All-New Mitsubishi Pajero SUV Unveiled with 480Nm Diesel

Mitsubishi Motors pulled the covers off the all-new Pajero on September 2, 2026. After years away from many markets, the nameplate is back as the brand’s new-generation flagship cross-country SUV. It keeps the core idea that made earlier Pajeros popular: real off-road ability mixed with everyday comfort. This time it adds a clearer premium feel.

Production happens in Thailand. Sales start there first, followed by Japan and Australia during fiscal 2026. From fiscal 2027 the plan is to expand to around 100 markets across ASEAN, Latin America, the Middle East and beyond. Over its history the Pajero line has sold more than 3.29 million units worldwide. That track record still matters to people who want a capable, dependable SUV rather than just another soft-roader.

Engine and Transmission: Strong Low-End Pull

Under the hood sits a specially developed 2.4-liter clean diesel with a wide-range single variable-geometry turbocharger. Peak torque is 480 Nm (some specifications list 470 Nm). Power is rated at 150 kW. The engine is tuned for strong response from a standstill through highway speeds.

It pairs with a newly developed 8-speed automatic that includes a sport mode. Gear changes are smooth, and the combination aims for quiet running as well as usable power. The setup suits both daily driving and tougher conditions without feeling strained.

Four-Wheel Drive and Drive Modes That Cover Real Conditions

The all-new Pajero uses Super Select 4WD-II. Drivers can choose:

• 2H for rear-wheel drive on dry pavement

• 4H for full-time four-wheel drive

• 4HLc with the centre differential locked

• 4LLc with the centre differential locked and low-range gearing

On top of that sits Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC). It coordinates acceleration, cornering and braking forces across all four wheels. Active yaw control, stability and traction systems, and ABS work together so the vehicle feels predictable.

Seven selectable drive modes complete the picture: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock. Each adjusts response for the surface. The system is designed so drivers can switch modes without drama and keep moving with confidence.

Size, Clearance and Off-Road Geometry

The Pajero measures 4,920 mm long, 1,925 mm wide and 1,910 mm high. Wheelbase is 2,870 mm. Ground clearance stands at 230 mm. Approach angle is 30.4 degrees, ramp breakover 22.6 degrees and departure 25.8 degrees. These numbers put it in the proper off-road category rather than the raised-crossover group.

It rides on a highly rigid ladder frame developed from the Triton platform but with specific tuning for the SUV body. Front suspension is independent double-wishbone; the rear uses a five-link rigid axle. The goal is to keep the tyres in contact with the ground while still delivering a controlled ride on sealed roads.

Interior: Quiet, Practical and Clearly Premium

Inside, the focus is on comfort for all seven seats. The second row slides and tumbles for easier third-row access. Materials include soft-touch surfaces and stitching inspired by traditional Japanese craft techniques. Acoustic glass and extensive sound insulation reduce wind and engine noise so conversation stays easy even at higher speeds.

The dashboard features a large dual-screen setup (up to 14.3-inch displays in higher grades). A Multi-Meter layout updates the classic triple-gauge look and can show altitude, compass heading, temperature, pitch and roll. Wireless smartphone connectivity, multi-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats on upper trims, and a quality audio system round out the cabin.

Safety equipment includes eight airbags, among them Mitsubishi’s first centre airbag. Driver-assistance systems cover forward collision mitigation with detection for pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, plus junction assist, predictive warnings and other supports.

Why This Matters for Buyers

Many people looking at large SUVs want something that can handle rough tracks, tow, carry a full family and still feel refined on the highway. The previous Pajero generations built a reputation for reliability in demanding conditions. The new model keeps that ladder-frame strength and Super Select hardware while raising the comfort and technology levels.

It is not trying to be the flashiest vehicle on the road. Instead it targets drivers who value capability they can actually use, quiet progress and a cabin that does not feel basic after a long day. The phased global rollout means different markets will see it at different times, but the core specification stays consistent with the needs of those regions.

Pricing and full grade details will come closer to each market launch. Pre-orders in some places, such as Australia, are expected to open in the months after the reveal. For anyone who has followed the Pajero name over the decades, this is the clearest signal yet that Mitsubishi intends to keep the flagship badge active and relevant.

The all-new Pajero does not reinvent the idea of a proper cross-country SUV. It simply updates it with better refinement, modern electronics and the same focus on going further that made the name famous in the first place. For more updates, visit DrivePK.com