Mitsubishi Pajero Is Back With 2.4-Litre Diesel and 4WD

The iconic Mitsubishi Pajero nameplate has returned with an all-new fifth-generation SUV. After disappearing from global markets in 2021, the Pajero is back with a more rugged design, a ladder-frame chassis, three rows of seats and a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine.

The new Pajero moves back to the traditional off-road formula that made the nameplate popular. It uses a platform derived from the Mitsubishi Triton pickup, while getting its own suspension setup and cabin.

Triton-Based Ladder-Frame Chassis

The new Mitsubishi Pajero uses a ladder-frame chassis derived from the latest Triton. It gets a solid rear axle, four-wheel coil springs and disc brakes, along with a four-wheel-drive system designed for both road and off-road use. The SUV has a boxy and upright design inspired by earlier generations of the Pajero. It features a long wheelbase, short overhangs, a near-vertical windscreen and a flat roof.

At the front, the SUV gets an upright grille, stacked LED daytime running lights, round auxiliary lamps and a squared-off lower bumper. The rear features large PAJERO lettering across the light bar, vertical tail-lights, side steps and black lower cladding.

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2.4-Litre Diesel Engine

The new Pajero is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine. It is based on the engine used in the Triton but uses a single turbocharger instead of the pickup's twin-turbo setup.

The engine produces 201hp and 480Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through an updated eight-speed automatic gearbox.

Mitsubishi has also considered hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of the Pajero, although a larger V6 engine is not currently planned.

Three-Row Interior

Inside, the new Pajero gets a modern cabin with seating for three rows. Higher variants are expected to feature two 14.3-inch screens, leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof and three-zone automatic climate control.

The dashboard combines tan and black trim, while physical controls are retained below the main touchscreen.

The SUV also gets an off-road display showing information such as altitude, roll angle and pitch angle. A rotary terrain selector is positioned beside the gear lever for easier control of the four-wheel-drive system.

Pajero Name Returns

The Pajero name has been part of Mitsubishi's SUV range since 1981. The first-generation model established its reputation as a serious off-roader, while later generations gained attention through international rally competition and in markets such as Japan, Australia and other parts of Asia.

The third and fourth generations moved away from the traditional ladder-frame layout, with the fourth-generation Pajero remaining on sale for around 15 years before production ended in 2021.

The fifth-generation model now brings the nameplate back to a body-on-frame setup while retaining styling elements associated with the older Pajeros.

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Rivals and India Launch

The new Mitsubishi Pajero is expected to be available in GLX, GLS, Exceed and GSR variants. Its main rivals will include the Ford Everest and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

The SUV also gives Mitsubishi a larger off-road model positioned above the Outlander, while bringing together the Pajero name with the Triton's ladder-frame platform.

An India launch appears unlikely at this stage. Although Mitsubishi and Nissan are partners in the global Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, there is currently no indication that the new Pajero is planned for the Indian market.