After years of rumours, spy shots and speculation, Mitsubishi has finally confirmed the return of the Pajero. The iconic nameplate will return globally in the second half of 2026, with Australian showroom arrivals expected by late 2026. And this isn’t just a rebadged revival. The revived Pajero is expected to return to a body-on-frame SUV format.
The new Pajero is expected to run on a 2.4L twin-turbo diesel engine with a full-time 4WD system and rival the likes of the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest. There is no confirmation on the specifications and pricing of the upcoming Pajero yet.
Mitsubishi Pajero returns to its off-road origins
The new Pajero will return as a body-on-frame SUV based on the Mitsubishi Triton ute platform. That means it will effectively replace the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport in Mitsubishi’s SUV lineup, but this time without the “Sport” badge. The move also marks a major philosophical shift for the Pajero name.
The original Pajero launched back in 1982 as a rugged ladder-frame off-roader designed to battle icons such as Toyota LandCruiser and Isuzu Trooper (or Holden Jackaroo). Now, more than four decades later, Mitsubishi is returning the Pajero to that same traditional body-on-frame formula.
First completely new Pajero since 2006
This will be the first all-new Pajero generation since the fourth-generation model debuted in 2006. It also marks the first time a Pajero-badged vehicle will officially return to Australian showrooms since 2022.
More than just a Triton wagon
Although the new Pajero will share its platform with the Triton, Mitsubishi says it won’t simply be a ute-based wagon clone. The company has confirmed the SUV will receive model-specific cabin development and unique front and rear suspension tuning.
Also read: Upgraded 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV hits showrooms
Expected new Mitsubishi Pajero engine and 4WD setup
The new Pajero is expected to borrow the Triton’s updated powertrain. That would likely mean a 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel with outputs of 150kW and 470Nm.
The SUV is also tipped to feature Mitsubishi’s highly regarded Super Select II full-time four-wheel-drive system. That would place the new Pajero directly against rivals such as the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest.
Upcoming Mitsubishi Pajero pricing could push into Prado territory
Official pricing for the upcoming Pajero hasn’t been announced yet, but its likely rivals provide strong clues about where it may land.
The Toyota Prado starts from $73,200 before on-road costs, while Ford Everest full-time 4WD starts from $66,990 before on-road costs. The outgoing Pajero Sport started at $51,540 before on-roads
The new Pajero is predicted to start somewhere between $60,000 and $65,000 (before on-road costs) with the expected leap in technology, safety and refinement.
Big upgrade in tech and safety expected
The outgoing Pajero Sport had begun falling behind rivals in technology and safety. The new model is expected to dramatically modernise the experience.
Potential upgrades include a larger infotainment system, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument display, and updated ADAS.
Also read: 2026 Mitsubishi electric SUV confirmed for Australia
Why was the original Pajero discontinued?
Safety technology is expected to be a major focus for the new Pajero model because outdated AEB technology was one of the main reasons the old Pajero Sport was discontinued in Australia in 2025.
The original full-size Pajero officially ended production globally in 2021, citing high redevelopment costs, an aging platform, and global market demand shifting toward softer crossover SUVs.
After that, the Pajero Sport effectively carried the Pajero name forward until it too disappeared from Australia earlier this year. Now, Mitsubishi is preparing to bring the badge back properly.
Why the return of new-gen Mitsubishi Pajero matters
The return of the Mitsubishi Pajero is significant because Australia’s large SUV and off-road market is booming again. Buyers continue flocking toward rugged 7-seat SUVs capable of long-distance touring, towing caravans, serious off-road driving, and family duties.
And unlike many newer crossover SUVs, the Pajero appears set to fully embrace traditional off-road engineering once again.
Bottom line
The return of the Mitsubishi Pajero is shaping up to be one of the biggest off-road SUV stories in Australia for 2026. By bringing back the legendary badge on a rugged body-on-frame platform, Mitsubishi is clearly targeting buyers who still want genuine touring and off-road capability rather than just soft-road SUV styling.
With updated diesel power, modern safety tech, improved refinement and serious competition lined up against the Prado and Everest, the new Pajero could become a major player in Australia’s booming adventure SUV market once again.
Comments
New Comment