Mitsubishi has unveiled the all-new Pajero, bringing back one of its best-known SUV nameplates as a new-generation flagship due in Australia by March 2027.

The new Pajero will be built in Thailand and launched there first, before reaching Japan and Australia during Mitsubishi’s 2026 fiscal year, which runs from April 2026 to March 2027.

That timing firms up the local return of the Pajero nameplate, after Mitsubishi Australia previously indicated the model was on the way back.

From fiscal 2027, Mitsubishi plans to roll the Pajero out to about 100 countries, including markets across ASEAN, Latin America and the Middle East.

The fifth-generation Pajero revives a model line introduced in 1982, with total production across four previous generations exceeding 3.29 million vehicles.

Unlike the final Australian-market Pajero, the new model uses ladder-frame construction and a three-row, seven-seat layout.

Mitsubishi says only the front section of the ladder frame and the front floor are common with the Triton, with most other components either renewed or modified for the Pajero.

Power comes from a specially developed 2.4-litre clean diesel four-cylinder engine producing up to 150kW and 480Nm, paired with a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode.

Mitsubishi says some specifications produce 470Nm, meaning outputs may vary by grade or market.

There is no six-cylinder engine confirmed, with Mitsubishi saying the 2.4-litre diesel was selected after considering market needs, regulations, performance and driving range.

The company has also confirmed the new Pajero launches as an internal-combustion model only, with hybrid and plug-in hybrid development requiring further work before any market introduction.

"Under our Mid- to Long-Term Vision for the 2030s, we aim to enhance customer satisfaction and corporate value by developing distinctive products and strengthening our brand, while further reinforcing what makes Mitsubishi Motors unique," said Keisuke Kishiura, President and Chief Operating Officer of Mitsubishi Motors.

"The all-new Pajero is the first model to bring this vision to life.
As our flagship model, it will lead not only the Pajero series to follow, but the entire Mitsubishi Motors lineup."

The off-road hardware includes Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system with 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc modes.

It is paired with Super-All Wheel Control, which integrates Active Yaw Control, Active Stability and Traction Control and anti-lock braking control.

Seven drive modes are available: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.

The Pajero also uses independent double-wishbone front suspension and a newly developed five-link rigid rear axle, with Mitsubishi describing off-road comfort as a key development target.

Mitsubishi says it selected a ladder frame over a monocoque structure for strength and durability, while using high-tensile steel for about 50 per cent of the frame to help reduce weight.

An aluminium bonnet, revised engine and move from a six-speed to an eight-speed automatic transmission were also used to support fuel-efficiency improvements, though consumption figures are yet to be confirmed.

The exterior design keeps several Pajero references, including an upright stance, strong horizontal lines, a C-pillar inspired by the first-generation model’s roll bar and a hexagonal rear motif referencing the rear-mounted spare wheel of earlier generations.

The spare wheel is now mounted underneath the rear rather than on the tailgate, with Mitsubishi citing daily usability, tailgate access and third-row packaging as reasons for the change.

Inside, the new Pajero adopts a horizontally oriented dashboard and a monolithic display arrangement with dual 14.3-inch screens on higher specifications.

Select specifications use a 12.3-inch display instead.

The digital instrument display also brings back the Pajero’s triple-gauge idea as a modern Multi Meter, a feature CarSauce previously covered when Mitsubishi previewed the new Pajero cabin display.

Available display information includes altitude, compass heading, temperature, pitch and roll angles and Active Yaw Control status.

Wireless smartphone connectivity is included through Mitsubishi’s Smartphone-link Display Audio system.

The cabin features acoustic glass for the windscreen and front and rear door windows, along with additional sound-insulation measures aimed at reducing wind and engine noise.

The second row has a 150mm sliding range and tumble mechanism, while Mitsubishi says the third row is designed to provide adult headroom and foot space beneath the second-row seats.

Comfort features include seat ventilation and three-zone automatic climate control with independent temperature settings.

Safety equipment includes Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist and junction assist capability, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication and Emergency Lane Assist.

The Pajero also adds Front Cross Traffic Alert, MI-PILOT highway single-lane assistance, eight airbags and Mitsubishi’s first SRS centre airbag.

A 3D Multi Around Monitor uses four cameras to generate a real-time view around the vehicle, including a front under-floor view that can activate automatically in 4HLc or 4LLc.

Mitsubishi says it also revisited warning sounds and driver-assistance calibration after feedback from the Triton launch.

Other available features include Mitsubishi Connect remote vehicle functions, an SOS call function and a 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system with dual amplifiers and speed-based noise compensation.

Australian pricing, grades, fuel economy, towing capacity and final local specification are still to be confirmed.

The all-new Pajero gives Mitsubishi a larger and more off-road-focused flagship above its existing SUV range, while keeping diesel power at launch rather than moving immediately to hybrid or electric assistance.

Its Australian positioning will depend heavily on pricing, towing details, local specifications and how Mitsubishi separates it from Triton-based alternatives once showroom timing is locked in.

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