Mitsubishi has pulled the covers off the all-new Pajero, reviving one of the most loved nameplates in the Australian bush as a proper ladder frame, diesel four wheel drive. Unveiled in Tokyo on 2 September, it is pitched as the brand's new flagship, and Australia is in the first wave of launch markets during the fiscal year that runs to March 2027.
A diesel, not the hybrid many expected
Under the bonnet is a specially developed 2.4 litre clean diesel with a single variable geometry turbo, making up to 480Nm and paired with a new 8 speed automatic. That settles months of speculation that the Pajero might launch as a hybrid. Drive goes to the ground through Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II and the S-AWC dynamics system, with seven drive modes and a low range transfer case.
Built for touring families
The Pajero is a three row, seven seat wagon measuring 4,920mm long on a 2,870mm wheelbase, with 230mm of ground clearance and a highly rigid ladder frame under a double wishbone front and five link rear axle. Safety steps up too, with eight airbags including Mitsubishi's first centre airbag, plus the MI-PILOT highway driving aid.
Cartell Assessment
Bringing the Pajero name back on a ladder frame is exactly what touring buyers wanted, and the diesel keeps it simple and tow friendly. The question is price. Mitsubishi has traded on sharp pricing and long warranties before, and it will need both to take on the Toyota LandCruiser Prado and the new Nissan Patrol.
AU Outlook
Local specifications, grades and pricing are still to be confirmed, with Australian showroom timing inside the current fiscal year. Watch how Mitsubishi positions it against the Prado on price, because that is the fight that will decide how many it sells here.
