Mitsubishi Revives Pajero with Body-on-Frame Design, Diesel Power, and Seven Seats

Mitsubishi Motors has officially unveiled the next-generation Pajero SUV, bringing the flagship model back to the global market after a five-year hiatus. The vehicle retains a classic body-on-frame construction and serious off-road credentials, positioning it as a direct rival to the Toyota Land Cruiser 250.

The new Pajero rides on a reinforced ladder frame closely related to the Triton/L200 pickup, but features a unique suspension setup: double wishbones up front and a five-link arrangement with a solid rear axle. Ground clearance is 230 mm, with approach and departure angles of 30.4 and 25.8 degrees, respectively.

Off-Road Capability and Powertrain

Power comes from a 2.4-liter turbodiesel producing 480 Nm of torque, paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The company has not yet disclosed the engine’s exact horsepower output.

Traction is managed by the Super Select 4WD-II system and S-AWC. Drivers can switch between rear-wheel drive and permanent all-wheel drive on the move, lock the center differential, or engage low range. Seven drive modes cater to different surfaces, from standard and gravel to specialized settings for deep snow, mud, sand, and rocks.

Dimensions, Interior, and Digital Displays

The vehicle has grown considerably: it measures 4,920 mm in length, 1,925 mm in width, and rides on a wheelbase extended to 2,870 mm, allowing for a three-row cabin with seating for seven.

The dashboard’s centerpiece is a dual-screen setup comprising two 14.3-inch displays. The digital instrument cluster includes a dedicated off-road screen styled after the analog gauges of classic Pajero models, showing altitude, a digital compass, an inclinometer, and body tilt angle.

Other features include three-zone climate control, ventilated seats, the MI-PILOT suite of electronic driver aids, a surround-view camera with a “transparent hood” function, and a 12-speaker Yamaha audio system.

Launch Timing and Sales Regions

Production of the new Pajero will take place at the company’s plant in Thailand. According to the official Mitsubishi Motors press release, the first markets for the SUV will be Thailand, Japan, and Australia, where sales are set to begin before the end of the first quarter of 2027.

According to Carscoops, the company plans to expand distribution to roughly 100 countries worldwide. Exact pricing and detailed trim levels will be announced closer to the start of sales.