Mitsubishi Pajero makes a rugged return after five years away

The iconic Mitsubishi Pajero is back, returning as a tougher, more premium flagship SUV with ladder-frame construction, diesel power and serious four-wheel-drive hardware after five years away.Mitsubishi has revived one of its most iconic nameplates with the global debut of the fifth-generation Pajero. Discontinued in 2021 after four generations and more than three million units, the SUV returns as a flagship model with a ladder-frame chassis, four-wheel drive and a diesel powertrain. The new Pajero will initially go on sale in Thailand, followed by Japan and Australia during fiscal 2026, before expanding to around 100 markets from fiscal 2027.Despite being an all-new model, Mitsubishi has retained the Pajero’s core off-road credentials. The SUV rides on a high-rigidity ladder frame and uses an independent double-wishbone front suspension paired with a five-link rigid rear axle.It also gets Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system, with four selectable drivetrain settings: 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc. The latter engages low-range gearing for demanding off-road conditions.New Pajero gets 2.4-litre dieselPower comes from a 2.4-litre diesel engine that develops 480Nm of peak torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox and a four-wheel-drive system. Mitsubishi has also equipped the SUV with Active Yaw Control, which uses braking intervention to manage torque distribution between the front wheels. The Pajero offers seven drive modes – Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock – allowing the drivetrain and vehicle systems to be adapted to different surfaces. Its off-road hardware is complemented by 230mm of ground clearance, while the approach, break-over and departure angles stand at 30.4, 22.6 and 25.8 degrees, respectively.Measuring 4,920mm long, 1,925mm wide and 1,910mm tall, the new Pajero has a 2,870mm wheelbase. These dimensions give it a substantial road presence while retaining the relatively upright proportions associated with the nameplate.Modern take on classic Pajero designThe fifth-generation Pajero retains the boxy, upright silhouette of its predecessors but gives it a distinctly contemporary appearance. Its front end features a large honeycomb grille, projector LED headlights and connected LED daytime running lights. A heavily sculpted bonnet and chunky bumper with grey skid-plate elements further emphasise its rugged character.The SUV rides on 20-inch black alloy wheels, with black cladding around the squared-off wheel arches and side steps adding to its muscular profile. A black garnish on the front fenders carries the Pajero name.At the rear, wraparound LED tail-lights echo the design of the front DRLs and are linked by a black panel bearing the Pajero lettering. One notable departure from earlier generations is the absence of a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Mitsubishi says the rear design nonetheless draws inspiration from the spare tyre treatment of the fourth-generation model.Interior designInside, the new Pajero moves significantly upmarket, in keeping with Mitsubishi’s positioning of it as a flagship SUV. The dashboard features a dual-screen layout, while physical controls have been retained for key functions, avoiding an entirely touchscreen-dependent interface.Mitsubishi says the cabin has been developed to provide improved comfort for all occupants while maintaining dimensions that make the SUV manageable in everyday driving. The overall approach combines the Pajero’s traditional focus on durability and usability with a more premium interior environment.The new model therefore marks a significant evolution for the nameplate without abandoning its original formula. Mitsubishi is positioning the fifth-generation Pajero around three key attributes – confidence, comfort and prestige – with its off-road capability and ladder-frame construction forming the foundation.The new Pajero will be built in Thailand, with sales to begin in selected markets before Mitsubishi progressively expands its availability worldwide.Subscribe to Auto Today Magazine - EndsPublished On: Sep 2, 2026 13:16 IST