But the Mitsubishi Pajero is set to return and on a considerably grander scale than just merely a model resurrection. After disappearing in 2021 at the end of the fourth generation that ran for close to 40 years, the nameplate is going to be the lynchpin to a new, expanded line-up of SUVs: ranging from ultra-extreme off-roader; to volume-market small crossover; to even-smaller entrant aiming to tackle compact off-roaders; essentially an entirely new family from the ground up, instead of a revival.

During the official world-premiere event, the all-new Pajero will head this new extended line, told to Mitsubishi Motors Corporation President & COO Keisuke Kishiura. The company previously released two teaser photos that showed two other more boxy models standing right next to the flagship, showing early details to fans about new models that might coming. However, it lets Mitsubishi capitalize on Pajero’s tough off-road reputation, in several car sectors but still targeting two distinct markets – high level of capacity and tech for the top, and mass market for both of its two boxy siblings.

The resurrection is not an insignificant one either, as the Pajero name bears a legacy of several decades of off-roading history. What helped create Mitsubishi’s identity in the world of four-wheel drives to a large degree were the models before it and of course the racing success of the name helped it gain worldwide renown. The new cars will try to carry that legacy together with contemporary technology such as electrification and sophisticated safety systems, as well as more pleasant road handling and new styling. Should Mitsubishi manage the feat well, the Pajero is once more set to be one of Mitsubishi’s leading names around the globe.

1. The Fifth-Generation Pajero Returns

The Mitsubishi Pajero returns, and more so than just bringing a model back, the entire name will become a significant player. The all-new fifth generation of the flagship SUV is poised for a world unveiling in the third quarter of 2026, before making it way around the world and arriving for customers in the third and fourth quarter of 2026 or early 2027, with Australian arrival set for late 2026. Forget about a softer-roading SUV crossover however-the new Pajero is being designed around a sturdy ladder-frame chassis, drawn from the basis of the newly announced Triton ute, which would also equip it with the strength necessary for extensive off-roading but could permit some enhancements in highway dynamics and ride comfort.

Expected to sit above the Pajero Sport, the new Pajero will be Mitsubishi’s new, proper SUV and should exist in their range as two distinct vehicles to cater to different needs. The Pajero is designed to provide potential customers with the ultimate capability that a true off-roader provides, combined with the usual mod-cons one would expect from a new family SUV. The vehicle’s expected ladder frame will be designed to be as capable as is necessary for even the roughest of tracks, but a specially adapted suspension and some advanced electronics should make it a pleasure to drive on the road. With a large number of SUVs requiring to cater for families, highways driving, towing and weekend off-road leisure time and buyers expecting each vehicle to be the solution to all their needs, finding such a compromise would come as no surprise.

Design and cabin details shaping the flagship:

• Bold T-shaped LED daytime lights
• Muscular fender flares add presence
• Protective cladding reinforces rugged character
• Five- or seven-seat configurations expected
• Large touchscreen supports modern connectivity

The outside should further establish the Pajero’s larger identity with an authoritative presence, stout bodywork, body cladding and design cues inspired by recent Mitsubishi styling studies. The interior should arrive in either a 5 or 7-seater layout across the three rows, providing the customer with a choice between passenger volume and cargo capacity. A digital instrument cluster, enormous center-mounted screen, and the inclusion of wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto should make for a thoroughly modern cabin, without straying too far from the utilitarian persona that defines the Pajero name.

2. Bi-Turbo Diesel and Super Select 4WD

The 2.4L twin-turbo diesel engine from Mitsubishi, code-named the 4N16, is predicted to serve as the power unit for the upcoming new flagship Pajero. Producing a figure around 150kW, or 201hp, this mill also is predicted to output a significant amount of torque of up to 470Nm. These figures are expected to give the SUV that torquey feel suitable for a large SUV suitable for taking off-roading, pulling, hauling or even crawling up hills at slow paces. The 4N16 is rumored to be mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, a configuration that has become relatively standard and will predictably deliver the ample amount of torque from the diesel in a refined fashion.

The new Pajero’s off-road ability will also be provided by Mitsubishi’s Super Select II four wheel drive system. It has an all-terrain transfer case with two-speed and different terrain modes that enable it to be tuned more precisely to different surfaces and conditions. The two speed gear allows control of the full available torque at very low speeds on demanding obstacles, whilst the modes adjust the systems response, perhaps allowing an inexperienced driver to adapt them more precisely.

