen display background themes
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Ventilated passenger seating
The digital Multi Meter is perhaps the biggest interior change. It’s a digital version of the gauge cluster found on the original Pajero’s triple-dial analog cluster. The system offers readings that are likely to come in handy when the vehicle is tackling rutted off-road paths and steep ascents and descents. Altitude, compass heading, outside temp, pitch and roll angles and the vehicle’s left-right torque split are monitored.
7. Diesel Power and Super Select II Provide Serious 4WD Capability
Pajero: Powertrain At introduction, a 2.4-litre twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine from the Triton platform will be offered. This engine delivers up to 480Nm of torque in even some of the lower grades while two of the line-up are pegged at 470Nm. Power will be down on the Triton from 150kW (204 PS) up to 133kW (181 PS) and transmitted via an all new eight-speed automatic transmission.
Diesel Powertrain Specifications:
- 2.4-liter twin-turbo diesel
- Up to 480 Nm torque
- Around 204 PS output
- New eight-speed automatic
- Strong low-end pulling power
The diesel engine’s strong torque is intended to help the Pajero during demanding work such as towing and climbing. At the same time, the eight-speed automatic is designed to provide refined gear changes during highway driving.Traction comes from Mitsubishi’s Super Select II full-time four-wheel-drive system and Super-All Wheel Control. S-AWC uses Active Yaw Control to manage braking and power distribution, while seven terrain modes adjust throttle, transmission, and braking for surfaces such as mud, gravel, snow, and rocks.
8. Hybrid and Petrol Powertrains Are Planned for Different Markets
Mitsubishi says the diesel will spearhead the initial roll-out, but the Japanese brand is also developing some supplementary powertrain choices. One of those will be an electrified hybrid internally called the “P2”. This will likely employ a turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor up front sandwiched between the engine and transmission. The arrangement as imagined in the sketch above will likely also maintain full-time four-wheel-drive capability, so fans of Pajero off-road ability will have the electrification option.
Future Powertrain Plans:
- Diesel leads initial launch
- P2 hybrid system under development
- Turbocharged petrol engine planned
- Electric motor integrated in hybrid
- Full-time 4WD capability retained
The P2 hybrid system is only one element of Mitsu’s broader plan for the Pajero powertrain. Instead of the car being restricted to one engine type, Mitsubishi will be offering more options to cope with the rapidly-changing global needs. Petrol-only combustion engine variants will be available in places like the Middle East and Latin America, where traditional petrol engines are still very popular with buyers.
9. Pajero’s Global Rollout Includes Regional Names and European Return
The all-new fifth-gen Pajero will be assembled at the Thai plant, which it shares with the locally produced Triton. It will debut in September 2026, with first markets including Thailand, Japan and Australia through to early 2027. It will then go on sale in more than 100 markets across South-east Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and Europe part of Mitsubishi’s plan to make Pajero a significant global nameplate.
Global Market Expansion Plans:
- Thailand production confirmed
- Japan launch planned
- Australia deliveries targeted
- Europe included in rollout
- More than 100 markets targeted
The European 2024 revival of the Pajero nameplate is somewhat ironic in that the name plate gained many supporters in Italy following the moniker’s 1983 original in Italy, only to fade from European price lists in 2018. However, Mitsubishi was able to find a new distribution partner in Bassadone Auto for Italy. Various markets will also receive alternative badging, as the Spanish Speaking markets will be offered the Montero badge, and the United Kingdom has previously used the Shogun name badge, enabling Mitsubishi to retain a single product nameplate, while honouring history in each respective market.
10. Advanced Safety and a Future Pajero Family Expand the Legend
The new Pajero comes equipped with eight airbags and Mitsubishi’s MI-PILOT driver assistance suite. It also receives a 3D Multi Around Monitor featuring a virtual under-floor camera view. This system is designed to help drivers see areas underneath the vehicle that may not be visible from the cabin.The camera can help identify hidden rocks, sharp stumps, and other obstacles that could damage steering components or skid plates. This gives the Pajero another technology-focused feature specifically useful for difficult terrain.
Safety and Future Pajero Plans:
- Eight airbags included
- MI-PILOT driver assistance
- Under-floor camera view
- Compact SUV planned
- Kei off-roader planned
Mitsubishi’s plans for the Pajero extend beyond this flagship model. The company intends to turn the Pajero into an expanded sub-brand rather than keeping the name attached to one SUV.Future additions are expected to include a compact SUV with rugged design cues and a specialized kei-sized off-roader for the Japanese domestic market. These vehicles would allow the Pajero identity to reach different driver segments while keeping its connection to off-road adventure.
