2026 Mitsubishi Pajero SUV Returns

Mitsubishi Motors has unveiled the fifth-generation Pajero, marking the legendary nameplate's return after an absence of over 20 years. The new flagship model will have its global premiere in Japan, but Thailand will be the first country in the world to begin sales and deliveries starting in mid-October 2026.

The automaker positions the new Pajero as its top-tier flagship SUV, a model it calls a "Cross-Country SUV." It will sit above the Pajero Sport in the lineup, with the company stating its direct global rivals are the Toyota Land Cruiser 250, Land Cruiser 300, and Nissan Patrol. The primary production base for the vehicle will be Mitsubishi's plant in Laem Chabang, Thailand.

Dimensions and Positioning

Despite its global ambitions, the report notes that its Thai production base, which qualifies it for favorable local excise tax as a PPV (Pickup Passenger Vehicle), will inevitably lead to comparisons with other top-tier SUVs and PPVs sold in that market. These include the Ford Everest Platinum, Toyota Fortuner GR Sport, and GWM TANK 500. The source suggests the new Pajero would have a significant advantage if priced below 2 million Thai baht.

The source provides detailed dimensions for the new Pajero and several competitors.

Other key dimensions for the Pajero include a ground clearance of 230 mm, a turning radius of 5.8 meters, and approach, breakover, and departure angles of 30.4, 22.6, and 25.8 degrees respectively.

Powertrain and Chassis

Power comes from a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, codenamed 4N16, equipped with a wide-range single variable-geometry turbo (VGT). It produces 204 PS and 480 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode and sequential shift. Mitsubishi's S-AWC (Super All Wheel Control) full-time four-wheel-drive system is standard, with the capability to switch to two-wheel drive.

The report states that while the engine's basis is shared with the Triton, internal components, including the turbo, are different, and the tuning is entirely new. The source provides a comparison of output figures.

The vehicle returns to a body-on-frame ladder chassis, which Mitsubishi says was chosen to emphasize off-road capability, durability, and reliability. The frame, developed from the Triton's, uses 50% high-tensile steel for strength and reduced weight. Suspension consists of a front double-wishbone setup and a rear five-link rigid axle.

The S-AWC system offers multiple modes: 2H for rear-wheel drive, 4H for full-time four-wheel drive, 4HLC with a locked center differential, and 4LLC for low-range gearing. Drivers can also select from seven driving modes: Eco, Normal, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock.

Interior and Feature Highlights

The exterior design follows a "Grand Charisma" theme and draws inspiration from Kendo, a Japanese martial art. It features a hexagonal motif, T-shaped LED headlights and taillights, a power tailgate with a hands-free kick sensor, and 20-inch alloy wheels with 255/55 R20 tires.

Inside, the three-row, seven-seat cabin uses a two-tone black and camel brown color scheme with soft-touch materials and semi-aniline perforated leather seats. The front seats are eight-way power-adjustable with memory, heating, and ventilation. Second-row seats also feature heating and ventilation, can slide up to 150 mm, and fold with a one-touch mechanism for third-row access.

A monolithic display dominates the dashboard, combining a 14.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 14.3-inch central touchscreen. Other features include a panoramic roof, tri-zone automatic climate control, acoustic glass for the windshield and side windows, and a rearview mirror that doubles as a camera monitor.

Chief Product Specialist Kunitoshi Itagaki, Product Design Division head Norihiko Yoshimine, and Chief Vehicle Engineer Takaaki Matsumoto led the development program, which focused on the three pillars of confidence, comfort, and prestige.