Mitsubishi has locked in September 2, 2026, for the global reveal of the all-new Pajero, ending a five-year absence for one of the automaker’s most storied nameplates. First launched in 1982, the Pajero built its reputation as a genuinely capable off-roader over four generations and more than 3.25 million units sold across over 170 countries, before Mitsubishi discontinued it in most overseas markets back in 2021. Mitsubishi officially confirmed the revival on May 29, 2026, describing the new model as a flagship “cross-country SUV” that embodies the brand’s “spirit of adventure.”
The company has spent months building anticipation with a steady drip of teasers — shadowy rollers, close-up shots of headlight signatures, and a final teaser video released just a day ahead of the reveal, giving the clearest look yet at the finished exterior design.
Built the Old-Fashioned Way: A Real Ladder Frame
The most significant confirmed detail is also the most reassuring one for off-road purists: the new Pajero rides on a genuine body-on-frame ladder chassis, a reversal from the unibody construction used in some of the model’s later years, and the same fundamental approach that gives the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol their off-road credibility. According to Automotive News, the platform is shared with Mitsubishi’s Triton pickup truck, putting the new Pajero mechanically closer to the current Pajero Sport than to the original flagship — though Mitsubishi has said the new SUV will get “model-specific development of the cabin and front and rear suspension,” positioning it as a more premium, distinct vehicle rather than a badge-engineered pickup derivative.
Dakar-Proven Technology Under the Skin
Mitsubishi has confirmed the new Pajero will use Super All-Wheel Control, or S-AWC — an integrated dynamics system that manages torque, braking, and stability across both loose surfaces and pavement. The technology traces back to the Lancer Evolution X and is already used on the current Triton, giving Mitsubishi a proven, road-tested system to build around rather than an unproven clean-sheet design. Regional reports suggest S-AWC will be paired with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II transfer case, letting drivers switch between two-wheel drive, full-time all-wheel drive, and low-range modes, though the company hasn’t officially confirmed that specific pairing.
That off-road pedigree matters for a nameplate with genuine motorsport history — the Pajero won the Dakar Rally 12 times outright, a record that still anchors much of the model’s credibility among serious off-road enthusiasts today.
A Nod to the Past, Built for the Present
Alongside the mechanical hardware, Mitsubishi has leaned into nostalgia for longtime fans. The new Pajero brings back the dashboard-mounted Triple Multi Meter, a distinctive interior feature from earlier generations, reimagined as a set of digital dials dedicated to off-road telemetry rather than the analog gauges of the original. Customer previews have also pointed to saddle-colored perforated leather upholstery with black inserts and modern comfort and technology features throughout the cabin.
Initial launch models are expected to use the Triton’s 150kW, 470Nm 2.4-liter twin-turbo diesel engine. Mitsubishi Chairman and CEO Takao Kato has separately confirmed a $681 million investment into Thai manufacturing facilities aimed at expanding electrified vehicle production, suggesting a hybrid Pajero variant could follow the initial diesel launch, positioning the model to compete more directly with newer rivals like the Denza B5.
What Remains Unknown
Mitsubishi has deliberately held back several key details ahead of the reveal, including exact dimensions, trim levels, full interior photography, and pricing. Market availability also remains only partially clear — the Pajero name will carry over in most regions, but the SUV will be sold as the Montero in select markets, a strong signal that North America could be included this time, though reports suggest any US or Canadian launch would likely arrive one to two years after the initial global debut, and may pair a plug-in hybrid powertrain with the Montero badge rather than the diesel engine used elsewhere.
What This Means for Off-Road Shoppers
For SUV shoppers specifically drawn to genuine off-road capability rather than crossover styling with all-wheel drive bolted on, the new Pajero’s return is a meaningful addition to a shrinking list of body-on-frame options that still includes the Land Cruiser, Patrol, and Land Rover Defender. The September 2 reveal should finally answer the questions Mitsubishi has left open — dimensions, full trim structure, and pricing — but based on what’s already confirmed, the brand appears committed to building a genuinely capable off-roader rather than trading on nostalgia alone.