Hardware supporting difficult terrain:

• 2.4-liter bi-turbo diesel engine
• Approximately 470 Nm of torque
• Six-speed automatic transmission
• Super Select II four-wheel drive
• Low-range gearing and terrain modes

Mitsubishi is also tuning the suspension to individual models and to allow a decent amount of wheel travel while keeping comfort, and not making the suspension too unforgiving for day-to-day driving, which is probably the primary challenge, having an off-roader that is so good in such two disparate environments. Hard suspension tuning is never going to allow a lot of wheel articulation, and something which is far too soft, or specifically designed for off-roading cannot cope well enough day-to-day. Mitsubishi is not going to risk undermining the ability to retain that rugged feel, it would be undesirable to do it badly.

3. Advanced Technology and Premium Equipment

As part of its revival, the new flagship will benefit from the typical off-road underpinnings but be mated to an exceptionally more complex technological ensemble. The higher trim levels are slated to benefit from Multi-terrain Select and the fitment of a 360 degree camera set, adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping assist function, and the fitment of a head-up display. Software will be of the over-the-air update nature giving Mitsubishi the opportunity to update the systems in certain parts of the vehicle instead of making every advancement work in concert within a required visit to the service bay. These technological changes are tremendous from the preceding generations of Pajeros whose mechanical reliability and a four-wheel-drive ability were their calling card.

An enhanced level of connectivity and convenience are also expected with this new cabin. A digital instrument cluster should offer contemporary data presentation immediately in front of the driver, while an large central touchscreen should be responsible for information-entertainment system duties. A wire-free version of the Apple Car Play and Android Auto features should make it possible for compatible phones to communicate without the aid of a cord. Though these modern features are not unusual in any family SUV, they are worth highlighting on a model that was once almost entirely about rugged mechanicals, rather than silicon.

Premium features expected on higher trims:

• Multi-terrain Select driving system
• 360-degree surround-view camera
• Adaptive cruise control technology
• Lane-keeping assistance and head-up display
• Over-the-air software updates

Starting in prices above $40,000, it will launch to meet serious competitors in the global SUV segment from automakers that already compete heavily for this kind of vehicle: Toyota Prado, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Everest, Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Isuzu MU-X. The flagship is set to be sold in over 100 countries worldwide; an important aspect to Mitsubishi will be its use and adaptation throughout the markets of Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, and it is being sold as the Montero in certain regions to maintain that naming structure there.

4. The Heritage Behind the Pajero Name

The importance of the revival becomes sharper still when the context is given a further retrospective examination in the form of a longer lineage. Mitsubishi introduced the first generation of Pajero as a 1982 model year during the later part of 1981. With it the Japanese firm manufactured an SUV that truly addressed and satisfied true off-road requirements, but offered up in the form of a package that offered a certain “civilization” and passenger car-type convenience that helped bring the notion of a four-wheel-drive vehicle within the realms of accessibility for an ever wider section of motorists. Pajero, itself is the Spanish-language term referring to the Pampas cat of South America, a creature whose ability and identification with untamed territory gave the SUV a perfect branding fit.

During four generations Mitsubishi built over 3.25 million Pajeros, of which the name became far more famous in motor sport, the Pajero gaining an incredibly tough reputation especially at Dakar Rally. In the process the Mitsubishi name has led to the “King of Dakar” and thus the Pajero evolved from a simple four wheel-drive off-roader into a global symbol of endurance; and that one fact is one of Mitsubishi’s strongest attributes as the name is to be revived.

Milestones that built the Pajero reputation:

• First generation launched in 1981
• More than 3.25 million sold
• Four generations shaped its history
• Major success in Dakar Rally
• Motorsport created global recognition

Significant mechanical evolution has been observed for the Pajero too. In earlier times, independent front suspension was specified, and in later eras a unibody has appeared featuring an integral body-frame chassis. Robust and strong diesel engines-in the form of latter-day 3.2-liter turbo-diesels, particularly-have too lent the model an identity of sorts. So, there is no need for the all new flagship to carve out a name for itself in the off road arena from fresh: Mitsubishi stands on over sixty years of technical evolution, motorsport success and brand loyalty, plus the recognition of a badge currently associated firmly with challenges of the toughest kind.

5. A Compact Pajero Will Follow

Mitsubishi’s plans extend well beyond the large flagship. A unibody compact crossover is expected around 2028 or 2029, targeting one of the most competitive and high-volume segments in the global SUV market. Its primary target will reportedly include vehicles such as the Toyota RAV4, while Mitsubishi wants to position it as a more off-road-capable alternative to the existing Outlander. This would give the Pajero name a presence in a much broader portion of the market instead of restricting it to customers who need a large ladder-frame SUV.

