New Mitsubishi Pajero Debuts With Ladder-Frame Chassis And Diesel Power

Mitsubishi has revived the Pajero nameplate with an all-new fifth-generation model, bringing the SUV back five years after production of its predecessor ended in 2021. The new Pajero retains the model’s traditional body-on-frame construction and four-wheel-drive hardware, while adopting a more contemporary design and a technology-focused cabin.

The new SUV will initially be introduced in Thailand, followed by Japan and Australia by March 2027. Mitsubishi also plans to sell it in around 100 markets globally, including countries across ASEAN, Latin America and the Middle East.

An India launch is not currently planned.

Diesel engine paired with 4WD

The fifth-generation Pajero is powered exclusively by a 2.4-litre diesel engine. Mitsubishi has not yet disclosed its maximum power output, although the engine produces a claimed 480 Nm of peak torque.

Power is sent through an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission to a four-wheel-drive system. The setup offers four selectable drivetrain modes: 2H for rear-wheel drive, 4H for full-time four-wheel drive, 4HLc with the centre differential locked and 4LLc, which adds low-range gearing.

The Pajero also gets seven terrain and driving modes — Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock — allowing the drivetrain and vehicle systems to be adapted to different surfaces.

Ladder-frame construction retained

Despite the significant redesign, Mitsubishi has retained the Pajero’s ladder-frame architecture. The suspension comprises an independent double-wishbone arrangement at the front and a five-link rigid axle at the rear.

The SUV also features Active Yaw Control (AYC), which uses braking intervention to influence torque distribution between the left and right wheels.

Its off-road hardware is supported by 230 mm of ground clearance. Mitsubishi quotes an approach angle of 30.4 degrees, a break-over angle of 22.6 degrees and a departure angle of 25.8 degrees.

The new Pajero continues with the upright proportions associated with the nameplate, but its styling has been substantially updated.

At the front, the SUV gets connected LED daytime running lights with segmented elements, along with projector LED headlamps. A large grille dominates the nose, while the bonnet features prominent creases. The bumper incorporates additional air channels and grey skid-plate elements.

The side profile is characterised by squared-off wheel arches, black body cladding and 20-inch alloy wheels. A black garnish on the front fender carries the Pajero name, while additional horizontal elements around the C-pillar help connect the styling between the front and rear sections.

At the back, the SUV gets wraparound LED tail-lamps linked visually to the front lighting signature. A black panel between the lamps carries Pajero lettering.

One notable change is the absence of the externally mounted spare wheel that became a signature feature of earlier Pajero generations. Mitsubishi says the design of the rear section nevertheless draws inspiration from the spare tyre arrangement of the fourth-generation model.

The new Mitsubishi Pajero gets 230 mm of ground clearance, with an approach angle of 30.4 degrees, a break-over angle of 22.6 degrees and a departure angle of 25.8 degrees. It measures 4920 mm in length, 1925 mm in width and 1910 mm in height, with a 2870 mm wheelbase.

The new Pajero is larger than the Toyota Fortuner in all four dimensions listed above, including a 125 mm longer wheelbase.

Three-row cabin with dual 14.5-inch displays

The interior combines a dual-tone black-and-tan colour scheme with a mix of digital displays and conventional controls.

The dashboard features two 14.5-inch screens, with one serving as the instrument cluster and the other handling infotainment functions. The four-spoke steering wheel retains physical controls.

While the new model does not feature the distinctive multi-meter arrangement found in older Pajeros, its infotainment system can display information such as vehicle pitch, roll and tyre angle through digital graphics.

Mitsubishi has also retained physical switches and rotary controls for several functions, including the climate-control system. The cabin uses soft-touch materials at major touchpoints and gets slim air vents with gloss-black surrounds.

The Pajero has seating for seven occupants across three rows. Leatherette upholstery is used throughout, while the third row can be folded flat to create additional luggage space.

Equipment and safety features

Equipment highlights include three-zone climate control, ventilated front seats and a 12-speaker Yamaha audio system.

Safety equipment includes eight airbags and a 360-degree camera system. The camera setup can also provide a view beneath the front section of the vehicle, which could be useful when negotiating difficult terrain.

Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) are also part of the safety package.

Global rollout planned

Thailand will be the first market to receive the new Pajero, with Japan and Australia scheduled to follow by March 2027. Mitsubishi subsequently plans to expand availability to approximately 100 countries.

The Pajero nameplate has previously had a presence in India, where it arrived in 2002 and developed a following among SUV buyers before being discontinued in 2018. Mitsubishi eventually ended global production of the fourth-generation Pajero in 2021.

For now, the fifth-generation model is not expected to return to India. The new Pajero’s combination of a ladder-frame chassis, diesel powertrain and traditional 4WD system nevertheless represents a continuation of the model’s off-road-oriented character, despite the significant changes to its design and cabin technology.

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