Mitsubishi Motors’ light SUV, the Pajero Mini, is expected to undergo a full model change and be released in 2026. This model debuted in 1994 and production ended in 2012, but it will be making a comeback after 14 years. The new Pajero Mini is an ambitious product that incorporates Mitsubishi’s latest technology and design. In this article, we will fully introduce the appeal of the new Pajero Mini.
Mitsubishi New Pajero Mini: Key Points of Evolution
Exterior
- Adopts Mitsubishi’s latest design language, “Dynamic Shield”
- Powerful and sophisticated style
- Enlarged front grille
- Adoption of LED headlights
- Body size expanded to the very limit of light vehicle standards
- Improved access to the rear seats thanks to the four-door design
interior
- Design that emphasizes a high-quality feel
- Uses the latest touchscreen display
- Strengthened connectivity with smartphones
- Spacious interior space
Powertrain
- Newly developed in-line 3-cylinder 660cc engine “BR06”
- Two types of engines: naturally aspirated and turbocharged
- Adoption of a mild hybrid system
- Adoption of CVT
- FF and 4WD drive systems
safety equipment
- Autonomous driving technology “MI-PILOT”
- Around View Monitor
- Side/curtain airbags
others
- Price: From 1.7 million yen (estimated)
- Release date: 2026 (planned)
Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero Mini” full model change exterior
The design of the new Pajero Mini is based on Mitsubishi’s latest design language, “Dynamic Shield,” and has been reborn with a style that combines strength and sophistication. The front grille has been enlarged, giving it a stronger presence. LEDs have also been adopted for the headlights, giving it an advanced impression.
The body size has been expanded to the very limit of the minicar standard, ensuring spaciousness inside the vehicle. By changing from the previous two-door to four-door configuration, access to the rear seats has been greatly improved.
The predicted CG image of the Pajero Mini design shows that it will have Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield and be a four-door type.
Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero Mini” full model change interior
The interior is designed with an emphasis on a high-quality feel, and the infotainment system uses the latest touchscreen display, with enhanced smartphone connectivity.
The spacious interior is designed to ensure comfort for all passengers. Rear seat comfort has also been significantly improved, making it ideal for family use.
Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero Mini” full model change: Safety features
The new Pajero Mini is also packed with safety features, including MyPilot, Mitsubishi’s version of Nissan’s ProPilot autonomous driving technology, which is a single-lane driving assist function for highways. This combines radar cruise control (LCC) with all-speed tracking and lane keeping assist (LKA). The car also comes equipped with the e-Assist driving assistance function, which not only supports driving on highways but also offers a full range of features to assist safe driving on regular roads. Furthermore, the car is packed with features that enhance safety performance, such as an Around View Monitor that allows a 360-degree bird’s-eye view of the vehicle, and side/curtain airbags.
“e-Assist” includes the following eight functions:
- Collision damage mitigation braking system (FCM, with pedestrian detection)
- Pedal Misapplication Prevention Assist (EAPM)
- Automatic High Beam (AHB)
- Traffic Sign Recognition System (TSR)
- Leading vehicle departure notification (LCDN)
- Lane Departure Warning System (LDW) & Lane Departure Prevention Assist (LDP)
- Laziness Alert (LDA)
- Predictive Forward Collision Warning (PFCW)
Furthermore, it is equipped with a Multi Around View Monitor with a moving object detection function. When the luggage space is full and it is difficult to see behind, or at night or in the rain, the digital rearview mirror that displays the image from the rear camera on the rearview mirror is convenient (standard equipment or manufacturer option depending on the grade).
It also features Active Stability Control (ASC) to improve vehicle stability, and Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH) that adjust the illumination range to avoid shining high beams on oncoming or preceding vehicles (ALH is a manufacturer option on some grades).
There are a total of seven airbags: driver’s and passenger’s, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags.
Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero Mini” full model change: expected specs
This means that the fuel economy in WLTC mode is very good compared to other companies’ cars.
