New-Gen Mitsubishi Pajero Unveiled With 480 Nm Diesel, 7 Seats and 4WD

Mitsubishi has unveiled the fifth-generation Pajero at a world premiere in Tokyo, roughly five years after the fourth-generation model was discontinued in overseas markets. The new Pajero sits on a ladder frame derived from the Triton pickup, with bespoke suspension tuning and a newly developed cabin.

It launches in Thailand first, with Japan and Australia following during fiscal year 2026, which runs until March 2027. A broader rollout to around 100 countries follows from fiscal 2027. India has not been confirmed, and in some markets the car will carry the Montero name instead of Pajero.

Keisuke Kishiura, president and COO of Mitsubishi Motors, said,

“As our flagship model, it will lead not only the Pajero series to follow, but the entire Mitsubishi Motors lineup.”

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Exterior

The new Pajero is deliberately not trying to look like a crossover. The face is flat and wide with a horizontal-bar grille, Mitsubishi's three-diamond badge centred in it, and T-shaped LED headlights flanking it. Meanwhile, the rear carries full-width "PAJERO" lettering and wraparound tail lamps that is almost similar to the front.

There is no external spare tyre, though the hexagonal panel on the tailgate nods to older generations that did carry one.

Two colours are offered at launch, including Armor Copper Metallic and Phantom Blue Metallic, the latter with gold highlights that shift with the viewing angle.

Interior and Features

The dashboard runs wide and horizontal, with a monolithic unit housing two 14.3-inch screens side by side. The left handles infotainment, including a Multi-Meter mode showing altitude, compass heading, outside temperature, and vehicle pitch and roll in real time, along with wireless smartphone connectivity. The right serves as the instrument cluster.

The 7-seat, three-row cabin is finished in camel-tan and black leather. The second row slides 150mm and has a tumble function, while the third row offers adult-usable headroom and a footwell that lets passengers tuck their feet under the second-row seats.

The front and second-row seats get ventilation, while climate control is three-zone automatic. All windows use acoustic glass, and the Yamaha-developed 12-speaker audio system adjusts output with vehicle speed.

MITSUBISHI CONNECT adds remote climate control and an SOS call function via smartphone.

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Engine and Performance

Under the bonnet is a 2.4-litre clean diesel with a single variable geometry turbocharger. Peak torque is 480 Nm, or 470 Nm on select specifications. Notably at this moment, no power figure or fuel efficiency data has been released.

The engine pairs with a new 8-speed automatic with a sport mode.

Off-Road Capability

The Pajero has 230mm of ground clearance, with a 30.4-degree approach angle, 22.6-degree ramp breakover angle and 25.8-degree departure angle. Its Super Select 4WD-II system offers four selectable modes, while S-AWC adds Active Yaw Control, traction control and ABS integration across all four wheels.

Seven drive modes are available, covering Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock. Braking is handled by 18-inch rotors with an electric brake booster, while the 52:48 front-to-rear weight split rounds out the off-road hardware.

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Safety

Safety highlights include forward collision mitigation with junction assist, Emergency Lane Assist new to this generation, Front Cross Traffic Alert, MI-PILOT highway assistance, and eight airbags including a centre airbag between the front seats, a first for Mitsubishi. The 3D Multi Around Monitor adds a front under-floor view in locked 4WD modes.

Price and Rivals

Mitsubishi has not announced pricing for any market. As a body-on-frame 7-seat diesel SUV positioned as a flagship, the natural comparisons in global markets are the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 and the Land Rover Defender.

Whether the new Pajero arrives in India, and at what price, has not been confirmed.

Image Source: Mitsubishi Motors Press Release