Mitsubishi Unveils All-New Pajero as Global Flagship SUV

• Mitsubishi has unveiled a fully redesigned Pajero positioned as the automaker’s new global flagship SUV.

• Thailand receives the Pajero first, with distribution expanding to approximately 100 countries from fiscal 2027.

• North American availability is unclear.

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Mitsubishi Motors is returning the Pajero to its flagship role with a new diesel-powered, seven-seat SUV that combines traditional ladder-frame construction with the company’s latest four-wheel-drive, safety and cabin technologies.

Production is based in Thailand, which will also become the first market to receive the new Pajero. Mitsubishi plans subsequent launches in Japan and Australia during 2026. Starting in 2027, roughly 100 countries will also receive the SUV, including markets across ASEAN, Latin America and the Middle East.

Unfortunately, North America has been left out in the cold. Perhaps we’ll need to wait until 2028. It was last offered on our continent 20 years ago.

The new Pajero measures 4,920 mm long, 1,925 mm wide and 1,910 mm high, riding on a 2,870-mm wheelbase. Ground clearance is 230 mm, while its approach, breakover and departure angles measure 30.4, 22.6 and 25.8 degrees, respectively.

Power comes from a 2.4L clean diesel engine using a single variable-geometry turbocharger, developing a maximum torque of 354 lb-ft. A newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission with a sport mode sends power through Super Select 4WD-II.

Drivers can choose 2H rear-wheel drive, 4H full-time four-wheel drive, 4HLc with a locked centre differential, or 4LLc, which adds low-range gearing. Mitsubishi’s S-AWC vehicle dynamics system integrates Active Yaw Control, stability and traction control, and ABS. Seven terrain settings — Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock — can be selected by the driver.

Underneath, Mitsubishi uses a high-tensile-steel ladder frame, double-wishbone independent front suspension and a new five-link rigid rear axle. The company has targeted what it calls “off-road comfort,” using strengthened body mounts and suspension tuning to reduce vibration while maintaining wheel contact on rough surfaces.

Inside, the three-row Pajero seats seven. Second-row seats offer 150 mm of sliding adjustment and a tumble function for third-row access. Available comfort features include seat ventilation and three-zone automatic climate control.

Two 14.3-inch screens display driver interface and infotainment functions. A digital Multi-Meter recreates the concept of earlier Pajero triple gauges, displaying information including altitude, compass direction, temperature, pitch and roll angles, and Active Yaw Control status.

Acoustic glass is fitted to the windshield and front and rear door windows as part of expanded noise insulation. A 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system uses dual amplifiers and speed-sensitive noise compensation.

Safety equipment includes Forward Collision Mitigation, Emergency Lane Assist and Front Cross Traffic Alert. MI-PILOT combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance for single-lane highway driving. A four-camera 3D Multi Around Monitor can also provide an under-floor view for navigating difficult terrain.

We can hope that Mitsubishi is working on a petrol engine or an electrified powertrain in order for it to be offered in North America.