Mitsubishi launches new generation Pajero: Positioning the Flagship in its return
On September 2, 2026, Mitsubishi Motors globally launched a completely new generation of Pajero - an off-road SUV model associated with the brand since 1982. This is considered an important step for Mitsubishi in recent years, when the company determined that the new Pajero will be the flagship model to lead the entire product range, opening the product and brand strategy with a medium-long-term vision until 2030. The car is produced at Mitsubishi's factory in Thailand, and this is also the first market to receive the car, before arriving in Japan and Australia in fiscal year 2026 (from April 2026 to March 2027). From fiscal 2027, Mitsubishi will expand distribution to about 100 countries, including ASEAN, Latin America and the Middle East markets. With Vietnam located in the ASEAN region, the possibility of a new Pajero appearing in the domestic market is noteworthy, although the specific time has not been announced.
Appearance
Overall, the car keeps the high, square body proportions and characteristic horizontal lines inherited from the first generation, but is refreshed with large wheel cavities and a more carefully shaped body surface to increase the feeling of strength. The front of the car is inspired by the calm and disciplined spirit of kendo - a traditional Japanese martial art.
The car has two grille styles depending on the version: the horizontal bar type shows Japanese sophistication, and the honeycomb type is more aerodynamic and powerful. The headlight cluster is designed in a T shape, creating a modern highlight for the front. Some iconic Pajero details are still retained but interpreted in a new way: the C-pillar is inspired by the roll bar of the first generation, while the hexagonal motif at the rear of the car is a way to recreate the position of the external spare wheel of previous generations.
In terms of dimensions, the new Pajero is 4,920 mm long, 1,925 mm wide, 1,910 mm high (with 20-inch wheels), 1,630 mm front/rear wheelbase and 2,870 mm wheelbase length. Ground clearance reaches 230 mm, approach angle 30.4 degrees, exit angle 22.6 degrees and rear exit angle 25.8 degrees.
The front/rear weight distribution ratio reaches 52:48, combined with a long-travel suspension system that helps the vehicle maintain good traction on uneven terrain - parameters that show that the chassis is still prioritized for off-road capabilities even though the vehicle is larger and has a more advanced positioning.
Interior
Inside, the car uses a horizontal dashboard layout - a design inherited from the first generation. The highlight is the monolithic screen cluster consisting of two 14.3-inch screens (the standard version uses 12.3-inch screens), in which the clock screen is inspired by Pajero's classic three-round clock cluster, called "Multi Meter" by Mitsubishi.
In terms of color, the car has two main body colors: Armor Copper Metallic (metallic bronze, evokes a feeling of solidity) and Phantom Blue Metallic (metallic blue-gray, with gold accents that change color depending on the viewing angle). The interior uses Camel tones combined with black, which is both luxurious and limits the appearance of stains when used for a long time. The company also invested significantly in soundproofing: soundproof glass is used for the windshield, front and rear door glass, and combines many body noise reduction measures to limit wind and engine noise at high speeds.
Regarding seating space, the car maintains a 3-row, 7-seat configuration, with optimized seating positions to increase space for each row. The driver's seat is placed higher to improve visibility and a sense of vehicle size. The second row of seats has a sliding travel of 150 mm and a folding mechanism, making it easier to get in and out of the third row, while the third row has good leg space thanks to the foot cavity design that allows the toes to be put under the second row seats.
The car is also equipped with fully ventilated seats and an independent 3-zone automatic air conditioning system, with individual temperature control for each area from the front row to the last row.
Engine & Chassis
The new Pajero uses a 2.4L clean diesel engine with variable turbocharging, giving maximum torque of 480 Nm (some versions 470 Nm). The engine comes with a completely new 8-speed automatic transmission, with Sport mode, aiming for smooth acceleration and smooth operation both off-road and on asphalt. The car still uses a ladder frame - the familiar foundation of the Pajero line, with enhanced torsional and bending rigidity thanks to the use of more high-strength steel and increased frame cross-section, while also helping to reduce overall weight.
The front suspension is an independent double wishbone and the rear suspension is a completely new 5-link rigid bridge, helping the wheels grip the road better on rough terrain while still maintaining a natural driving feel. Mitsubishi sets its own development criteria called "off-road comfort" - a balance between off-road ability and comfort when traveling long distances, while also reinforcing vehicle body attachment points to reduce vibration on bad roads.
Regarding drive technology, the car combines the S-AWC overall dynamic control system with the Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II) drive system, allowing 4 modes to be selected: 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time 4WD), 4HLc (center differential lock) and 4LLc (center differential lock with low gear). S-AWC integrates additional traction control, vehicle stability and anti-lock braking systems, working simultaneously to optimize traction and braking force on all 4 wheels.
In addition, the car has 7 driving modes to choose from according to terrain: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock, along with large 18-inch disc brakes and electronic brake assist.
Overall, the new generation Pajero is not just a regular upgrade but a comprehensive repositioning of Mitsubishi for this iconic car line - still retaining the off-road core that has made its name, but adding a layer of premium value to compete in the flagship segment. And that may be a "strategic" factor for Mitsubishi in many markets, such as Vietnam, where Pajero Sport has experienced many unsuccessful years. With a launch roadmap spanning many years and dozens of markets, we still have to wait to know the specific configuration, price and official launch time in each region, including Vietnam.