New Mitsubishi Pajero: The Mitsubishi Pajero is back, but this time the legendary nameplate returns as a modern seven-seat SUV built for buyers who still want genuine off-road ability without giving up premium cabin technology. Mitsubishi has officially unveiled the fifth-generation Pajero in Tokyo on September 2, 2026, marking the nameplate’s return after it was discontinued in 2021. The new model will be built in Thailand and will first reach the Thai market before expanding to Japan and Australia, with a wider rollout planned across around 100 countries from fiscal 2027.
The biggest talking point is that Mitsubishi has not turned the Pajero into a soft, road-focused SUV. Instead, the company has retained a ladder-frame chassis, diesel engine, proper four-wheel drive with low-range gearing and a seven-seat layout. That puts the new Pajero in a very different category from many modern SUVs that are moving towards monocoque platforms and electrified powertrains.
For Indian SUV enthusiasts, however, the comeback comes with a major question: Will the new Mitsubishi Pajero come to India? Mitsubishi has not announced an India launch so far. While the company plans a much wider global rollout, India has not been included in the markets specifically confirmed for the model. If Mitsubishi eventually brings it here, the Pajero would enter a segment where the Toyota Fortuner has a strong presence.
New Mitsubishi Pajero: A Different Approach to the SUV Comeback
The fifth-generation Pajero marks a major visual change, but Mitsubishi has kept the SUV’s upright and tough character intact. The new model gets a broad front grille, T-shaped lighting elements, squared-off wheel arches, a flat roofline and chunky lower body protection.
The SUV measures 4,920mm in length, 1,925mm in width and 1,910mm in height, with a 2,870mm wheelbase. It also gets 230mm of ground clearance, giving it the stance expected from a serious off-road vehicle.
Mitsubishi has also moved away from one of the most recognisable features of older Pajeros. The new SUV does not have the familiar tailgate-mounted spare wheel. Instead, the spare wheel is positioned underneath the vehicle.
The new Pajero is also being produced in Thailand for the first time, alongside the Triton pickup. Its heavily modified ladder-frame architecture is derived from the Triton’s platform, but Mitsubishi has developed the SUV’s cabin and suspension specifically for the Pajero.
| Specification | New Mitsubishi Pajero |
|---|---|
| Generation | Fifth-generation |
| Body Type | 7-seater SUV |
| Platform | Ladder-frame platform based on Mitsubishi Triton |
| Length | 4,920 mm |
| Width | 1,925 mm |
| Height | 1,910 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,870 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 230 mm |
| Engine | 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel |
| Maximum Torque | 480 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive System | Super Select 4WD-II |
| 4WD Modes | 2H, 4H, 4HLc, 4LLc |
| Off-Road Drive Modes | Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock |
| Approach Angle | 30.4 degrees |
| Departure Angle | 25.8 degrees |
| Rear Suspension | 5-link rigid axle |
| Seating Capacity | 7 passengers |
| Rows | 3 |
| Second-Row Slide | 150 mm |
| Infotainment/Display | Up to dual 14.3-inch screens |
| Audio System | 12-speaker Yamaha system |
| Climate Control | Three-zone automatic |
| Safety/Drive Tech | S-AWC, Active Yaw Control, traction control, stability control, ABS |
| First Launch Market | Thailand |
| Japan/Australia Launch | Planned by March 2027 |
| Global Rollout | Around 100 countries from fiscal 2027 |
| India Launch | Not confirmed |
Mitsubishi Pajero 2027: 2.4-Litre Diesel Engine With 480Nm Torque
Mitsubishi has kept diesel power at the heart of the new Pajero. The SUV uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder clean diesel engine equipped with a wide-range variable-geometry turbocharger.
The officially confirmed figure is 480Nm of peak torque, while the engine is paired with a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission. Mitsubishi says the transmission is designed to provide smoother gear changes across both road and off-road conditions.
Some reports have cited an output of around 204hp, but Mitsubishi’s official launch material does not list a power figure. Therefore, the confirmed specification at launch is the 2.4-litre diesel engine with 480Nm of torque and an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
This powertrain choice is significant because Mitsubishi could have followed the industry trend towards petrol-electric or fully electric power for its flagship SUV. Instead, the company has retained a diesel setup aimed at delivering strong low-speed pulling power and long-distance capability.
New Mitsubishi Pajero: Proper 4WD With Low-Range Gearing
The new Pajero’s biggest advantage could be its off-road hardware. Mitsubishi has equipped the SUV with Super Select 4WD-II, giving drivers four drivetrain settings.
The system offers:
- 2H for rear-wheel drive
- 4H for full-time four-wheel drive
- 4HLc for four-wheel drive with the centre differential locked
- 4LLc for locked four-wheel drive with low-range gearing
The final setting is particularly important for serious off-road driving because it gives the SUV low-range gearing for difficult terrain. This means the Pajero is not depending only on electronic drive modes to improve traction.
The SUV also gets Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. It works with Active Yaw Control, traction control, stability control and ABS to manage the forces reaching the four wheels.
