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Mitsubishi revives Pajero flagship

DT · Sep 26, 2026, 5:22 AM

FLAGSHIP Pajero returns with upright proportions, T-shaped lights and familiar design cues from earlier generations. — Photograph courtesy of Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi Motors has brought back one of its best-known nameplates with the unveiling of the all-new Pajero, a fully redesigned cross-country SUV that will serve as the brand’s new-generation flagship.

Production will take place in Thailand, where the SUV will also make its market debut. Japan and Australia will follow within fiscal 2026. Mitsubishi plans to offer the model in about 100 countries from fiscal 2027, including markets in Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

The Pajero first appeared in 1982 and became closely associated with Mitsubishi’s four-wheel-drive vehicles. Across four generations, production exceeded 3.29 million units, with the SUV sold in more than 170 countries and regions.

Mitsubishi retained several familiar Pajero cues for the latest model. The body has upright proportions, broad horizontal lines and pronounced fenders.

Design references from earlier generations include a C-pillar inspired by the first Pajero’s roll bar and a hexagonal rear element based on the spare-wheel shape used on older models.

Two grille designs will be offered. One uses horizontal bars while the other has a honeycomb pattern. T-shaped headlights give the front end a more modern look.

A horizontal dashboard houses a pair of 14.3-inch displays on selected versions. The digital instrumentation includes a modern version of the Pajero’s traditional triple-meter display.

The new model has three rows and seats seven passengers. Second-row seats can slide by up to 150 mm and use a tumble mechanism to improve access to the rear. Mitsubishi also fitted three-zone automatic climate control and seat ventilation.

Power comes from a 2.4-liter clean diesel engine with a variable geometry turbocharger. It produces up to 480 Nm of torque and works with a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

The suspension uses independent double wishbones at the front and a five-link rigid axle at the rear.

CAPABILITY remains central to the new Pajero with Super Select 4WD-II, S-AWC and seven selectable drive modes. — Photograph courtesy of Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi also equipped the Pajero with Super Select 4WD-II. Drivers can switch among rear-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive and two locked-center-differential settings, including a low-range mode.

Super-All Wheel Control joins the four-wheel-drive system and manages vehicle behavior through several electronic systems. Seven drive modes are available for Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock conditions.

The SUV measures 4,920 mm long, 1,925 mm wide and 1,910 mm high on versions with 20-inch tires. The wheelbase is 2,870 mm, while ground clearance reaches 230 mm.

Safety equipment includes forward collision mitigation, predictive forward collision warning, emergency lane assist and front cross-traffic alert. MI-PILOT combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keeping assistance for highway driving.

Eight airbags are fitted, including Mitsubishi’s first center airbag. A 3D Multi Around Monitor uses four cameras to provide a view around the vehicle and can also show the surface beneath the front end during off-road driving.

Mitsubishi has yet to announce Philippine availability. The wider rollout from fiscal 2027, however, includes ASEAN markets, which puts the region on the Pajero’s planned global return.