THE COMEBACK: This is the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero

What could be the most awaited comeback for any nameplate has finally happened. The legendary Mitsubishi Pajero nameplate is officially back, and has been fully unveiled in Japan after months of anticipation, speculation, and teasers.

Coming about five years since it was discontinued globally, the return of the Mitsubishi Pajero builds on the long history of the iconic nameplate which first came into being in 1982, and fills a gap in the Japanese automaker’s lineup that was never filled by other models. There’s a lot to unpack, so sit tight and keep reading.

We already know that the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero is built on the same ladder-frame chassis as the Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck, instead of being based on the Nissan Patrol and Armada siblings. This also marks a departure from the last two generations’ crossover-like unibody construction and is touted by Mitsubishi Motors to bring more durability and capability to the Pajero.

This new fifth generation measures at 4,920mm of length, 1,925mm of width, and 1,910mm of height, and rides on a 2,870mm wheelbase, making it larger than the previous generation, and making it about the same size as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250.

Now that we’re finally seeing it, the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero is faithful to all the spyshots, renders, AI renders, and all teasers we’ve seen across the past year.

It retains the boxy-like silhouette from all previous generations, this time matched with an upright stance that’s set to give it a lot of road presence. Unsurprisingly, it wears signature Mitsubishi design cues such as T-shaped headlights and taillights, and of course, the signature Dynamic Shield front fascia. 

Two front grille designs will be available—a horizontal bar grille, or a honeycomb grille. The C-pillar is designed to be inspired by the roll bar of the first generation model, and a hexagonal bulge at the rear is inspired by the tailgate-mounted spare tire of all previous Pajeros.

The interior goes for a squared-out appearance, inspired by the simple lines of the first generation Pajero. The sloped panels on the passenger side also show inspiration from the second-generation model, and chunky cues give off a more rugged feel.

Two 14.3-inch screens are almost seamlessly combined for the driver’s instrument cluster and infotainment screen. Integrated into the latter is the Multi-Meter Display, which while we hoped for a dedicated display, is still nice to see as it is also inspired by previous generations, and provides important off-road and driving information such as altitude, compass heading, temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles, and AYC control status.

Soft-touch materials can also be found all over the interior, with Kimekomi-inspired stitching on the instrument panel and door panels. Mitsubishi also says that the cabin will be a quiet place with acoustic glass for the front and rear windows, and other noise-reduction measures to lessen road and wind noise when driving. Occupants will also enjoy a 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Premium sound system with dual amplifiers.

Mitsubishi has been rather quiet about what the all-new Pajero will be having under the hood. Unsurprisingly, it shares the Mitsubishi Triton’s 2.4-liter 4N16 turbodiesel engine, providing 204 horsepower and 480Nm of torque, sent to all four wheels by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

With Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system, the all-new Pajero should be as capable as previous versions. Drivers will be able to select between  The SS4-II system allows drivers to select from four 4WD drive modes—2H for rear-wheel drive, 4H for full-time 4WD, 4HLc for 4WD with a locked center differential, and 4LLc for 4WD with a locked center differential with low-range gears.

It also comes equipped with Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) and Active Yaw Control (AYC), Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC). There are also seven selectable drive modes—Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock.

With the Mitsubishi Pajero now back in the game, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol now have some additional company. Thailand will be the first to receive it, followed by Japan and Australia. Mitsubishi Motors also plans to bring it to over 100 markets in fiscal year 2027 (April 2027 onwards), including the ASEAN market (which could include the Philippines), Latin America, and the Middle East.

We’re definitely excited for this to arrive in our market, and given the previous popularity of the nameplate here, it’s safe to say that Mitsubishi Motors Philippines will be launching it as well. The only question now is when?