Mitsubishi officially revives Pajero nameplate

MANILA: Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) has officially brought back the legendary Pajero nameplate—positioned as a new-generation flagship product that embodies the brand’s next chapter.

First introduced in 1982, the Mitsubishi Pajero had a total production of more than 3.29 million units across four generations—making it one of the brand’s most iconic models, earning a loyal following in more than 170 countries and regions. 

In a statement, the Japanese automaker shared that the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero merges "Confidence” (embodied in its proven off-road capability and reliability) with "Comfort" (reflected in passenger comfort and ease of handling).

"Under our Mid- to Long-Term Vision for the 2030s, we aim to enhance customer satisfaction and corporate value by developing distinctive products and strengthening our brand, while further reinforcing what makes Mitsubishi Motors unique," MMC President and Chief Operating Officer Keisuke Kishiura was quoted as saying.

 "The all-new Pajero is the first model to bring this vision to life. As our flagship model, it will lead not only the Pajero series to follow, but the entire Mitsubishi Motors lineup. Evolved with a new level of refinement, the all-new Pajero is a premium cross-country SUV that drivers can rely on in any situation. We will introduce the model to markets around the world in phases, and we hope customers will look forward to its arrival," the official noted.

Manufactured at Mitsubishi Motors' production facility in Thailand (where it will be first offered), the comebacking model will also be introduced in Japan and Australia during fiscal year 2026. Then from fiscal 2027 onward, the vehicle is eyed to be present in 100 countries worldwide, including markets in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Latin America, and the Middle East.

Given this, Zigwheels Philippines strongly believes that the model might arrive locally by next year since MMC considers the country an important market.

Here’s what the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero comes with. 

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Vehicle specification

Per MMC, the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero is built under the "Grand Charisma" design concept, claiming that every detail has been “meticulously crafted to achieve a powerful presence and premium feel, giving the model a stature worthy of Mitsubishi Motors' next-generation flagship.”

Outside, the model features bold, upright proportions and a horizontal design theme similar to the first-generation model but tweaked with bold fenders and sculpted body surfaces. 

The model can be had in either of the two grille patterns:

• Horizontal-bar
• Honeycomb grille

Flanking these two are the T-shaped headlamps seen in modern Mitsubishi sport utility vehicles such as the Xforce and Destinator.

Aside from that, the signature Pajero design elements are also present throughout the exterior:

• C-pillar inspired by the roll bar of the first-generation model
• Hexagonal rear motif that reinterprets the rear-mounted spare tire of earlier generations

Inside, the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero sports more portions that look similar to its first-generation iteration such as the horizontally oriented instrument panel. Its monolithic display joins a pair of 14.3-inch screens (12.3-inch display on select specifications ) with graphics inspired by the Pajero's heritage, including the Multi Meter display (with 16 available background themes) that brings the iconic triple-meter cluster into the modern era. 

Altitude, compass heading, temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles, and active yaw control status in the instrument panel let drivers assess driving conditions at a glance while the Smartphone-link Display Audio system supports wireless smartphone connectivity, providing intuitive access to mapping, music and other compatible smartphone apps.

Its instrument panel and door trims are made of soft-touch material that incorporates Kimekomi-stitching technique.

Further, the all-new Mitsubishi noted that it has acoustic glass for the front and rear door windows and utilizes extensive noise-reduction measures throughout the body and other areas of the vehicle to create a refined cabin where occupants in every row can enjoy comfortable conversation. 

It also has a 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio with dual amplifiers. It also incorporates a noise compensation technology that automatically adjusts volume and audio tuning based on vehicle speed to help offset road noise.

Additionally, the vehicle has an optimized three-row cabin that guarantees space for  occupants in all three rows.

The driver's seat has been adjusted to make it easier for the driver to see the vehicle's dimensions.

Meanwhile, the second row offers a 150-mm sliding range and a tumble mechanism while the third row offers sufficient headroom even for adults, with a thoughtfully designed footwell that gives passengers a place to tuck their toes beneath the second-row seats.

The all-new Pajero also has seat ventilation that provides a natural cooling sensation across the entire seat, along with three-zone automatic climate control with independent temperature settings to maintain a comfortable cabin environment from the front seats through to the third row. 

While many have taken the electrified vehicle route, the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero continued with a diesel powertrain configuration.

Powering the vehicle is a 2.4-liter clean diesel engine with a wide-range single variable geometry turbocharger mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode.

Building on the Super All-Wheel Control system (S-AWC), it has a Super Select Four Wheel-Drive-II (SS4-II) system that allows drivers to take advantage of four off-road drive modes according to driving conditions: 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time 4WD), 4HLc (locked center differential), and 4LLc (locked center differential with low-range gears).

Complementing its off-roader nature are its highly-rigid ladder frame and a suspension system made up of an independent double-wishbone front setup and a newly developed five-link rigid rear axle. 

Moreover, the S-AWC integrates control of the following:

• Active yaw control
• Active stability and traction control
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

The all-new Pajero also boasts seven selectable drive modes, each optimized for specific driving conditions:

• Normal
• Eco
• Gravel
• Snow
• Mud
• Sand
• Rock

Its 18-inch brake rotors and an electric brake booster ensure stopping power.

On paper, the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero measures

Overall dimensions (length, width, height; in millimeters [mm>)	4,920 x 1,925 x 1,910
Wheelbase (in mm)	2,870
Ground clearance (in mm)	230
Approach angle (in degrees)	30.4
Ramp breakover angle (in degrees)	22.6
Departure angle (in degrees)	25.8
Tire tracks (front and rear; in mm)	1,630
Weight distribution	52:48

The all-new Pajero is fitted with a host of advanced preventive safety and driver assistance technologies which include:

• Forward Collision Mitigation system with pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist detection and junction assist
• Predictive Forward Collision Warning
• Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication
• Emergency Lane Assist (new): uses a forward-facing camera and radar to recognize lane markings and surrounding vehicles and provides warnings and steering assistance
• Front Cross Traffic Alert: detects vehicles approaching from either side at intersections and alerts the driver, helping reduce the risk of crossing-path collisions
• MI-PILOT: Mitsubishi Motors' highway single-lane driving assistance system that features Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist
• Eight airbags, including Mitsubishi Motors' first center airbag.
• 3D Multi Around Monitor
• Front under-floor view: displayed automatically when 4HLc or 4LLc is selected in 4WD mode and can also be activated manually when needed
• Mitsubishi Connect: supports customers in everyday use and emergency situations, which include the ability to operate the vehicle's climate control and check its status remotely from a smartphone, and an SOS call function that connects occupants to an operation center for emergency assistance

The all-new Mitsubishi Pajero is available in two exterior body colors—Armor Copper Metallic and Phantom Blue Metallic—while its cabin features a Camel color scheme. 

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