Mitsubishi Motors Revives Pajero SUV as New Global Flagship

Mitsubishi Motors Corp unveiled a fully redesigned, fifth-generation Pajero flagship SUV on September 2, 2026, relaunching the iconic line after a seven-year hiatus. Positioned as a premium cross-country vehicle, the new model features a 2.4-liter clean diesel engine, a high-rigidity ladder frame chassis, and a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission. To balance off-road capability with daily use, the vehicle incorporates Super All Wheel Control and Super Select 4WD-II systems, alongside seven driving modes.

Produced in Thailand, the Pajero will first launch in Thailand, Japan, and Australia during fiscal 2026, with Japanese sales beginning by the end of the year. The company plans a phased expansion to approximately 100 countries, including the Middle East, ASEAN markets, and Central and South America, starting in fiscal 2027. The interior utilizes a kimekomi design theme and offers dual 14.3-inch screens in certain variants.

CEO Keisuke Kishiura stated the Pajero is the first model to realize the company's Mid- to Long-Term Vision for the 2030s. Mitsubishi has designated the SUV as a primary growth driver through fiscal 2029, aiming to increase domestic sales by 50 percent to roughly 180,000 vehicles by fiscal 2030. The company also intends to introduce two smaller versions of the Pajero in the future as it competes against the Toyota Land Cruiser, which currently holds a 40 percent share of the Japanese large SUV market.