Mitsubishi defends significantly higher Pajero pricing in Australia

Key highlights

• 2026 Mitsubishi Pajero starts from $68,490 before on-road costs
• Mitsubishi says its pricing is competitive against the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest
• More affordable Pajero variants could be possible in the future

After a five-year absence, the Mitsubishi Pajero is returning to Australian showrooms in December, and it’s landing with a price tag that’ll raise a few eyebrows among long-time fans of the nameplate.

The fifth-generation Pajero kicks off at $68,490 plus on-road costs for the five-seat GLS, climbing to $84,990 plus ORCs for the range-topping GSR. Factor in on-roads and you’re realistically looking at close to $90,000 drive-away for the flagship. That’s a serious jump from the old GLX Final Edition, which bowed out in 2021 at $54,990 before ORCs.

For a brand that built its Australian reputation on value, that’s a big ask, and Mitsubishi knows it.

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How does the Pajero’s price compare?

The new Mitsubishi Pajero is considerably more expensive than the outgoing fourth-generation model. The previous Pajero GLX Final Edition was priced at $54,990 before on-road costs before production ended in 2021. The new model also sits above the Pajero Sport, which was discontinued in 2025 but remains available in Australia from $51,540 plus on-road costs. Mitsubishi’s new flagship SUV will be offered in four variants:

At the entry level, the Pajero is more expensive than the Ford Everest, which starts from $58,990 plus on-road costs, and the Isuzu MU-X, priced from $49,900 plus on-road costs. However, the Pajero undercuts the Toyota Prado, which starts from $73,200 plus on-road costs. That comparison is likely to be important for Australian buyers. The Prado and Everest are among the country’s most popular large SUVs, particularly with families wanting seven seats, towing ability and genuine off-road capability.

Mitsubishi says the Pajero is a different product

According to Mitsubishi, comparing the new Pajero directly with the Pajero Sport does not tell the full story. The Pajero Sport was based on the Mitsubishi Triton ute platform and positioned as a more affordable seven-seat SUV. While the new Pajero also shares its foundations with the latest Triton, Mitsubishi is positioning it as a significantly more premium and capable flagship.

The higher price also reflects the level of standard equipment offered across the range. Even the entry-level Pajero GLS includes features such as a heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, power tailgate, wireless phone charging and electric front-seat lumbar adjustment. That raises the possibility that Mitsubishi could eventually introduce a more affordable variant with some equipment removed.

Could a cheaper Mitsubishi Pajero be coming?

Mitsubishi has not ruled out a lower-priced Pajero in the future. A more affordable GLX variant has received Australian Design Rule compliance approval, though Mitsubishi has not confirmed whether it will actually go on sale locally. If introduced, a Pajero GLX could help Mitsubishi lower the SUV’s entry price and make it more accessible to buyers considering the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and other large SUVs.

For now, however, Mitsubishi appears confident with its current positioning. Before Australian pricing was announced, Mitsubishi Motors Australia had received 3645 expressions of interest for the new Pajero, suggesting there is strong local curiosity surrounding the return of the famous 4WD nameplate.

Pajero faces a tough Australian market

The new Pajero will enter one of Australia’s most competitive SUV segments, where the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado have built strong reputations among families, touring enthusiasts and off-road buyers. Mitsubishi has not revealed expected sales volumes or where it believes the Pajero will rank in the large SUV segment. Australia will be the second market to receive the new Pajero after Thailand, where it is being produced alongside the Triton. The SUV will then be rolled out to Japan and other global markets.

With prices stretching to almost $85,000 before on-road costs for the flagship GSR, the new Pajero represents a major shift for Mitsubishi in Australia. Whether buyers accept the higher pricing will become clearer once deliveries begin in December. But Mitsubishi’s message is already clear: the new Pajero is no longer being positioned as a budget alternative. Instead, Mitsubishi believes its returning 4WD icon has the product, equipment and capability to compete directly with Australia’s most established large SUVs.