The new Mitsubishi Pajero has been unveiled as the brand’s next-generation flagship SUV, bringing back the Montero name after about 20 years away from U.S. showrooms. Mitsubishi has not confirmed a North American launch, but the revival of the Pajero and Montero names marks a major return for the iconic SUV.
New Pajero Combines Familiar Design With a Premium Cabin
The new Pajero takes design cues from the ASEAN-market Destinator SUV while retaining the upright stance and boxy proportions associated with the Pajero. Its front end features new T-shaped LED headlights, with buyers able to choose between horizontal grille slats or a honeycomb design.
The C-pillar incorporates a reference to the original Pajero’s exposed roll bar, while the rear uses a hexagonal motif inspired by the spare tire design of earlier models. However, Mitsubishi has made a significant change: the spare tire is no longer mounted on the tailgate.
Inside, the dashboard has a wide, straightforward layout centered around Mitsubishi’s Monolith Display. Higher trims receive two 14.3-inch screens, while lower trims use 12.3-inch screens with the same overall design.
The digital instrument cluster updates the Pajero’s traditional triple-gauge arrangement and can display off-road information including altitude, compass direction, outside temperature, pitch, roll and Active Yaw Control.
Mitsubishi has also focused on giving the cabin a premium character. The automaker says the stitching on the dashboard and doors is inspired by Japanese Kimekomi craft, creating a layered appearance across the soft-touch surfaces. Camel leather with black accents provides the primary interior color combination.
New Pajero Moves to a Ladder Frame and Diesel Power
The new Pajero abandons the previous unibody construction for a newly developed high-rigidity ladder frame. Mitsubishi says the structure uses more high-strength steel, making it stiffer and stronger while improving durability and ride comfort.
The suspension consists of independent double wishbones at the front and a new five-link rigid rear axle designed to provide greater wheel travel and comfort over rough terrain.
- Platform: Newly developed high-rigidity ladder frame
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged clean diesel inline-four
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic with Sport mode
- Maximum Torque: 354 lb-ft (347 lb-ft on some variants)
- Drivetrain: Super Select 4WD-II (2H, 4H, 4HLc, 4LLc)
- AWD Control System: Super All Wheel Control (S-AWC) with Active Yaw Control
- Front Suspension: Independent double wishbone
- Rear Suspension: New 5-link rigid rear axle
Pajero Dimensions and Off-Road Specifications
The new Pajero measures 193.7 inches long, 75.8 inches wide and 75.2 inches tall with the 20-inch wheel model. Its wheelbase measures 113.0 inches, while ground clearance is 9.1 inches.
Its stated off-road geometry includes a 30.4-degree approach angle, a 22.6-degree breakover angle and a 25.8-degree departure angle.
Despite its longer wheelbase, the new Pajero remains smaller than the full-size Toyota Land Cruiser J300, which is described as not being for America.
New Pajero Designed for Road Trips and Off-Roading
Mitsubishi says the new Pajero was developed to provide comfort on long road trips while retaining its trail capability. The second-row seats can slide 5.9 inches forward and backward, improving passenger comfort and access to the third row.
The third row was designed with additional headroom and foot space for adults. Ventilated front and second-row seats and three-zone automatic climate control are also available.
For visibility around the SUV, Mitsubishi offers a 3D Multi Around Monitor that combines feeds from four cameras with a 3D model of the vehicle. The Front Under Floor View automatically appears when the SUV is in low range, showing the area beneath the front bumper.
Mitsubishi Adds New Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The new Pajero also receives Mitsubishi’s latest safety technology. The available systems include Forward Collision Mitigation, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Lane Assist, Front Cross Traffic Alert and MI-PILOT highway assist.
The SUV comes with eight airbags, including Mitsubishi’s first center airbag.
Global Pajero Rollout Begins in Thailand
Production of the new Pajero will begin in Thailand in the 2026 fiscal year. Mitsubishi then plans to bring the SUV to Japan and Australia before expanding its rollout across ASEAN, Latin America, the Middle East and about 100 markets worldwide.
Mitsubishi has not announced pricing and has not confirmed a U.S. launch. For longtime fans, however, the return of the Montero name alongside the new Pajero gives the next-generation SUV a notable connection to the model’s past.
