For millions of SUV enthusiasts, the name Pajero isn’t just a car — it’s a Dakar Rally legend, a childhood poster, and for many Indian buyers of the 2000s, the vehicle that first made body-on-frame off-roading feel premium. That legacy went quiet in 2021 when Mitsubishi pulled the plug on global sales. Now, five years later, the wait is officially over. Mitsubishi unveiled the all-new, fifth-generation Pajero at its global debut on September 2, 2026, and the automotive world is buzzing about what this comeback means — including whether India will get another shot at owning one.
Key Highlights
- Mitsubishi officially revealed the new Pajero on September 2, 2026, ending a five-year global absence
- The SUV switches back to a rugged ladder-frame chassis, shared with the latest Mitsubishi Triton pickup
- Power comes from a 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing roughly 204 hp and 480 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox
- Mitsubishi’s Super Select II four-wheel-drive system and S-AWC dynamics tech headline the off-road hardware
- Sales begin first in Thailand, Japan, and Australia by March 2027, before expanding to over 100 markets
- An India launch has not been confirmed, though Mitsubishi’s renewed local investments have reignited buyer interest
Why the Pajero’s Comeback Matters
Launched in 1982, the Pajero built a reputation most SUVs only dream of, winning the gruelling Dakar Rally 12 times, including seven consecutive victories. Over four generations and more than 3.25 million units sold worldwide, it earned a cult following in India too, where it was sold until 2020 before BS6 emission norms forced its exit. Its last India-spec models were priced between roughly ₹23.91 lakh and ₹30 lakh, and used examples still hold surprising resale value today thanks to their reputation for mechanical toughness.
What’s New in the 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero
Design and Platform
Rather than continuing with the outgoing unibody layout, Mitsubishi has gone back to basics. The new Pajero rides on the same ladder-frame architecture that underpins the latest-generation Triton pickup, though with model-specific suspension tuning aimed at balancing off-road toughness with everyday comfort. At 4,920 mm long with a 2,870 mm wheelbase, the SUV is sized to go up directly against the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, offering seven seats across three rows.
Engine and Performance
Under the bonnet sits a 2.4-litre twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, good for around 204 hp (150 kW) and 480 Nm of torque. This is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, a notable upgrade over the Triton’s 6-speed unit, and power is sent to all four wheels via Mitsubishi’s updated Super Select II 4WD system alongside its S-AWC (Super-All Wheel Control) dynamics suite. Industry watchers also expect an electrified variant further down the line, though Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed hybrid specifications yet, so treat those reports as speculation for now.
Interior and Technology
Inside, Mitsubishi has pushed the cabin distinctly upmarket. Higher trims get dual 14.3-inch displays merged into a single panel (a 12.3-inch unit features on entry variants), 16 selectable ambient themes, and a digital reinterpretation of the classic Triple Multi Meter that shows off-road data like altitude, compass heading, and pitch/roll angle. Optional camel-toned leather upholstery adds a genuinely premium touch that past Pajero generations never really offered.
Global Rollout and Key Rivals
| Aspect | New Mitsubishi Pajero (2026) |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Ladder-frame (Triton-based) |
| Engine | 2.4L twin-turbo diesel, ~204 hp / 480 Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Super Select II 4WD, S-AWC |
| Seating | 7 seats, 3 rows |
| Key rivals | Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Ford Everest |
| First markets | Thailand, Japan, Australia (by March 2027) |
Will the Mitsubishi Pajero Come Back to India?
This is where things get interesting for Indian buyers. Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed an India launch, and there are real business hurdles: the brand’s dealer and service network in India has thinned considerably since 2020. That said, Mitsubishi Corporation formed a joint venture with TVS Mobility in 2024, involving an investment of around ₹300 crore to rebuild sales, after-sales service, and mobility offerings in India — a clear signal the brand isn’t giving up on the market.
If the Pajero does arrive, most analysts expect it to come as a Completely Built Unit (CBU) import initially, which would push pricing well above ₹60–65 lakh on-road, positioning it as a halo product rather than a volume seller. At that price, it would compete less with the Toyota Fortuner and more with premium body-on-frame imports. A more realistic near-term possibility floated by industry watchers is a Pajero Sport-badged model, priced closer to the Fortuner, acting as Mitsubishi’s actual volume play before any full-size Pajero re-entry.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Genuine body-on-frame toughness with proven Dakar-winning DNA
- Strong torque figures suited to both highway cruising and rough terrain
- Upmarket cabin tech that finally matches rival flagships
- Backed by renewed Mitsubishi investment in India through the TVS Mobility JV
Cons
- No confirmed India launch date or timeline
- Likely CBU pricing would place it well above mainstream SUV rivals
- Mitsubishi’s sparse Indian service network remains a valid ownership concern
- Hybrid/PHEV powertrain details remain unconfirmed and could delay eco-conscious buyers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When was the new Mitsubishi Pajero officially revealed? Mitsubishi unveiled the fifth-generation Pajero globally on September 2, 2026, ending a five-year hiatus since it was discontinued in overseas markets in 2021.
2. What engine does the new Pajero use? It’s powered by a 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing approximately 204 hp and 480 Nm of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
3. Is the Mitsubishi Pajero launching in India? There’s no official confirmation yet. Mitsubishi’s 2024 joint venture with TVS Mobility suggests renewed interest in India, but a Pajero launch timeline hasn’t been announced.
4. How much could the Mitsubishi Pajero cost in India? If launched via the CBU route, industry estimates suggest an on-road price upwards of ₹60–65 lakh, positioning it well above mainstream three-row SUVs.
5. What is the Mitsubishi Pajero’s chassis based on? The new Pajero uses a ladder-frame chassis shared with the latest-generation Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck, with SUV-specific suspension tuning.
6. Which SUVs will the new Pajero compete against globally? Internationally, it’s positioned against the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Ford Everest, both popular body-on-frame off-road SUVs.
Conclusion
The Mitsubishi Pajero’s return marks one of 2026’s most significant SUV comebacks, reviving a nameplate with genuine off-road credibility and Dakar-winning history rather than repackaging it as another soft-roading crossover. For global markets, the wait is finally over. For Indian enthusiasts, the picture is more cautious — no launch has been confirmed, and any arrival would likely come at a premium price with limited network support in the short term. Still, with Mitsubishi visibly reinvesting in India through its TVS Mobility partnership, the door hasn’t closed. For now, the smartest move for interested buyers is to watch Mitsubishi’s India roadmap closely over the next year, rather than expecting showroom availability anytime soon.
Read Also:
