Mitsubishi unveils the 2026 Pajero

Mitsubishi has unveiled the fifth-gen Pajero, almost 20 years after they unveiled the fourth-gen. Initially preparing for its launch in the Thai market later this year, the Japanese manufacturer plans to expand the Pajero to over 100 countries later in 2027, including markets in ASEAN, Latin America, and the Middle East. Let us take a look at some of the most prominent features defining the 2026 Pajero.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero Design and Style

The 2026 Pajero features a much more aggressive design compared to its predecessors, but still keeps an overall horizontal design theme, similar to the first generation. It measures 4920mm in length, 1925mm in width, and 1910mm in height with a 2,870mm wheelbase. It also offers a 1,630mm front and rear track, along with a 230mm ground clearance. Mitsubishi also boasts a 52:48 front-to-rear weight distribution, which should give it more balance in extreme conditions.

Further contributing to Pajero’s aggressive look is a horizontal bar grille at the front; however, a honeycomb design is also available to choose from. While the T-shaped headlamp incorporates a more modern design, the C-pillar still carries the Pajero’s four-decade history in its core design form.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero engine and drivetrain

The 2.4-litre, turbo-diesel engine provides 480Nm of torque, and paired with it is an 8-speed automatic transmission in the 2026 Pajero.

Equipped with the SS4-II system, it allows switching between four 4WD drive modes. The Pajero is rear-wheel driven, with the 4-high and 4-low modes available. It also has a centre differential lock.

Meanwhile, the S-AWC integrates Active Yaw Control. These, paired with active stability & traction control and ABS, make the drive much easier and safer.

The Pajero also features seven driving modes depending on the terrain:

• Normal
• Evo
• Gravel
• Snow
• Mud
• Sand
• Rock

The 2026 Pajero’s ladder frame, made from high-tensile steel, contributes to weight reduction. Meanwhile, the independent double-wishbone suspension front setup and the five-link rigid rear axle complete the suspension assembly.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero interior and comfort

The 2026 Pajero features a quieter and more spacious cabin for its three-row, seven-seater setup. The driver’s seat has been positioned a bit higher compared to the passengers, for better visibility. The second row features a 150mm sliding range with a tumble mechanism, assisting with ingress and egress.

Meanwhile, two 14.3-inch displays integrate the extremely iconic multi-meter, which has been a defining feature in the previous generations of the Pajero. Added to that is the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate 12-speaker sound system, which also features noise compensation technology which automatically adjusts the volume and audio tuning relative to the vehicle speed and offsets road noise.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero Safety

The Pajero features a Forward Collision Mitigation system (FCM) with pedestrian, motorcycle, and bicyclist detection, and junction assist. Moreover, it also has a Predictive Forward Collision Warning system (PFCW), Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication (EAPM), Front Cross Traffic Alert (FCTA), and Emergency Lane Assist.

For added safety, it also features the MI-Pilot, which is the manufacturer’s highway single-lane driving assistance system, which helps drivers maintain an appropriate distance from the vehicle ahead and keep the vehicle centred in its lane on highways. Along with that, it also has Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Keep Assist (LKA).

8 airbags, with Mitsubishi’s first SRS centre airbag, ensure the safety of all the passengers, along with a 3D Multi Around Monitor, which also features a front under-floor view, allowing the driver to keep a check on the road conditions.

Despite Mitsubishi’s partnership with Nissan, the 2026 Pajero is completely built on its own architecture. At the same time, it is unlikely that the fifth-gen would make it to India.