Mitsubishi Pajero Returns as Flagship SUV

Mitsubishi Motors has officially revealed the all-new Pajero, marking the return of its flagship SUV after several years. A report from Headlightmag states the vehicle will be produced at Mitsubishi's plant in Thailand, with the first customer sales commencing there in mid-October 2026. The model will then be exported to Japan and Australia by March 2027, followed by a market expansion to over 100 countries worldwide starting from the fiscal year 2027.

The Pajero nameplate, first launched in 1982, has seen four generations and cumulative production of over 3.29 million units sold in more than 170 countries. For this new generation, Mitsubishi states it has developed the vehicle under the core concepts of Confidence and Comfort, retaining off-road performance and durability while adding Prestige to elevate its quality, materials, and design to match its flagship status.

Dimensions and Off-road Angles

The Japanese-specification model measures 4,920 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, and 1,910 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2,879 mm. It has a ground clearance of 230 mm, a turning radius of 5.8 meters, and a kerb weight of 2,460 kg. Key off-road approach angles are detailed below.

Powertrain and Drivetrain

Power comes from a 4N16 2.4-liter four-cylinder diesel engine with a single variable-geometry turbocharger. It produces 204 PS at 3,500 rpm and 480 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. This is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD II system.

The integrated Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system manages torque distribution front-to-rear and side-to-side via Active Yaw Control (AYC), alongside four-wheel brake control. The driver can select from four drive modes: 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time four-wheel drive), 4HLc (4WD with locked center differential), and 4LLc (4WD with locked center differential and low-range gearing). Seven terrain modes-ECO, Normal, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock-are also available.

Exterior and Interior Features

Exterior highlights include T-shaped LED headlights, vertical LED daytime running lights, a choice of two grille designs, and a C-pillar design inspired by the first Pajero's roll bar. The rear features a hexagonal motif inspired by previous models' spare tire placement. The vehicle comes with acoustic glass for the windshield and front side windows, LED side mirror turn signals, roof rails, side steps, a panoramic sunroof, 20-inch wheels with 255/55 R20 tires, a double-wishbone front suspension, and a 5-link rigid axle rear suspension.

Inside, the Pajero is configured as a seven-seater with three rows. The front seats are power-adjustable, ventilated, and feature a two-position memory function. The second-row seats slide 150 mm, split 60:40, and fold with a one-touch mechanism. Third-row seats fold flat in a 50:50 split. A monolithic display combines a digital instrument cluster and a 14.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The report states the meter display offers 16 selectable backgrounds.

Other cabin amenities include a 12-speaker Yamaha Dynamic Sound Ultimate audio system with two amplifiers and speed-compensated noise cancellation, a digital rearview mirror, a two-tier front console, a cooled center console box, three-zone automatic climate control with a dedicated display for rear passengers, and multiple USB-C ports. The vehicle also features the MITSUBISHI CONNECT app and an SOS emergency call system.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The safety suite includes the MI-PILOT highway driving assist system, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assist. Further systems comprise predictive forward collision warning, emergency assist for pedal misapplication, emergency lane assist, and front cross-traffic alert. Eight SRS airbags are standard.

The new Pajero will have its first public showing in Japan. The report notes that differences between the Japanese and Thai market versions will be covered at a later date.