There are also seven selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock. Together, these systems are designed to help the Pajero maintain grip across different surfaces.
Mitsubishi Pajero 2027: 230mm Ground Clearance and Serious Off-Road Angles
The new Pajero has been designed to remain capable away from paved roads. It offers 230mm of ground clearance, along with a 30.4-degree approach angle and 25.8-degree departure angle. The breakover angle stands at 22.6 degrees.
Its suspension also reflects its off-road focus. The front uses an independent double-wishbone arrangement, while the rear gets a five-link rigid axle.
Mitsubishi has therefore kept several traditional ingredients that helped establish the Pajero name. Instead of making the SUV primarily about styling and technology, the company has built the new model around the combination of strength, traction and long-distance comfort.
Mitsubishi Pajero 2027: Seven-Seat Cabin With More Premium Features
The new Pajero remains a family SUV with seating for seven people across three rows. Mitsubishi has paid particular attention to third-row usability, with space designed to accommodate adult passengers.
The second row can slide by 150mm and tumble forward to make access to the third row easier. It can also be adjusted to create additional luggage space when the rear seats are not required.
Higher variants get premium upholstery and additional comfort equipment. Features reported for the new SUV include heated and ventilated seats, three-zone automatic climate control, rear sunshades and additional storage solutions.
Mitsubishi has also worked on cabin refinement. Acoustic glass and additional sound insulation are used to reduce outside noise, which should make the Pajero more comfortable during long highway journeys.
Mitsubishi Pajero 2027: Dual 14.3-Inch Screens Bring the Pajero Into the Digital Era
The cabin represents one of the biggest changes from previous generations. The new Pajero gets a modern dashboard with large digital displays while still retaining physical controls for important functions.
Higher variants feature dual 14.3-inch screens, while other versions use smaller displays. A Yamaha audio system with 12 speakers is also available.
Mitsubishi has attempted to combine this modern technology with visual references to older Pajero models. The company has also retained physical switches and controls, including dedicated controls for important vehicle functions.
This approach could appeal to buyers who want modern connectivity without having to operate every feature through a touchscreen.
Mitsubishi Pajero 2027: New Pajero vs Toyota Fortuner: Could This Become a Major Rival?
If the Pajero eventually reaches India, the Toyota Fortuner would be one of its most obvious rivals.
Both SUVs follow a traditional formula: a ladder-frame chassis, three-row seating, diesel power and four-wheel-drive capability. The Pajero, however, brings a particularly extensive off-road package, including Super Select 4WD-II, low-range gearing and S-AWC.
The challenge for Mitsubishi would be establishing the Pajero as a viable product in India. The Fortuner already has a strong customer base, extensive sales and service reach and a well-established reputation in the premium SUV market.
The Pajero name itself has considerable recognition among Indian SUV enthusiasts. But recognition alone may not be enough for Mitsubishi to restart its passenger vehicle operations in the country.
Mitsubishi Pajero 2027: New Mitsubishi Pajero India Launch – What We Know So Far
There is no confirmed India launch date for the new Mitsubishi Pajero.
Mitsubishi has announced plans to expand the SUV to around 100 countries from fiscal 2027, including markets across ASEAN, Latin America and the Middle East. However, India has not been specifically confirmed as one of the launch markets.
That makes an India launch difficult to predict. Mitsubishi’s passenger vehicle presence in India has been limited, and bringing the Pajero back would require more than simply importing the SUV. The company would need to consider sales, servicing, spare parts, distribution and pricing.
A completely built-up import could also make the SUV expensive compared with established competitors.
For now, Indian buyers should therefore treat the Pajero’s India arrival as unconfirmed rather than expected.
Mitsubishi Pajero 2027: New Pajero Launch Timeline – Thailand First, Then Japan and Australia
Mitsubishi will build the new Pajero at its production facility in Thailand, making the country the first market for the SUV.
The company plans to follow Thailand with launches in Japan and Australia during fiscal 2026, which runs through March 2027. From fiscal 2027, Mitsubishi plans to expand the Pajero to approximately 100 countries.
The international expansion means the Pajero will have a much wider presence than at the time of its previous generation. However, the exact timing and specifications will vary from market to market.
Mitsubishi Pajero 2027: Why the New Pajero Matters?
The return of the Pajero comes at a time when the global SUV market is changing rapidly. Many manufacturers are moving towards monocoque construction, smaller turbocharged petrol engines, hybrids and electric powertrains.
Mitsubishi has taken a different route with its flagship off-roader. The new Pajero combines a ladder-frame chassis, diesel engine, low-range four-wheel drive, rigid rear axle and three-row seating with modern safety, comfort and connectivity features.
That makes the new SUV more than a nostalgic revival. Mitsubishi is using the Pajero name to return to the type of rugged, go-anywhere SUV that made the badge famous while adding the technology expected from a modern flagship.
For Indian enthusiasts, the biggest unanswered question remains the same: whether Mitsubishi will eventually bring this new-generation Pajero to India. For now, the company has revealed the SUV globally but has not confirmed an Indian launch.
