Mitsubishi’s iconic SUV, the Pajero, will make a comeback in December 2026 after a seven-year hiatus. While domestic sales of the Pajero were discontinued in 2019, its return has been reported by multiple media outlets, including NHK News, raising expectations among car enthusiasts. Should you wait for the new Pajero or consider another SUV? This article provides a detailed explanation based on the latest information.
Background and strategy behind the revival of the new Pajero
Pajero FINAL EDITION
Mitsubishi’s domestic market expansion strategy
Mitsubishi Motors has decided to revive the Pajero, which once sparked the 4WD boom, in order to strengthen sales in the domestic market. According to sources, the release of a new model has been confirmed for December 2026, and the plan is to once again establish the car as Mitsubishi’s flagship SUV.
Reference: NHK
Changes in production system
The new Pajero will be produced at the same plant in Thailand as the current Triton, and will be sold as a re-import to Japan, optimizing production costs and strategically positioning the car for expansion into overseas markets.
Detailed specs of the new Pajero
Exterior design
New Pajero predicted CG
The new Pajero will adopt Mitsubishi’s new generation design “Dynamic Shield”. The following features have been revealed from development vehicles spied in Europe:
- Front grille : Horizontal grille pattern
- Headlights : LED design similar to the Exforce and new Destinator
- Wheels : 6-lug aluminum wheels (not 5-lug)
- Overall design : a more muscular and modern SUV look
Body size (estimated)
| item | New Pajero (prediction) | Previous model (reference) |
|---|---|---|
| full length | 4,930mm | 4,900mm |
| Overall width | 1,875mm | 1,875mm |
| Overall height | 1,880mm | 1,870mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,800mm | 2,780mm |
The extended wheelbase is expected to increase interior space.
Powertrain
The new Pajero is expected to be offered with two powertrains:
1. PHEV system
- Engine : Inline 4-cylinder 2.4L MIVEC (133ps/19.9kgm)
- Motor : Front 116ps/26.0kgm, Rear 136ps/19.9kgm
- Battery : Lithium-ion 22.7kWh
- EV range : Approximately 90km
- Estimated fuel economy : 15.5km/L (WLTC)
2. Diesel turbo
- Engine : Inline 4-cylinder 2.4L diesel turbo (204ps/47.9kgm)
- Transmission : 8-speed automatic
- Estimated fuel economy : 11.5km/L (WLTC)
4WD system
The new Pajero is equipped with the advanced S-AWC integrated vehicle dynamics control system. Main features:
- Brake AYC : Distributed control for front and rear wheels
- Various sensors : Constantly monitors steering angle, yaw rate, drive torque, etc.
- Optimization control : Optimizes the driving force/braking force of the front, rear, left and right wheels
safety equipment
The latest driver assistance technology, “MI-PILOT,” will be standard equipment:
- Expressway Single-Lane Driving Assist
- adaptive cruise control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Speed sign reading using Navilink function
- Automatic start in traffic jams (within 30 seconds of stopping)
Reasons to wait for the new Pajero
1. Technological advances
- PHEV system : Achieving both environmental friendliness and driving performance
- Latest 4WD system : Unparalleled off-road performance
- Advanced safety technology : Expressway driving assistance functions
2. Positioned as Mitsubishi’s flagship
- Body size exceeds that of the Outlander PHEV
- More luxurious interior and equipment
- At the top of Mitsubishi’s SUV lineup
3. Revival of the Pajero brand
- Inheriting the traditional ladder frame structure
- Utilizing technology developed in the Paris-Dakar Rally
- The value of Mitsubishi as an iconic model
Price forecast and competitive comparison
Expected price range
- PHEV model : 6-7.5 million yen
- Diesel model : 4.5-5.5 million yen
Comparison with major competitors
| Car model | Price range | Powertrain | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Land Cruiser 250 | 5.5-8 million yen | 2.4L Turbo/Hybrid | Traditional cross-country skiing |
| Toyota Land Cruiser 300 | 7.5-9.5 million yen | 3.5L V6 twin turbo | Top-class cross-country skiing |
| Nissan Armada | 7-9 million yen | 5.6L V8 | American SUV |
| New Pajero (prediction) | 4.5 million to 7.5 million yen | PHEV/Diesel | Emphasis on environmental performance |
When not to wait
1. You need an SUV right now
If you’re currently in need of an SUV, we recommend considering the following options:
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV : Mitsubishi’s flagship model currently available
- Toyota Land Cruiser 250 : A direct competitor to the Pajero
- Mazda CX-80 : Practicality as a three-row SUV
2. When there are budgetary constraints
The expected price of the new Pajero is from the 6 million yen range, so if you are on a tight budget, you may want to consider the current model.
Release timeline
- 2025 : Final testing of the prototype vehicle
- First half of 2026 : Detailed specifications announced
- December 2026 : New Pajero goes on sale
- 2027 : Full-scale sales launch
Summary: Is the new Pajero worth the wait?
The new Mitsubishi Pajero is worth the wait for several reasons:
Reasons to wait
- The latest PHEV technology : Achieving both environmental friendliness and driving performance at a high level
- Advanced 4WD system : Advanced control with S-AWC
- Flagship equipment : latest safety technology and comfort features
- The rebirth of the Pajero brand : Mitsubishi’s iconic SUV
- Differentiation from competitors : Uniqueness through PHEV technology
However, there are some points to note.
- Price increase : Expected price increase of 1-2 million yen compared to the previous model
- Uncertain delivery times : Delivery times may be longer immediately after launch
- Actual specs : May vary from expectations
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a flagship SUV that prioritizes environmental friendliness and is equipped with the latest technology, it’s worth waiting for the new Pajero. However, if you need an SUV immediately or are on a budget, we recommend considering the current options.
We will provide a more detailed analysis as soon as more information about the new Pajero is released, so Mitsubishi and SUV fans should stay tuned.
