The fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero has debuted, marking a comeback for the SUV nameplate after its 2021 discontinuation. Like the previous-generation model, the 2026 Pajero has a ladder-frame chassis and gets 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 fifth-generation avatar.
- The diesel engine produces 480Nm and is mated to an 8-speed AT
- Has a wheelbase of 2,870mm and offers a 230mm ground clearance
Fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero powertrain, technical details
Gets a 2.4-litre diesel engine with an 8-speed AT and a 4WD system
The fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero is powered by a 2.4-litre diesel engine producing 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 front 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
Gets all-LED lighting, 20-inch rims, but misses out on 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 a honeycomb-mesh pattern for the air inlets. The front bumper design is aggressive as well, with air inlet channels and grey skid plates that add more drama.
In profile, it sports 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.
At the rear, the fifth-generation Pajero features wraparound LED taillights 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 the front bumper.
Here are the dimensions of the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero:
For context, compared to the Toyota Fortuner, the new Pajero is 1255mm longer, 70mm wider, 75mm taller, and has a 125mm larger wheelbase.
Fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero interior design, features
Gets dual screens on the dashboard, but does not 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 that can be configured to display information on pitch, roll and tyre angle.
Mitsubishi is also offering it with a lot of physical controls and scrollers in the centre for operating the AC. It 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. It offers three rows of seating that can accommodate 7 passengers. All the seats are offered with adjustable headrests and black-and-tan leatherette upholstery. The last row of seats can be folded flat to increase the 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 new-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, however, is improbable.
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
