Fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero revealed with 2.4L diesel and Super Select 4WD-II, Thailand production confirmed

Mitsubishi has officially released the first images and full specifications of the long-awaited fifth-generation Pajero.

As the new flagship of the Pajero line-up, the SUV shares its platform with the Triton pickup. Mitsubishi has, however, extensively reworked the chassis, suspension and body structure to suit the Pajero's off-road role.

The new Pajero is expected to be built first in Thailand and launched in Thailand, Japan and Australia before expanding to ASEAN, Latin America, the Middle East and other markets. Mitsubishi plans to sell the SUV in around 100 countries worldwide.

Exterior design

The fifth-generation Pajero uses Mitsubishi's latest design language while retaining the upright stance and boxy, solid proportions that defined the original model.

At the front is a large black mesh grille with a honeycomb pattern, flanked by full-width T-shaped LED headlights. The design is inspired by the restrained yet sharp character of Japanese kendo. The chunky lower bumper gives the Pajero a more rugged look.

The side profile is defined by muscular shoulder lines, a C-pillar design that pays homage to the first-generation Pajero, and a two-tone finish with a black roof. Large wheels complete the look.

The new Pajero measures 4,920 mm long, 1,925 mm wide and 1,910 mm tall, with a 2,870 mm wheelbase.

Ground clearance stands at 230 mm, with a 30.4-degree approach angle, 22.6-degree breakover angle and 25.8-degree departure angle.

At the rear, the full-width tail-lights mirror the front-end lighting signature. The tailgate and rear bumper also feature a hexagonal motif inspired by the spare-wheel "backpack" design seen on previous generations of the Pajero.

Interior & technology

The Pajero gets a more modern cabin without losing the practical layout expected of an off-road SUV.

The dashboard follows a horizontal layout and houses Mitsubishi's Monolith display, combining dual 14.3-inch screens on higher-spec versions, or 12.3 inches on some variants. The setup replaces the conventional instrument cluster.

The familiar three-gauge layout also gets a digital makeover, showing off-road information such as altitude, direction and vehicle inclination in real time. Mitsubishi has retained physical controls for functions that are better operated by feel.

Soft-touch materials are used across the dashboard and door panels, with stitching inspired by the traditional Japanese Kimekomi craft. A two-tone Camel and black interior is also available.

Both the front and rear windows use laminated acoustic glass, while Mitsubishi has added extensive sound insulation throughout the body to keep the cabin quiet.

The Pajero also comes with a 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system jointly developed by Mitsubishi and Yamaha.

Space and practicality

The new Pajero features a three-row, seven-seat configuration.

The second-row seats can slide by up to 150mm and tumble forward, making it easier for passengers to access the third row.

The third row has been designed with more headroom and legroom, and can fold completely flat to create a larger, level cargo area.

For long-distance trips, the Pajero also comes with ventilated seats and three-zone automatic climate control.

Powertrain and chassis

The new Pajero is powered by a 2.4-litre single-turbo Clean Diesel engine developed specifically for the SUV. It produces 204 PS and 480 Nm of torque, with some specifications rated at 181 PS/204 PS. The engine is paired with a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission with a Sport mode.

The chassis uses a high-rigidity, lightweight reinforced ladder frame, with double wishbones at the front and a newly developed five-link solid axle with coil springs at the rear.

The Pajero continues with Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II) system, offering four drive modes:

• 2H – rear-wheel drive
• 4H – full-time four-wheel drive
• 4HLc – centre differential lock
• 4LLc – low-range gearing with centre differential lock

The fifth-generation Pajero is also the first in the range to feature Mitsubishi's S-AWC vehicle dynamics control system. It combines Active Yaw Control (AYC) and Active Stability & Traction Control (ASTC), together with seven terrain modes: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.

Safety and driver assistance

The new Pajero comes with a range of active and passive safety features.

Its ADAS package includes FCM (Forward Collision Mitigation), PFCW (Predictive Forward Collision Warning), EAPM (Emergency Accelerator Pedal Misapplication Mitigation), ELA (Emergency Lane Assist) and FCTA (Forward Cross Traffic Alert).

For highway driving, the Pajero gets MI-PILOT, Mitsubishi's highway driving assistance system, integrated with LKA (Lane Keep Assist).

The 3D Multi Around Monitor is also available, along with a Front Underfloor View that gives the driver a view of the area directly beneath the front of the vehicle. This is particularly useful when tackling rough off-road terrain or manoeuvring into tight parking spaces.

For passive safety, the Pajero comes with eight airbags as standard, including a far-side centre airbag between the driver and front passenger — a first for Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi's vision for the Pajero

Commenting on the new Pajero, Mitsubishi Motors director, representative executive officer, president and COO Keisuke Kishiura said:

"As part of our long-term vision for the 2030s, we are working to strengthen the distinctive qualities of our products and brand, with the aim of improving customer satisfaction and corporate value. The new Pajero is the first model to come from this vision and will serve as the flagship for the next generation of Pajero models as well as the wider Mitsubishi line-up. It is a premium 4x4 SUV that combines a more refined feel with the reliability needed in a wide range of driving conditions. The new model will be rolled out in markets around the world."

For Malaysian enthusiasts passionate about outdoor camping, overland expeditions, and off-roading, the all-new Pajero effortlessly blends authentic 4WD credentials, hefty diesel torque, and a far more luxurious digital cockpit than ever before—making it a genuinely exciting true-blue 4x4 SUV.

As regional launches across ASEAN get underway, local off-road fans can certainly keep their fingers crossed for its eventual arrival in Malaysia!