The new Pajero Mini is equipped with the newly developed in-line 3-cylinder 660cc engine “BR06.” Two types of engines are available: a naturally aspirated engine and a turbo engine. Both are combined with a mild hybrid system not available in its rival “Jimny,” achieving both excellent fuel economy and powerful driving. The transmission uses a CVT, achieving smooth acceleration and low fuel consumption. The drive system is available in FF and 4WD, allowing you to choose according to road conditions.
| Specifications | Pajero Mini Turbo car |
Pajero Mini NA |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 3,395mm | 3,395mm |
| Overall width | 1,475mm | 1,475mm |
| Overall height | 1,645mm | 1,645mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,445mm | 2,445mm |
| engine | 660cc water-cooled inline 3-cylinder DOHC intercooler turbo + motor |
660cc water-cooled inline 3-cylinder DOHC + motor |
| Maximum power | 47kW (64ps) / 5,600rpm |
38kW (52ps) / 6,400rpm |
| Maximum torque | 100Nm (10.2kgm) / 2,400rpm~4,000rpm |
60Nm (6.1kgm) / 3,600rpm |
| Motor maximum output |
2.0kW (2.7ps) / 1,200rpm |
– |
| Motor Max Torque |
40Nm (4.1kgm) / 100rpm |
– |
| transmission | CVT (Xtronic) / 5-speed MT |
CVT (Xtronic) / 5-speed MT |
| Drive system | FF/4WD | FF/4WD |
Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero Mini” full model change: expected price
The price of the new Pajero Mini is likely to be set with its biggest rival, the Suzuki Jimny light SUV, in mind. For reference, the 2024 Jimny model is priced between 1,654,400 yen and 2,002,000 yen. Therefore, the Pajero Mini is expected to be in a similar price range.
Rumors of a full model change for the new Mitsubishi Pajero Mini
While there are rumors that Mitsubishi’s Pajero Mini will be revived with a full model change, it appears that the development of the Pajero Mini has been delayed due to the priority being given to full model changes for other models. In particular, new models such as the Delica Mini and Triton have been released one after another recently, so it seems that this is a priority. However, Suzuki’s Jimny has been a huge hit since its full model change, and it is thought that the rival model, the Pajero Mini, is also aiming to undergo a full model change and be released on the market.
Is the new Mitsubishi Pajero Mini a good idea?
On March 10, 2023, Mitsubishi Motors announced its new mid-term management plan, “Challenge 2025 ,” revealing that it plans to launch a total of 16 vehicle models (including nine electrified vehicles) over the next five years. This will result in the aggressive launch of new models.
Naturally, some people are wondering whether it is really worth it given the recently released Delica Mini, but by positioning the Pajero Mini as a compact version of Mitsubishi’s most popular SUV, it is likely to have its own unique demand.
The history of the Pajero Mini
This is a light SUV produced and sold by Mitsubishi Motors. The chassis uses a built-in monocoque structure that combines a monocoque body with a ladder frame. When it was announced, it attracted attention as a “little brother of the popular Pajero” and the name was chosen by the public.
Released in December 1994
The company released a minicar that embodied the full technology of the Pajero. The body is a monocoque built-in frame, with pressed parts like a ladder frame welded to the floor pan.
Released October 6, 1998
It underwent a full model change in response to changes in light vehicle standards. Based on a unique monocoque, highly rigid body, it adopted a “crushable body structure” that absorbs and mitigates energy in the event of a collision, and was equipped with a “brake assist mechanism” that supports braking in an emergency. This can be seen from the existence of derivative models such as the “Duke” with its large vertical front grille and the “Lynx” with its four round headlights. A minor change was made in the early hours of September 2003. The front grille was changed to a chrome-plated type, and the equipment and body color were also revised.
Production ended in June 2012. Since then, only available stock has been sold. Listing on the website was discontinued in January 2013.
to be decided
2026 seems like a good possibility.
A word from the editorial department
The global popularity of SUVs continues to this day, with various manufacturers releasing a variety of new vehicles. Mitsubishi has also recently been focusing on crossover SUVs, offering models such as the Outlander PHEV, Eclipse Cross, and RVR. It has also released outdoor models such as the Delica D:5 and Delica Mini, as well as the Triton, which will be available in 2024. However, the only thing missing from this lineup is a full-fledged light SUV model.
In particular, the Delica Mini has shown strong sales, selling approximately 9,000 units in the three months since its launch. Therefore, there is every reason to revive the legendary Pajero Mini. One way to differentiate it from other models is by providing excellent off-road performance.
The Jimny, which underwent a full model change for the first time in 18 years in the same category , has few rivals in the same genre, and has been so popular that there is a backlog of deliveries from the time of its release to the present day. There is no reason why Mitsubishi would not enter this market.
Mitsubishi Motors
