Mitsubishi’s flagship SUV, the new Pajero, will be fully redesigned and reborn in December 2026! With an evolved appearance and the latest technology, it will create a new legend.

Mitsubishi is planning to fully redesign the new Pajero and release it in December 2026. The Pajero is a legendary car that represents Mitsubishi. In Japan, production was officially announced to end in July 2019, much to the regret of many, and orders were also closed. However, after a seven-year hiatus, the car will be reborn as a new model that makes full use of Mitsubishi’s current design and technology. The new Pajero brings together Mitsubishi’s latest technology and design, reborn as a truly new-generation SUV that combines the power and refined style of the past.

According to the Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun, the full-fledged ladder-frame SUV is expected to be released in Japan as early as fiscal year 2026. The name of the car has not yet been officially decided, but the new model is expected to be a symbol of Mitsubishi’s technological capabilities.

The concept cars that form the basis of the new Pajero, the GC-PHEV Concept and the MITSUBISHI ENGELBERG TOURER , were unveiled for the first time in the world at the Geneva Motor Show 2019, which was held from March 7th to 17th, 2019. They were also unveiled in Japan at the Tokyo Motor Show 2019.

Understood. I will summarize the above article in bullet points.

About the new Pajero

Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero” full model change exterior

The exterior of the new Pajero features a powerful and imposing presence, an evolution of Mitsubishi Motors’ latest design language, Dynamic Shield. The large front grille and sharp headlights express innovation and strength. The elegant body lines that improve aerodynamic performance and the rear spoiler give the car a sporty impression. Attention to detail in the design, such as the LED headlights and skid plate, accentuate the new Pajero’s presence as a flagship SUV.

Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero” full model change interior

The interior of the new Pajero combines high-quality materials with advanced technology to achieve a high level of comfort and functionality. The infotainment system, equipped with a large display, supports touch and voice control, allowing the driver to operate it intuitively. Connected technology allows access to a variety of information, including the latest traffic information and entertainment. In addition, the strategic placement of chrome and wood-grain panels creates a luxurious and sophisticated space.

The revised body design has made the interior space even more spacious than the previous model. In particular, the rear seat passenger space has been significantly expanded, allowing all passengers to enjoy a comfortable drive. The luggage space is also spacious, making loading and unloading luggage easy.

Mitsubishi’s new “Pajero” full model change: Safety features

The new Pajero is packed with the latest safety features to help drivers drive safely. MI-PILOT, a highway single-lane driving assistance technology, combines radar cruise control and lane keep assist to support highway driving. In addition, by linking with the navigation system, it automatically adjusts speed around curves and forks.

In addition, various safety technologies, such as a collision mitigation braking system and a lane departure warning system, are installed to reduce the burden on the driver and support safe driving.

The new Pajero is equipped with the My Pilot highway single-lane driving assistance function, which combines radar cruise control (LCC, with full-speed tracking function) and lane keeping assist (LKA), as well as the e-Assist driving assistance function. e-Assist consists of the following eight functions, which are also installed in the eK Cross Space and Delica Mini:

Furthermore, the new Pajero is equipped with a Multi Around View Monitor with moving object detection. When rear visibility is difficult due to luggage in the luggage space, or at night or in the rain, the image from the rear camera can be displayed on the rearview mirror by switching the lever at the bottom of the mirror, improving rearward visibility. (This is either standard equipment or a manufacturer option depending on the grade.)

Other features include Active Stability Control (ASC), which combines stability control and traction control functions to improve vehicle stability, and Adaptive LED Headlights (ALH), which adjust the high beam range to avoid shining high beams on oncoming or preceding vehicles (ALH is a manufacturer option on some grades).

Safety features include seven airbags: driver and passenger, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags.

Equipped with the latest PHEV system and diesel engine

The new Pajero is available with two powertrain options: a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that combines environmental friendliness with power performance, and a diesel engine that generates powerful torque.

The PHEV system is equipped with a newly designed drive battery and high-output motor, significantly improving the EV driving range. Furthermore, coordinated control of the engine and motor delivers smooth, powerful driving. The diesel engine, combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission, achieves both low fuel consumption and high driving performance.

4WD system that can handle any road condition

The new Pajero is equipped with the latest electronically controlled 4WD system, which brings together the 4WD technology Mitsubishi Motors has cultivated over many years. The evolved S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system employs brake control Brake AYC on the rear wheels as well, precisely controlling the drive and braking force of the front and rear wheels to achieve excellent driving performance and stability on all road conditions.

Mitsubishi Pajero full model change: expected specs

It uses a PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle), which is not available on its rivals, the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Land Cruiser 300. As a result, it has excellent WLTC mode fuel economy compared to other companies’ models.

GT-PHEV Concept

The “GC-PHEV Concept” unveiled at the 2013 Tokyo Motor Show is the prototype model for the new Pajero. The “GT-PHEV Concept” is also a concept model with a design that will form the basis for the new Pajero. Based on these concepts, the fifth-generation Pajero is an innovative model that incorporates Mitsubishi’s latest technology and design.

