The Mitsubishi Pajero is soon coming back and it will have plenty of stiff competition to go up against.
The Japanese carmaker is set to reveal the new-generation Pajero at some point during 2026 and it will likely make its way to Australia shortly after.
Mitsubishi has officially teased this new “cross-country” SUV and we’ve already spied prototypes being tested here in Australia so it’s clear the reveal is imminent.
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As previously speculated, it’s understood this new Mitsubishi SUV will be called just the Pajero, dropping the Sport suffix altogether.
This will see the iconic and original Pajero nameplate revived for the first time since it was retired in 2021.
What platform will the 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero use?
There is still a lot of speculation regarding what the new Pajero will be based on. The Pajero has historically been its own vehicle, however the Pajero Sport (formerly known as the Challenger) has always been based on the Triton ute.
Previous reports have stipulated the new Pajero will be based on the current Triton, which launched locally in 2024. This is a massive change in formula and means it will be body-on-frame.
Historically, the Pajero was built on a ladder-frame chassis, but later versions from the 2000s onwards were built on a monocoque platform, like the current Land Rover Defender.
What engine will the 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero use?
Given the Triton bones, it’s expected the new-gen Pajero will likely share a version of the 2.4-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine. It produces 150kW and 470Nm in the Australian-specification Triton.
It’ll likely also receive Mitsubishi’s latest version of its Super-Select four-wheel-drive system which allows for full-time four-wheel drive on sealed surfaces.
Locally the Triton is only offered with a six-speed automatic transmission, however the outgoing Pajero Sport was offered with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s unclear if Mitsubishi will offer this new-generation Pajero with a similar eight-speed automatic transmission.
What will the 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero look like?
In terms of styling, previous prototypes have shown it’ll have a big, boxy and bluff silhouette. From some angles it even looks like the Nissan Patrol Y63.
Although we haven’t seen the design in full yet, it’s expected design cues like a large grille, headlights that cascade down the front fascia, plus bonnet bulges will feature.
At the rear there is no tailgate-mounted spare wheel, likely meaning it’ll be mounted under the vehicle.
The interior design is yet to be revealed though it will likely share a lot with the Triton. Five- and seven-seat configurations are likely.
When will the 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero go on sale?
This new Mitsubishi large SUV can’t come soon enough as the Japanese carmaker axed a number of models, including the Pajero Sport, in 2025 as they didn't meet new Australian Design Rule (ADR) standards which stipulated specific requirements for autonomous emergency braking (AEB) systems.
As a result Mitsubishi’s largest SUV is currently the mid-sized Outlander, which is also its best-seller by far. Certain trims are available in seven-seat form.
