Mitsubishi has debuted the fifth-generation Pajero, marking a comeback for the nameplate five years after it was discontinued in 2021. Like the previous-generation model, the 2026 Pajero has a ladder-frame chassis and a four-wheel-drive (4WD) setup with a low-range transfer case. It is offered only with a diesel engine and has a fairly modernised exterior and interior design in its new avatar.
- Pajero has a 2,870mm wheelbase and 230mm ground clearance
- Its diesel engine produces 480Nm and is mated to an 8-speed AT
While an India launch is not on the cards, the Mitsubishi Pajero is not a new nameplate for the market. It debuted in the country in 2002, underwent several model changes and gained a cult following until its discontinuation in 2018. In 2021, Mitsubishi pulled the plug on the Pajero globally.
Fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero powertrain, technical details
Gets a 2.4L diesel engine, a 4WD system with 4 modes, and 7 drive modes
Mitsubishi is yet to reveal the power figure for the Pajero’s 2.4-litre diesel engine but says it produces 480Nm peak torque. It gets an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission (AT) and a four-wheel-drive (4WD) setup with four modes – 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time 4WD), 4HLc (locked centre differential) and 4LLc (locked centre differential with low-range gears).
Like the previous Pajeros, the fifth-generation model is underpinned by a ladder-frame chassis. Its suspension setup includes an independent double-wishbone setup at the front and a five-link rigid rear axle. It gets Active Yaw Control (AYC), which uses the front brake to control torque distribution between the left and right wheels. Mitsubishi is also offering the new Pajero with 7 drive modes: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.
Here are the off-road statistics of the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero:
Fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero exterior design
Has all-LED lighting and 20-inch rims but lacks a tailgate-mounted spare wheel
Like the older Pajeros, the fifth-generation model has a bold design and an upright stance. However, the design has been fairly modernised. At the front, it gets connected LED light bars with segmented ends and projector LED headlights. The bonnet has aggressive creases and a massive grille with horizontal slats for the air inlets. The front bumper design looks aggressive as well, with air inlet channels and grey skid plates that add more drama.
Moving on to the profile, it gets 20-inch black alloy wheels, black cladding on the squared-off wheel arches and side steps. The front fender features a black garnish with ‘Pajero’ embossing. On the C-pillar are horizontal elements that make the side profile design appear cohesive with the elements at the SUV’s front and rear.
At the rear, the fifth-generation Pajero features wraparound LED tail-lights that mimic the front DRL design, connected by a black panel with Pajero lettering in the centre. The tailgate misses out on the iconic spare wheel mount, but Mitsubishi says it “draws inspiration from the spare tyre of the fourth-generation Pajero”. The rear bumper’s design is similar to that of the front bumper.
Given below are the dimensions of the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero:
For context, compared to the Toyota Fortuner, the new Pajero is 125mm longer, 70mm wider and 75mm taller, with a 125mm longer wheelbase.
Fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero interior design, features
Gets dual screens on the dashboard but doesn’t miss out on physical buttons
Inside, the fifth-gen Mitsubishi Pajero has a dual-tone black-and-tan theme and a clean overall design. The dashboard features dual 14.5-inch screens (one for the instrumentation and another for infotainment) and a chunky 4-spoke steering wheel with physical controls. While it lacks the iconic multi-meter display, it shows digital rotary dials on the infotainment unit that can be configured to display information on pitch, roll and tyre angle.
Mitsubishi has also provided a lot of physical controls and scrollers in the centre for operating the AC. The Pajero features slim AC vents with gloss-black surrounds that look minimal and elegant. All the major touchpoints on the dashboard and doors feature soft-touch materials. Three rows of seats can accommodate 7 passengers. All seats have adjustable headrests and black-and-tan leatherette upholstery, and the last row can be folded flat to increase boot space.
Other features include a 3-zone climate control, a 12-speaker Yamaha-sourced sound system and ventilated front seats. Its safety suite includes 8 airbags, a 360-degree camera system that also offers an under-bonnet view and advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS).
Mitsubishi will launch the fifth-gen Pajero first in Thailand, followed by Japan and Australia by March 2027, and “approximately 100 countries worldwide, including markets in ASEAN, Latin America and the Middle East”. An India re-launch, as mentioned earlier, is improbable.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