The existing Outlander measures approximately 4,720 mm in length, 1,862 mm in width, and 1,745 mm in height, with a 2,706 mm wheelbase. The upcoming compact Pajero is expected to use some components from the Outlander to help control development costs, but Mitsubishi plans to place it on a dedicated platform developed around its own engineering priorities. The company has indicated that the model will not simply be a rebadged Nissan. That distinction is important because Mitsubishi wants the compact Pajero to retain its own driving character and stronger connection to off-road capability.

Characteristics expected from the compact model:

• Unibody crossover construction
• Targeting the Toyota RAV4
• More capability than urban crossovers
• Possible mild-hybrid or PHEV power
• Expected pricing below $35,000

Pricing is expected to start below $35,000, giving Mitsubishi an opportunity to compete aggressively in the compact SUV market. Production could potentially take place in Thailand or the United States, depending on the final manufacturing strategy. Electrification is also expected to play an important role, with possible mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid technology. Increased ground clearance, distinctive styling, and specialized all-wheel-drive tuning could help separate the compact Pajero from ordinary urban crossovers while attracting buyers who want improved efficiency without giving up a more adventurous SUV character.

6. The Baby Pajero Targets the Suzuki Jimny

Around 2030, Mitsubishi is expected to introduce an even smaller off-road-oriented model aimed directly at the Suzuki Jimny. The vehicle would revive the spirit of earlier Mitsubishi products such as the Pajero Mini and Pajero iO. The Pajero Mini was sold in Japan between 1994 and 2012 and measured approximately 3,295 mm long. The Pajero iO was offered globally between 1999 and 2002 in three-door and five-door forms, measuring approximately 3,710 mm in length. Those earlier models established a precedent for combining small dimensions with useful capability and off-road functionality.

The upcoming baby Pajero is expected to use high ground clearance, unibody construction, and all-wheel drive within a small and highly maneuverable body. In Japan, Mitsubishi could potentially adapt the vehicle to the kei-car category by using a turbocharged 660cc engine. Such a configuration would allow the model to fit Japan’s distinctive small-car market while preserving the compact dimensions that helped make the Pajero Mini appealing. International versions could instead use a larger and more powerful electrified powertrain suited to broader market requirements.

Small-SUV ingredients under consideration:

• High ground clearance
• Compact and maneuverable dimensions
• Unibody construction
• Available all-wheel drive
• Possible electrified powertrain

One possibility is the 1.6-liter hybrid system already used in the overseas Xforce. That setup combines a 97 kW gasoline engine producing 134 Nm with an 85 kW electric motor producing 255 Nm, paired with a continuously variable transmission. Applying an electrified powertrain to a miniature off-roader could provide strong low-speed response while improving efficiency. The result would represent a modern interpretation of the compact Pajero formula, combining maneuverability and small dimensions with hybrid technology and Mitsubishi’s continued focus on all-wheel-drive capability.

7. The Pajero Sport Will Continue

The return of the flagship Pajero and the planned arrival of smaller family members will not immediately eliminate the Pajero Sport. The existing model is now roughly 11 years old, having been introduced in 2015 using Triton underpinnings before receiving updates in 2019 and 2024. Although it was removed from the Australian market in 2025 because of updated regulations, Mitsubishi leadership has confirmed that the Pajero Sport will continue in selected global markets alongside the new flagship.

Keeping the Pajero Sport gives Mitsubishi an established and cost-effective SUV for regions where customers may not need the technology or premium positioning of the fifth-generation Pajero. The model has already developed a presence in emerging markets, where durability, practicality, and affordability remain major considerations. Continuing the vehicle allows Mitsubishi to serve those customers without requiring the new flagship to compromise its more ambitious positioning or move downward in price and equipment.

Roles separating the two Mitsubishi SUVs:

• New Pajero serves as flagship
• Pajero Sport remains market-specific
• Existing platform supports affordability
• Emerging markets remain important
• Different positioning reduces internal overlap

Mitsubishi Chief Product Specialist Kunitoshi Itagaki has emphasized that the two vehicles will occupy different roles. The new Pajero is being developed as the company’s flagship, while the Pajero Sport will remain a separate model depending on the market. This distinction is central to Mitsubishi’s strategy. Instead of treating the new Pajero as a direct replacement for every related vehicle, the company is creating a broader SUV portfolio in which individual models can address different price points, capability levels, and regional requirements.

