Mitsubishi Pajero

Model Overview

The Mitsubishi Pajero is Mitsubishi Motors' flagship hardcore off-road SUV, taking its name from the Pampas cat (Leopardus pajeros), a wildcat native to the Patagonian plateau of Argentina renowned for its wilderness survival capabilities. In selected markets, the model is also badged as the Montero or Shogun. Since its debut in 1982, the Pajero has spearheaded Mitsubishi's growth as the brand's flagship, blending passenger-car comfort with exceptional off-road performance. Spanning four generations, the nameplate has recorded cumulative global sales of over 3.3 million units. Production of the fourth-generation Pajero ceased in Japan in 2019, before global production officially concluded in 2021. In June 2026, Mitsubishi Motors officially announced that the all-new fifth-generation Pajero will make its return in autumn 2026.

Design Language

The first-generation Pajero (1982–1991) made its premiere at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show. The short-wheelbase three-door version was the first to go on sale, offered in both hardtop and canvas soft-top styles. In February 1983, the long-wheelbase five-door variant was officially launched. In 1987, the first flagship variant featuring two-tone bodywork was introduced, and two-tone paintwork subsequently became an iconic hallmark of the Pajero.

The second-generation Pajero (1991–1999) saw its chassis designation shift from the L-series to the V-series, offering body styles ranging from short-wheelbase metal-top and soft-top cabriolets to long-wheelbase standard and high-roof variants.

The third-generation Pajero (2000–2006) adopted a wider body and a more contemporary exterior design.

The fourth-generation Pajero (2006–2021) carried forward the dimensions and overall silhouette of its predecessor, with off-road parameters such as ground clearance and approach angle remaining virtually identical to the third generation.

The all-new fifth-generation Pajero will retain the boxy proportions of a traditional rugged off-roader, featuring an upright, imposing front end, squared-off wheel arches, a sculpted bonnet and flared wings, robust C-pillars, and a near-vertical tailgate. Up front, a prominent front grille integrates seamlessly with the headlamp clusters, flanked by T-shaped LED lighting surrounding the brand emblem. Inside, the all-new Pajero will digitally reinterpret the iconic triple auxiliary gauges from past generations.

Powertrain & Performance

The Pajero's engine lineup has undergone extensive evolution across four decades. The first-generation model offered inline-four petrol, V6 petrol, and diesel engine options. In 1983, the long-wheelbase variant received a 2.0L turbocharged petrol unit and a 2.3L turbodiesel. A 3.0L SOHC V6 petrol and a 2.5L turbodiesel were added in 1988.

The second generation successively introduced 2.8L and 3.5L V6 engines. Later in the third-generation lifecycle, a 3.8L V6 petrol unit and a 3.2L turbodiesel were introduced.

The fourth-generation model was powered by an all-new 3.2L inline-four direct-injection turbodiesel and a 3.8L V6 MIVEC petrol engine.

The fourth-generation Final Edition (2022 model year) is powered by a 3.2L four-cylinder turbodiesel engine (4M41), delivering 190 PS (140 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 441 Nm of torque, paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission.

The all-new fifth-generation Pajero is expected to adopt electrified powertrains. Under Mitsubishi's medium-to-long-term product plan, 13 new models are scheduled, including five hybrid (HEV) and five plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models. As the brand's flagship, the all-new Pajero is highly likely to feature a PHEV setup. The new model is expected to feature Mitsubishi's newly developed next-generation engine boasting a world-class thermal efficiency of 48%. Furthermore, reports indicate that standard variants may be powered by a 2.4L bi-turbodiesel engine delivering 201 PS and 470 Nm of torque.

Chassis & Handling

The Pajero has consistently led the segment in chassis technology. Even the first-generation model was equipped with front double wishbone suspension, power steering, and suspension-cushioned seats. The defining engineering highlight of the second-generation Pajero was the debut of Mitsubishi's proprietary Super Select 4WD (SS4) system. This system offers four drive modes: 2H (high-range rear-wheel drive), 4H (high-range full-time 4WD), 4HLC (high-range 4WD with locked centre differential), and 4LLC (low-range 4WD with locked centre differential). Unlike the first-generation setup that required stopping to engage, the second-generation system enabled shift-on-the-fly capability. The second-generation model also featured an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and electronically controlled suspension with three damping modes (Soft/Medium/Hard).

The third generation introduced an all-new 4WD system with torque vectoring technology, dynamically adjusting power delivery and torque split according to terrain conditions.

The fourth-generation model retained a four-wheel independent suspension setup with front double wishbones and a rear multi-link layout, built on a monocoque chassis with an integrated ladder frame.

The all-new fifth-generation Pajero will adopt a body-on-frame (ladder-frame chassis) architecture. The new model will share its platform with the Mitsubishi Triton/L200 pick-up truck, with production handled by Mitsubishi Motors (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (MMTh). The cabin structure and front/rear suspension will be uniquely tuned to balance off-road capability with ride comfort.

Cabin & Equipment

The fourth-generation Pajero offered five-seater and seven-seater layouts, with all Final Edition units for the Australian market coming standard as seven-seaters. High-spec variants were equipped with premium amenities such as leather upholstery and an electric sunroof.

The digital multi-info instrument cluster on the all-new fifth-generation Pajero will display real-time readouts of altitude, body roll and pitch angles, driving heading, ambient temperature, and torque distribution.

Safety & Smart Driving

The Pajero's safety suite has continually evolved across generations, starting with the early introduction of ABS on the second-generation model. Subsequent iterations progressively added more comprehensive active and passive safety features. The all-new fifth-generation Pajero is anticipated to come equipped with Mitsubishi's latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), with detailed specifications to be officially confirmed.

Market Performance & Reception

The Pajero has enjoyed remarkable commercial success worldwide. Since its launch in 1982, cumulative global sales have exceeded 3.3 million units, with deliveries spanning over 170 countries and regions.

In motorsport, the Pajero achieved an extraordinary track record. In 1983, less than a year after its commercial launch, the Pajero contested the 5th Paris-Dakar Rally for the first time and secured an impressive 11th place overall. It went on to dominate the Dakar Rally for years, cementing its legendary status as the "King of Dakar".

However, as the global automotive market shifted toward urban crossovers and electrification, the market share of the hardcore, off-road-focused Pajero gradually shrank. In 2015, Mitsubishi announced the cessation of new Pajero development in response to tightening emissions and fuel economy regulations. Domestic production in Japan ceased in 2019. In 2021, following the release of the 800-unit Pajero Final Edition in Australia, global production of the fourth-generation Pajero came to an official end. In the Chinese market, amid persistent losses at GAC Mitsubishi and Mitsubishi Motors' official exit from China in 2025, the Pajero was also withdrawn from the market.

On 30 June 2026, Mitsubishi Motors announced that the all-new generation Pajero will make its official comeback in autumn 2026. Positioned as the brand's flagship SUV, it is expected to command a more premium price point, likely within the RM240,000 to RM270,000 range (8,000,000 to 9,000,000 yen). Mitsubishi also plans to leverage the launch of the new-generation Pajero to establish premium flagship stores, while hinting at expanding the Pajero nameplate into a full model line-up. With the global hardcore off-road market expanding from 423,000 units in 2020 to 894,000 units in 2025, the return of the all-new Pajero is well-timed, though whether it can recapture its past glory in a highly competitive segment remains to be seen.