About the MITSUBISHI ENGELBERG TOURER

The new Pajero is a new generation crossover SUV that incorporates unique and advanced electrification technology. Its design is based on the “Robust & Ingenious” design philosophy, which embodies the brand message “Drive your Ambition.” This design philosophy gives the new Pajero an appearance and functionality that combines strength and sophistication.

The history of the Pajero

The new Pajero is an SUV produced and sold by Mitsubishi Motors. The chassis uses a built-in monocoque structure that combines a monocoque body with a ladder frame. For a time, it was positioned as Mitsubishi Motors’ flagship model in Japan.

It was manufactured by Pajero Manufacturing, a former subsidiary of Mitsubishi Motors (now sold to Daio Paper). The cumulative production of the Pajero reached approximately 3.24 million units, including domestic and export sales, accounting for approximately 80% of Pajero Manufacturing’s total production of 3.96 million units.

1st generation

Released in May 1982

The Pajero, a car planned for sale, was exhibited at the 24th Tokyo Motor Show in 1981. Based on the frame of the Mitsubishi Forte 4WD, it was announced and released as a multi-purpose off-road vehicle that could also be used as a passenger vehicle for everyday use, with no cargo bed.

Second generation

Released
in January
1991

The second generation was released after the first full model change in January 1991. With the first generation L series continuing to sell well, Mitsubishi further refined the vehicle structure through an unusually long planning period and vehicle testing. The ladder frame chassis was used, continuing from the previous model. Comfort, handling stability, and power performance were further improved, and the world’s first Super Select 4WD and multi-mode ABS were adopted.

Third generation

Released September 2, 1999

The chassis was changed from a ladder frame to a ladder frame built-in monocoque body (a monocoque body with a ladder frame welded to it). This reduced the vehicle weight by approximately 100 kg for the long version, and provided excellent handling stability and ride comfort due to the low center of gravity, while the bending and torsional rigidity of the body was approximately three times that of the previous model. The body was available in two types, short and long, and the standard body was enlarged to a 3-number size to meet the needs of overseas markets, which were becoming the main sales area for the second generation. This time, it has evolved into the Super Select 4WD II.

4th generation

Released October 4, 2006

The chassis is a ladder frame built-in monocoque body (a monocoque body with a ladder frame welded to the front and rear) inherited from the previous model. Furthermore, the body is more rigid than the previous model thanks to the use of high-grade high-tensile steel plates, expanded welding areas, and the use of structural adhesives. While the monocoque body is highly rigid, the ladder frame provides unparalleled strength against severe road impacts. It follows the Super Select 4WD II system adopted by the previous model. On August 31, 2019, the official Pajero website and the official Pajero Final Edition website were deleted. On July 27, 2020, it was announced that production of the Pajero, which had been continuing for export, would end in the first half of 2021 due to the closure of the Pajero manufacturing plant. Production ended in early July 2021.

Is the new Mitsubishi Pajero really coming back?

There is a good chance that the Pajero will be revived. Mitsubishi Motors announced its new mid-term management plan, “Challenge 2025,” on March 10, 2023 , and plans to launch a total of 16 models (including nine electrified vehicles) over the next five years . This will likely lead to the aggressive launch of new models.

Furthermore, Mitsubishi unveiled the new Triton pickup truck for the first time in the world on July 26, 2023 (local time) , and launched it in the Japanese market on February 15, 2024. Since its launch, sales of the Triton have achieved more than six times the monthly sales target, attracting a great deal of attention in the market. Given this success, the revival of the Pajero would be a natural progression. There is also a possibility that the Pajero Sport, which is sold overseas and has roots in the Triton, will be launched as the Pajero.

In my personal opinion, in addition to the current popularity of SUVs, cross-country vehicles are also becoming increasingly popular, with Toyota’s Land Cruiser series ( Land Cruiser 300 , Land Cruiser 250 , Lexus GX ) leading the market. There is no reason why Mitsubishi should not enter this market, and I think we can fully expect the Pajero to make a comeback.

The new Pajero paves the way for the future of SUVs

The new Pajero brings together Mitsubishi Motors’ technology and passion, making it truly worthy of being called a flagship SUV. It has evolved in every aspect, including a powerful and sophisticated design, a comfortable interior, the latest PHEV system and diesel engine, and advanced safety technologies.

The arrival of the new Pajero will breathe new life into the SUV market and contribute greatly to enhancing Mitsubishi Motors’ brand image. The new Pajero, eagerly awaited by SUV fans around the world, is sure to create a new legend when it goes on sale in December 2026.

Related reading

Mitsubishi’s new Pajero Mini undergoes a full model change. This successor model is a light SUV with four doors, making a comeback after a 14-year hiatus. Mitsubishi Motors’ light SUV “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.

Mitsubishi Motors

https://www.mitsubishi-motors.co.jp/