Four decades and generations of the legendary and iconic Mitsubishi Pajero

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that the Mitsubishi Pajero is making a much anticipated comeback in the coming months. The legendary and iconic nameplate is one of the most highly revered globally, making it a key event in automotive history.

Called the Montero and Shogun in other markets, the Mitsubishi Pajero is very well known for its balance of off-road capability through its Super Select 4WD system, while maintaining high amounts of passenger comfort when on paved roads. Of course, who can forget its excellent performance at the Dakar Rally which it dominated with multiple wins.

And while its eventual discontinuation from the global market certainly left a gap in the automotive market, it still remained in spirit through the smaller Montero Sport (or Pajero Sport or Shogun Sport in other markets), but nothing beats the full-size SUV everyone came to love. This is why Mitsubishi Motors is staging the nameplate’s return as a Triton-based full-size SUV that’s built on the legacy of previous generations.

As we inch closer to its much awaited comeback, five years after it left the market, we take a look at the different generations that shaped the Pajero, and are shaping what’s to come in its fifth generation.

1st Generation: The Box Type

The first-ever Mitsubishi Pajero was launched in Japan in 1982, based on the Mitsubishi Pajero II Concept from the 1979 Tokyo Motor Show (now the Japan Mobility Show), and inspired by the Mitsubishi Jeep.

Designed to balance off-road capability and on-road comfort, it was eventually introduced to the Philippine market in 1987 by the Philippine Automotive Manufacturing Corporation (PAMCOR), which eventually became today’s Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation (MMPC). It was produced at their old manufacturing facility in Cainta, Rizal and was affectionately called the Box Type by enthusiasts.

This generation was powered by the iconic 4D56 turbodiesel engine, which had a 2.5-liter displacement, and produced a humble 84 horsepower and 103Nm of torque, mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Features included 15-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, two-speed wipers, headlamp washers, and a digital clock. It also already had the iconic multi-meter display mounted on the center of the dashboard, showing a clinometer, altimeter, outside temperature, and compass.

2nd Generation: The Field Master

The second generation Mitsubishi Pajero came to the Philippines in 1995, retaining the overall concept of the first generation, but with softer lines and a larger focus on passenger comfort while retaining the capability the nameplate was already known for. This was also produced locally by PAMCOR, and even outlived the third generation model with production ending in 2008. 

This generation also marked the introduction of the brand’s iconic Super Select 4WD system which allowed drivers to select between 2WD and 4WD even while on the move. The multi-meter display also lives on with a more modern appearance, in the more comfort-oriented cabin. Its first iteration remained powered by the iconic 4D56 engine, now making 99 horsepower and 240Nm, still mated to a five-speed manual transmission.

A facelift in 1999 brought life to what is known as the Field Master, bringing refinements and a more premium touch to the overall package. This also introduced a larger and more powerful 2.8-liter 4M40 turbodiesel engine that made 127 horsepower and 298Nm of torque, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Not to be forgotten is the Pajero Evolution which first came into being with this generation? A homologation model to meet the requirements of the Dakar Rally, only a little over 2,500 units were produced, coming with a 3.5-liter V6 engine with MIVEC, and is one of the most iconic vehicles to have ever been produced in automotive history.

3rd Generation: Age of Refinement

The third generation of the Mitsubishi Pajero, first introduced in Japan in 1999, was a major revolution in the model’s overall direction, shifting to a unibody chassis with an independent suspension, not only for improved refinement and comfort, but also for better rigidity and safety, while still retaining the off-road capability the nameplate has been known for in previous generations.

The facelifted version was introduced to the Philippine market in 2003 as a more upmarket model, sold alongside the Pajero Field Master which remained in local production. It was available powered by either a 3.8-liter 6G75 gasoline V6 engine making 204 horsepower and 313Nm, or a 3.2-liter 4M41 turbodiesel making 165 horsepower and 373Nm, both mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.

This generation also saw features such as the Super Select II 4WD system, first-in-class tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), and Mitsubishi Active Stability and Traction Control (M-ASTC) which was derived from the legendary Lancer Evolution. Unfortunately, this lost the beloved multi-meter display.

4th Generation: The Cliffhanger

Last but not the least, the fourth generation which will thankfully no longer be the last. Unveiled in Paris in 2006, it was eventually launched here in the Philippines in 2008 as a completely built-up (CBU) import from Japan just like the third generation. 

Known as the BK, it brought even more refinements to the nameplate and put a premium to on-road performance compared to off-road capability, but still retaining the capability as needed. Its engines were carried-over from the previous generation, but with the V6 gaining more output at 250 horsepower and 330Nm.

And while it did focus on being a more road-going premium SUV, it was still distinctively a Pajero when it came to design. Production was eventually ended, and it left local Mitsubishi Motors showrooms in 2021, marking the end of an era for one of the most recognizable nameplates in the country.

The Big Comeback

There is a lot of anticipation surrounding its comeback which is expected to happen before the year ends. It’s confirmed to be based on the Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck’s platform, marking a return to a body-on-frame construction, and is promised by Mitsubishi Motors to provide not only outstanding off-road capabilities, but also a refined and comfortable ride.

The Multi-Meter Display from the first two generations will also be making a comeback with the return of the nameplate, albeit in digital form, providing information through an altimeter, clinometer, and for torque distribution. It has even been previewed to select audiences, showing portions of a tan-colored cabin with plenty of soft-touch surfaces.

As it becomes the Japanese automaker’s flagship model once again, there is certainly a lot in store to be excited about. This certainly has big shoes to fill, and we’re all watching out for what’s to come.

_{PHOTOS FROM: Mitsubishi Motors, Melvin Panlilio}