Mitsubishi Pajero SUV unveiled with 2.4L clean diesel engine producing 480 Nm of torque, mated to a new 8-speed automatic gearbox

Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has unveiled the fully redesigned all-new Pajero cross-country SUV at its global premiere in Tokyo, positioning the model as a new-generation flagship for the brand. The reveal marks the biggest overhaul of the nameplate in two decades, with the automaker pairing a freshly developed powertrain with a raft of new safety and off-road technology.

At the heart of the redesign is a new 2.4-litre clean diesel engine that produces 480 Nm of peak torque through a wide-range single variable geometry turbocharger, delivering strong acceleration from a standstill through to highway speeds. The engine is mated to a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission with a dedicated sport mode, which Mitsubishi says offers smoother, more seamless gear changes across both on-road and off-road driving.

Launch timeline and markets


The all-new Pajero will be built at Mitsubishi's production base in Thailand and will launch there first, followed by Japan and Australia within fiscal 2026 (April 2026 to March 2027). From fiscal 2027 onward, the company plans to roll the model out to close to 100 countries, spanning ASEAN markets, Latin America and the Middle East. In some regions, the SUV will continue to be sold under the Montero nameplate.

A nameplate with three decades of history

First introduced in 1982, the Pajero built its reputation on combining genuine off-road ability with passenger-car comfort, and became one of the vehicles that fuelled Japan's RV boom through the 1990s. Across four generations, Mitsubishi has sold more than 3.29 million units of the model in over 170 countries and regions.

The new generation builds on that foundation of "Confidence" and "Comfort," and introduces a third pillar the company calls "Prestige" — reflecting the premium positioning expected of a flagship model.

Design cues rooted in Japanese craftsmanship

The exterior design borrows from kendo, the traditional Japanese martial art, for its front-end styling, and is offered with a choice of two grilles: a horizontal-bar design and a honeycomb pattern. T-shaped headlights, a C-pillar inspired by the roll bar of the first-generation Pajero, and a hexagonal rear motif referencing the original rear-mounted spare tyre round out the exterior.

Inside, the cabin gets two 14.3-inch digital displays and a reworked version of the model's classic triple-gauge cluster, now called the Multi-Meter, which shows details such as altitude, compass heading, and vehicle pitch and roll angles. Soft-touch materials with stitching inspired by the Japanese Kimekomi craft technique are used on the instrument panel and door trims.

Off-road technology and drive modes

For the first time on a Pajero, Mitsubishi has combined its Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system with Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II), integrating control of acceleration, cornering and braking. The SUV offers seven selectable drive modes — Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock — along with a 3D Multi Around Monitor that includes a front under-floor camera view for navigating steep or rocky terrain.

The chassis rides on a reinforced ladder frame with increased use of high-tensile steel, paired with an independent double-wishbone front suspension and a newly developed five-link rigid rear axle, engineered around what Mitsubishi calls an "off-road comfort" benchmark.

Safety and driver assistance

The all-new Pajero introduces Mitsubishi's first-ever SRS center airbag as part of an eight-airbag safety package, along with Emergency Lane Assist, a first for the model. It also comes equipped with MI-PILOT, the brand's highway driving assistance system that combines adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist, plus Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist detection.

Cabin comfort and audio

The three-row, seven-seat cabin has been reworked for space, with a second row offering a 150mm sliding range and a tumble mechanism for easier access to the third row. Ventilated seats, three-zone automatic climate control, and extensive sound insulation — including acoustic glass on the front and rear windows — are aimed at keeping conversation comfortable even at highway speeds.

The audio system was co-developed with Yamaha Corporation, featuring 12 speakers, dual amplifiers, and noise-compensation technology that adjusts volume and tuning based on vehicle speed.

What Mitsubishi's leadership said

"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," said Keisuke Kishiura, President and Chief Operating Officer of Mitsubishi Motors. He added that the all-new Pajero is the first model to bring that vision to life and will lead not just the Pajero series but the company's entire lineup going forward.