Mitsubishi Pajero Returns After 5-Year Hiatus

The fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero has been revealed globally, marking the SUV's return five years after its 2021 discontinuation. The new Pajero uses a ladder-frame chassis and a four-wheel-drive setup with a low-range transfer case, and comes solely with a diesel engine.

An India launch remains off the cards for the new Pajero. The SUV was sold here between 2002 and 2018, building a cult following before Mitsubishi discontinued it globally in 2021.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero: Engine, 4WD System And Off-Road Hardware

The Mitsubishi Pajero is powered by a 2.4-litre diesel engine producing 480Nm of peak torque, paired with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic gearbox.

Four-wheel drive comes with four selectable modes: 2H for rear-wheel drive, 4H for full-time 4WD, 4HLc for a locked centre differential, and 4LLc for a locked differential with low-range gearing.

A ladder-frame chassis continues to underpin the SUV, just as it did on the outgoing generation. Suspension consists of an independent double-wishbone setup at the front and a five-link rigid axle at the rear.

Active Yaw Control uses the front brakes to manage torque distribution between the left and right wheels. Seven drive modes are on offer: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero: Exterior Design

The Mitsubishi Pajero's design has been modernised while keeping the previous generation's bold, upright stance intact. At the front, connected LED light bars with segmented ends flank projector LED headlights, and the bonnet gets aggressive creases alongside a large honeycomb-mesh grille.

The front bumper features air inlet channels and grey skid plates for a rugged look. In profile, the SUV rides on 20-inch black alloy wheels, with black cladding on the squared-off wheel arches and side steps.

A black garnish on the front fender carries 'Pajero' embossing. At the rear, wraparound LED taillights mirror the front DRL design and are joined by a black panel with Pajero lettering at the centre.

The tailgate skips the iconic spare wheel mount seen on past Pajeros, though Mitsubishi says its new taillight design draws inspiration from the fourth-generation model's spare tyre mount. The rear bumper follows a design similar to the front unit.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero: Interior & Features

Inside, the Mitsubishi Pajero features a dual-tone black-and-tan cabin with dual 14.5-inch screens, one for instrumentation and another for infotainment, along with a chunky 4-spoke steering wheel with physical controls.

It does without the previous generation's multi-info display, but the infotainment screen can show digital rotary dials tracking pitch, roll, and tyre angle. Physical scroll dials remain for the climate control system, paired with slim AC vents in gloss black.

Soft-touch materials cover the major touchpoints on the dashboard and doors. Seating spans three rows for seven occupants, with adjustable headrests and black-and-tan leatherette upholstery throughout, and the third row folds flat to free up boot space.

Other equipment includes 3-zone climate control, a 12-speaker Yamaha sound system, and ventilated front seats. Safety kit spans 8 airbags, a 360-degree camera system with an under-bonnet view, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Mitsubishi will introduce the new-generation Pajero in Thailand first, followed by Japan and Australia by March 2027. A wider rollout to nearly 100 countries follows, spanning ASEAN, Latin America, and the Middle East markets. As mentioned, a return to India remains unlikely.