All-New Mitsubishi Pajero Returns With Rally-Bred 4WD Tech and 2.4L Diesel Power

KUALA LUMPUR, AUGUST 2026Mitsubishi has unveiled the all-new Pajero, reviving one of the Japanese automaker’s most recognisable SUV nameplates with a completely redesigned model focused on off-road capability, durability and long-distance comfort.

The new Pajero is positioned as Mitsubishi’s next-generation flagship cross-country SUV and brings back several engineering principles closely associated with the model’s history, including a robust ladder-frame chassis and advanced four-wheel-drive technology.

The return also reconnects Mitsubishi with the Pajero’s long motorsport heritage, particularly its highly successful involvement in the Dakar Rally.

At the heart of the redesigned Pajero is a highly rigid ladder-frame platform developed using knowledge gained from Mitsubishi’s rally experience.

The chassis uses an increased amount of high-tensile steel to help reduce weight while maintaining structural strength. Mitsubishi has also enlarged several chassis cross-sections to improve both torsional and bending rigidity.

The objective is to provide a stronger foundation when travelling across difficult terrain while maintaining stability and refinement during normal road driving.

The suspension system has also been heavily developed for off-road use.

At the front, the Pajero uses an independent double-wishbone suspension, while the rear receives a newly developed five-link rigid axle. The configuration is designed to maintain tyre contact over uneven terrain and improve vehicle control in challenging conditions.

Strengthened body mounts are also intended to reduce vibrations transferred into the cabin, helping Mitsubishi deliver what it describes as improved off-road comfort.

Power comes from a specially developed 2.4-litre clean diesel engine equipped with a wide-range single variable-geometry turbocharger.

The engine produces up to approximately 354 lb-ft of torque, giving the new Pajero the low-end pulling strength required for steep climbs, rough terrain and long-distance off-road driving.

Power is transmitted through a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

The drivetrain is supported by Mitsubishi’s established Super Select 4WD-II system together with Super-All Wheel Control, or S-AWC.

These systems are designed to manage power distribution, braking and vehicle stability across different driving surfaces.

Drivers can choose from seven drive modes, allowing the SUV’s behaviour to be adapted according to road and terrain conditions.

The new Pajero offers 230mm of ground clearance, reinforcing its focus on genuine cross-country capability rather than purely urban SUV use.

Mitsubishi has also introduced technology intended to make difficult terrain easier to navigate.

One of the highlights is a 3D Multi Around Monitor, which provides drivers with additional views around the vehicle.

The system includes a front under-floor view, allowing the driver to better understand obstacles and terrain immediately beneath and ahead of the Pajero when travelling off-road.

Combined with the SUV’s four-wheel-drive technology and seven selectable driving modes, the feature is designed to give drivers greater confidence in conditions where visibility around the vehicle is limited.

Despite its rugged mechanical focus, Mitsubishi has significantly upgraded the Pajero’s interior.

The cabin features dual 14.3-inch displays, giving the SUV a more digital and technology-focused dashboard than previous generations.

Mitsubishi has also incorporated Japanese-inspired design elements, including stitching influenced by the traditional Kimekomi decorative technique.

The Pajero retains the practicality expected from a large family SUV with three-row seating.

Passengers also benefit from features including three-zone climate control, ventilated seats and a premium 12-speaker audio system developed by Yamaha.

The combination is intended to give the Pajero a more premium character while retaining its reputation as a capable vehicle for long-distance travel and adventure.

The Pajero name has strong historical significance for Mitsubishi.

Beyond its popularity as a road-going SUV, the model became internationally recognised through its success in the Dakar Rally, where various Pajero competition vehicles secured numerous victories.

Those achievements helped establish the Pajero as one of Mitsubishi’s most important performance and off-road nameplates.

The connection became even stronger with models such as the Pajero Evolution, which was developed to meet motorsport homologation requirements and has since become highly sought after among collectors.

Well-preserved examples of Japanese-market Pajeros and Pajero Evolutions continue to attract considerable interest in the used and collector-car markets.

The return of the nameplate therefore represents more than the launch of another SUV.

For long-time Mitsubishi enthusiasts, it marks the revival of a vehicle closely connected to the brand’s identity in rallying, four-wheel-drive technology and cross-country engineering.

The all-new Mitsubishi Pajero will make its market debut in Thailand, highlighting Southeast Asia’s importance to Mitsubishi’s SUV strategy.

Japan and Australia are expected to follow before the end of the year.

Mitsubishi then plans to expand availability during 2027, with markets across Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East expected to receive the new-generation model.

Its combination of ladder-frame construction, diesel torque, advanced four-wheel drive and modern cabin technology positions the Pajero to compete once again in the large off-road SUV segment.

With Mitsubishi drawing heavily on its rally experience while modernising the vehicle with new technology and comfort features, the latest Pajero signals a significant return for one of the company’s most famous nameplates.