After five years off the global market, the Mitsubishi Pajero is back. Mitsubishi pulled the covers off the all-new fifth-generation Pajero on September 2, 2026, and it is exactly what long-time fans were hoping for: a body-on-frame, diesel-powered, seven-seat cross-country SUV with genuine off-road hardware underneath it.
No soft crossover compromise here. Mitsubishi is calling it a global flagship, and it is aimed squarely at the Toyota Land Cruiser. Here is everything confirmed so far.
Why the Pajero Comeback Matters
The Pajero is not just another SUV nameplate. Launched in 1982, it sold more than 3.25 million units across four generations in over 170 countries. It entered the Dakar Rally in 1983 and went on to take 12 overall victories, including seven consecutive wins — the record that earned it the “King of the Desert” reputation.
It was discontinued in overseas markets in 2021. Depending on where you live, you may know it as the Pajero, the Montero, or the Shogun. Mitsubishi has confirmed the new model will again wear the Montero badge in some export markets.
Design: Boxy, Upright, Unapologetic
The new Pajero measures 4,920 mm (193.7 inches) long, putting it directly against the Land Cruiser 250 Series. The styling leans hard into the classic formula — slab-sided, upright, and squared-off.
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Details worth noting:
- T-shaped LED lighting front and rear
- Thick skid plates and squared wheel arches
- Side gills stamped with Pajero lettering
- A textured C-pillar treatment that wraps up into the roof
- New paint options including Armor Copper Metallic and Phantom Blue Metallic with gold accents
Interior and Technology
A 2,870 mm (113.0-inch) wheelbase makes room for three rows and seven seats. Mitsubishi has clearly pushed the cabin upmarket, with soft-touch materials throughout and an optional Camel-toned leather trim with black inserts and fine stitching.
The dashboard centres on dual 14.3-inch displays in a single panel, dropping to 12.3-inch units on lower trims, with 16 selectable background themes.
The Digital Multi Meter
The best detail is a nod to Pajero history. Older generations were known for their analogue triple-gauge pod on top of the dash. The new model revives it as a digital Multi Meter, displaying real off-road telemetry: altitude, compass heading, temperature, and pitch and roll angles.
Mitsubishi also paid serious attention to noise. Acoustic glass and additional insulation back the claim that passengers can hold a normal conversation at highway speed. Audio comes from Yamaha — 12 speakers, dual amplifiers, and active noise compensation.
Safety kit includes eight airbags, the MI-PILOT driver assistance suite, and a 3D Multi Around Monitor with a virtual under-floor camera view.
Chassis and Off-Road Capability
The Pajero rides on the ladder frame from the Mitsubishi Triton pickup, but with model-specific suspension development. That means an independent double-wishbone setup up front and a five-link rigid rear axle, tuned using knowledge from Mitsubishi’s Dakar Rally engineering programme.
The numbers that actually matter off-road:
- Ground clearance: 230 mm (9.1 inches)
- Approach angle: 30.4 degrees
- Breakover angle: 22.6 degrees
- Departure angle: 25.8 degrees
Drive goes through a newly developed eight-speed automatic to a standard four-wheel-drive system carrying Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) with Active Yaw Control and seven selectable terrain modes.
Engine: 2.4-Litre Clean Diesel
Under the bonnet sits a 2.4-litre diesel with a single variable-geometry turbocharger. It produces 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque, with a slightly lower 470 Nm rating on select specifications.
No hybrid at launch. Mitsubishi executives did not announce other powertrains at the reveal, but electrified options are widely expected later in the product cycle — the company has committed a substantial investment into turning its Thai facilities into electrification hubs.
2026 Mitsubishi Pajero Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.4L turbodiesel, variable geometry turbo |
| Power | 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) |
| Torque | 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD with S-AWC and Active Yaw Control |
| Terrain modes | 7 |
| Length | 4,920 mm (193.7 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2,870 mm (113.0 in) |
| Ground clearance | 230 mm (9.1 in) |
| Seating | 7 seats, three rows |
| Platform | Triton-derived ladder frame |
| Production | Thailand |
Release Date and Market Availability
Production takes place in Thailand alongside the Triton. Initial market launches are set for Thailand, Japan and Australia by the end of March 2027, followed by a wider rollout targeting 100 global markets across Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.
Is the Pajero Coming to the United States?
Not yet, and possibly not in this form. Mitsubishi has stated that no decision has been made regarding a US introduction of this vehicle. Some derivative or version of the Pajero could still reach North America closer to 2030, but nothing is confirmed.
What About Pricing?
Mitsubishi has not announced pricing at the time of writing. Expect figures to surface as the Thai and Japanese launches approach in early 2027.
A Pajero Sub-Brand Is Coming
Mitsubishi is not stopping at one model. The company plans to use the Pajero nameplate across an extended family, effectively turning it into a sub-brand. Reports point to a kei-sized offering for the Japanese market and a compact SUV with rugged styling aimed at the RAV4 end of the market.
The Verdict
This is the revival the badge deserved. Ladder frame, locking hardware, a torquey diesel, real approach and departure angles, and a digital tribute to the old triple-gauge pod. At a moment when most manufacturers are softening their SUVs into tall hatchbacks, Mitsubishi has built something that can actually go where a Pajero is supposed to go.
The question is whether a 201 hp diesel is enough against increasingly powerful hybrid rivals — and whether markets outside Asia and Australia will ever get a proper crack at it.
If rugged 4x4s are your thing, you might also enjoy our coverage of adventure and off-road vehicles and our unique cars archive.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero revealed?
Mitsubishi held the world premiere on September 2, 2026.
What engine does the new Pajero have?
A 2.4-litre turbodiesel producing 201 hp (150 kW) and 480 Nm of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic.
Is the new Pajero a hybrid?
Not at launch. Only the diesel has been confirmed, though electrified versions are expected later in the model’s life.
How many seats does it have?
Seven, across three rows.
Will it be called the Montero?
Yes, in some export markets Mitsubishi has confirmed the Montero badge will be used.
Where is the new Pajero built?
In Thailand, on the same lines as the Mitsubishi Triton pickup.
