One of Mitsubishi’s most iconic SUV nameplates is back with the all-new Pajero. The redesigned flagship SUV returns to the market after a five-year absence and is finally a brand new one for the iconic SUV. The new Pajero has a diesel engine that is up to 480Nm powerful, body-on-frame design and Mitsubishi’s new four-wheel-drive system that still has that tough character that has made it so popular among off-roaders.
The return of the Pajero is important for markets where the SUV has developed a large following over the years such as India. The Pajero was once sold in India before it was discontinued. But Mitsubishi hasn’t yet revealed when the all-new one will be launched in India, and the Indian SUV fans will have to wait for the new one.
The global rollout of the new Pajero is expected to start in Thailand in the current fiscal year. Japan and Australia are among the first markets for the flagship SUV. Mitsubishi will be able to market more markets for the model in fiscal 2027 including several ASEAN countries. The company has said that the SUV could be available at around 100 markets eventually, but India has not been identified.
One of the major changes in the all-new Pajero is its chassis. Mitsubishi has switched the SUV to a ladder-frame structure— back to the body-on-frame structure of the rugged and capable off-road vehicles of today for it. That’s a radical change after the Pajero was a unibody-based vehicle for decades.
The new Pajero is 4,920mm long, 1,925mm wide and 1,910mm tall. It has a 2,870mm wheelbase and is the size and presence of a flagship SUV. Mitsubishi also supports the model with 230mm of ground clearance to help it deal with difficult terrain.
A lot of off-road capability still comes into play in the new Pajero. The SUV has a 30.4-degree approach angle and a 25.8-degree departure angle, both of which are critical for driving on steep and uneven terrain. Combined with its ladder frame and four-wheel-drive features, the new Pajero appears to have been engineered for buyers who expect more than just a premium road-going SUV.
Power comes from a 2.4-litre diesel engine. Mitsubishi has confirmed that the engine produces up to 480Nm of torque, while select variants are expected to offer 470Nm. The diesel engine is coupled with a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
As Mitsubishi is not so much about headline power numbers, the torque output should play a strong role in highway and off-road driving. High torque is particularly useful when negotiating difficult terrain, climbing steep slopes or carrying heavy loads.
The new Pajero also receives Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II system. Four different drive modes for the four-wheel-drive system allow drivers to adapt the vehicle to changing road and terrain conditions. Mitsubishi's Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) system can control traction and stability on all four wheels.
The SUV has seven terrain-specific driving modes for gravel, mud, sand, snow and rock. These systems should help the Pajero navigate and maintain traction across a wide range of terrain.
Mitsubishi has also changed the interior of the new Pajero with a wide variety of new aspects. The cabin has twin 14.3-inch displays that make the flagship SUV look very modern and sleek. There are also three-zone climate control, ventilated seats, and Yamaha’s 12-speaker audio system.
The new Pajero will also have a seven-seat, three-row configuration, making it ideal for families and buyers looking for a large long-distance touring SUV. Safety equipment includes eight airbags including Mitsubishi’s first centre-mounted airbag.
Advanced driver-assistance technology has also been added in the Pajero. Emergency Lane Assist and MI-PILOT highway driving assistance are new features to the nameplate. A 3D surround-view camera system and a front under-floor view are also available for drivers to monitor obstacles while off-road driving.
New Mitsubishi Pajero Revealed: Key Highlights
— MotorBeam (@MotorBeam) September 2, 2026
• Mitsubishi has revived the Pajero nameplate with an all-new three-row SUV.
• The new model moves away from the styling of its predecessors and follows Mitsubishi’s latest design language, similar to the Destinator and Xtorce.… pic.twitter.com/odSd7jx6Ub
Mitsubishi has announced two popular exterior colour options, Armor Copper Metallic and Phantom Blue Metallic, to make the new-generation SUV much more distinct.
The big question for Indian buyers is whether the Pajero will ever return to local showrooms. Mitsubishi is not talking about an India launch date or any timeline on it. Thailand, Japan and Australia will be the first markets, followed by expansion into ASEAN, Latin America and the Middle East.
Until Mitsubishi makes an official announcement about an India launch, any discussion about an India launch remains speculative. However, the Pajero with ladder-frame chassis, 480Nm diesel engine and serious four-wheel-drive hardware is likely to generate significant interest among Indian SUV enthusiasts.
The new Pajero, with its combination of modern technology, premium features, and traditional off-road capability, appears ready to carry one of Mitsubishi’s most iconic names into a new era.
