Mitsubishi Revives Pajero As Rugged Off-Road SUV

Mitsubishi has officially revived its legendary Pajero nameplate, unveiling a fifth-generation model that returns to its rugged, body-on-frame off-road roots. The new SUV, which debuted in Tokyo on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, is positioned as the brand's flagship and aims to compete with established off-road focused vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Ford Everest. The revived Pajero abandons the more road-oriented design of its predecessor, which was discontinued globally in 2021. Instead, it utilizes a ladder-frame chassis derived from the underpinnings of the Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck. This construction, shared with the sixth-generation Triton launched in early 2024, features a live rear axle, four-wheel drive with low-range gearing, and a rear differential lock, supported by Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WDII system and Super AllWheel Control technology. Powering the new Pajero is a 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine producing 204 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This setup is designed to meet Euro 6d emissions standards.