Hardcore Returns, Mitsubishi Motors Unveils the All-New Pajero

After 20 years, the legendary Dakar Pajero finally welcomes a new generation.

On September 2, Mitsubishi Motors officially unveiled the all-new Pajero in Tokyo. As Mitsubishi Motors' new flagship model, the all-new Pajero is manufactured at the Thailand production base. It will launch in the Thai market first, followed by launches in Japan and Australia in 2026, and gradually enter around 100 countries and regions globally, including ASEAN, Latin America, and the Middle East, starting from 2027.

The all-new Pajero retains the upright and rugged body proportions and horizontal design baseline of the first-generation model. Powerful wheel arches and sculpted body surfaces further enhance visual tension. The front design is inspired by Japanese Kendo, conveying restrained yet powerful inner strength, offering both horizontal bar and honeycomb grille styles. The headlights feature a signature T-shaped design, combining modernity and technology.

The new vehicle body dimensions are 4,920 x 1,925 x 1,910 mm, wheelbase 2,870 mm, ground clearance 230 mm, approach angle 30.4°, breakover angle 22.6°, departure angle 25.8°. The 52:48 front-to-rear weight distribution further optimizes off-road stability.

Classic elements are everywhere on the body: The C-pillar design pays tribute to the roll cage of the first-generation model, while the hexagonal rear design reinterprets the spare tire mounted on the rear seen in past Pajero generations. The body offers two metallic paint themes – Armored Bronze highlights the metallic heaviness, while Phantom Blue blends gold luster into a grey-blue base, presenting a refined texture that changes with light.

The all-new Pajero adopts a three-row, seven-seat layout. The second-row seats have a 150 mm slide range and support folding. The third row provides sufficient headroom for adults, with feet able to tuck under the second-row seats. Front and second-row seats feature ventilation, and a three-zone automatic air conditioner controls temperature independently.

The cabin features a horizontally extended dashboard integrating two 14.3-inch high-resolution screens (12.3-inch for some configurations). The signature three-circle instruments of Pajero generations are reinterpreted as Multi Meter multi-function displays, presenting off-road information such as altitude, compass, temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles, and AYC control status in real-time. The dashboard and door panels feature stitched soft material lining inspired by the traditional Japanese "Kigome" craft, creating a flagship-level luxury atmosphere. Interior colors offer Camel (Tan), forming a refined contrast with black.

The new vehicle has significantly upgraded in quietness. The front windshield and front and rear doors all use acoustic glass. Combined with full-vehicle sound insulation measures, it ensures passengers in all three rows can converse naturally at high speeds. The infotainment system supports wireless smartphone connection, and the instrument cluster offers 16 background themes that change in real-time with time.

In terms of power, the all-new Pajero is equipped with a 2.4-liter diesel engine, featuring a wide-range single Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). Maximum torque reaches 480 N·m (470 N·m for some configurations), matched with a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission (with Sport mode), balancing low-speed explosive power and high-speed smoothness.

Off-road performance remains uncompromising. The high-rigidity ladder frame uses more high-strength steel, significantly improving torsional and bending stiffness while reducing weight. Suspension is front double-wishbone independent + rear new five-link solid axle structure. Long-travel design ensures tire ground contact in complex terrain.

The all-new Pajero is equipped with Mitsubishi S-AWC Comprehensive Vehicle Dynamics Control System and SS4-II Super Select 4WD II. It offers four drive modes: 2H, 4H, 4HLc, 4LLc, and seven driving modes: Standard, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock.

Regarding safety features, the new vehicle is equipped with FCM Front Collision Mitigation (including pedestrian/cyclist/motorcycle detection and intersection assist), PFCW Predictive Front Collision Warning, and EAPM Accelerator Misapplication Assist. It also features ELA Emergency Lane Assist and FCTA Front Cross Traffic Alert for the first time. The MI-PILOT High-Speed Single-Lane Driving Assist System integrates ACC and LKA to relieve long-distance driving fatigue. The whole vehicle is equipped with 8 airbags, including Mitsubishi's first application of a front center airbag. Additionally, the 3D Multi-View Panoramic Image supports chassis see-through function, allowing real-time viewing of the road under the vehicle during off-road driving.

Since its birth in 1982, the Pajero has gone through four generations of updates, with cumulative production exceeding 3.29 million units, covering over 170 countries and regions. It is one of Mitsubishi Motors' most iconic models. The all-new Pajero, building on the "Confidence (Confidence)" and "Comfort (Comfort)" product philosophies inherited since the first generation, adds the "Prestige (Prestige)" dimension. With the design concept of "Grand Charisma (Grand Charm)", luxury quality has significantly improved, evolving comprehensively into a flagship-level crossover off-road SUV.

Mitsubishi Motors President and Chief Operating Officer Keisuke Kishura stated: "The all-new Pajero is the first model to implement Mitsubishi Motors' mid-to-long-term vision for the 2030s. As a flagship, it will lead the subsequent Pajero series and even the entire Mitsubishi Motors product lineup."

The author of this article is Wenfeng from TiCheBang.