8. Mitsubishi’s Broader Product Expansion

The expanded Pajero family forms part of a much larger Mitsubishi product strategy. The company plans to launch 13 new models between fiscal 2026 and 2031, including five hybrids and five plug-in hybrids. That follows a 2023 mid-term roadmap targeting 16 new global models by the end of 2028. The Pajero revival therefore represents only one part of a wider effort to refresh Mitsubishi’s product range and strengthen its position across multiple international markets.

The strategy is particularly important in regions where Mitsubishi needs stronger sales momentum. Australia is one example, with the company’s sales reportedly falling 27.4 percent year over year between January and July 2026. A recognizable flagship with genuine off-road credentials could help Mitsubishi reconnect with buyers in markets where rugged SUVs remain highly desirable. Smaller Pajero models could then extend that recognition into mainstream segments, allowing the flagship to establish the identity while more affordable models broaden the customer base.

Broader plans surrounding the Pajero revival:

• Thirteen new models through fiscal 2031
• Five planned hybrid models
• Five planned plug-in hybrids
• Stronger focus on global markets
• Greater SUV portfolio coverage

Electrification will become increasingly important across this product expansion. Mitsubishi’s hybrid and plug-in hybrid plans allow the company to respond to changing efficiency requirements without abandoning the SUV and all-wheel-drive categories that have historically shaped much of its identity. The compact Pajero’s expected electrified powertrains are especially significant because they demonstrate how Mitsubishi could combine efficiency with a more adventurous vehicle character. Instead of treating electrification and off-road capability as competing ideas, the company is attempting to use electric technology as another tool for expanding its SUV lineup.

9. Mitsubishi’s Position Within the Alliance

Mitsubishi’s relationship with the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance will continue to influence the development of future vehicles. Shared engineering and platforms can reduce development costs and help the companies introduce products more efficiently. Examples include the 2026 Nissan Navara being based on Triton architecture and the Nissan Leaf being sold as the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV in North America. These arrangements show how alliance resources can support Mitsubishi’s expansion while allowing the company to operate within a broader technological ecosystem.

The Pajero strategy, however, is intended to remain distinctly Mitsubishi in character. The company wants to preserve its own off-road engineering identity rather than simply placing the historic Pajero badge on an alliance vehicle. That distinction matters because the name is closely associated with Mitsubishi’s own four-wheel-drive development and motorsport history. For the revived family to feel authentic, customers will expect more than familiar styling and heritage branding. They will expect engineering that reflects the durability and capability traditionally associated with the Pajero.

Manufacturing and alliance considerations include:

• Alliance sharing can lower development costs
• Pajero retains Mitsubishi character
• Flagship production expected in Japan
• Mizushima is a likely location
• Smaller models may use global plants

Manufacturing for the new flagship is expected to be centered in Japan, likely at the Mizushima plant. Japanese production would reinforce the vehicle’s position as a major Mitsubishi product while using the company’s established manufacturing expertise. Smaller Pajero models could potentially be produced in other locations to keep costs competitive and meet regional demand. This combination of Japanese flagship production and broader global manufacturing could help Mitsubishi balance heritage, engineering identity, production efficiency, and commercial practicality.

10. The Pajero’s New Role

The return of the Pajero represents a major opportunity for Mitsubishi because few automotive names have such a strong connection to off-road history. The original model established its reputation through rugged engineering, while its Dakar victories gave the badge a level of motorsport credibility that many modern SUVs cannot replicate. Mitsubishi’s new strategy attempts to translate that heritage into a complete family of vehicles rather than relying on one large flagship. That approach could make the Pajero name relevant to significantly more buyers than it was during its previous generation.

The flagship will provide the family with its strongest connection to traditional off-road capability through its ladder-frame platform, diesel power, Super Select II four-wheel drive, low-range gearing, and terrain-focused technology. The compact Pajero will carry that identity into the high-volume crossover segment, while the smaller model will bring it into a lightweight and highly maneuverable package. The continued Pajero Sport adds another layer by allowing Mitsubishi to maintain an established product in selected markets while the new family develops.

Elements defining the revived Pajero strategy:

• Rugged flagship leads the family
• Compact crossover expands market reach
• Baby Pajero targets small off-roaders
• Pajero Sport continues selectively
• Electrification supports future expansion

Mitsubishi is therefore attempting to turn the Pajero resurrection into something much larger than a nostalgic comeback. The company is combining a legendary name, modern hybrid technology, advanced electronics, new platforms, and multiple vehicle sizes to create a broader SUV strategy. If the plan succeeds, Pajero could once again become one of Mitsubishi’s defining product names, connecting the company’s historic off-road achievements with the changing expectations of buyers across the global automotive market.