Mitsubishi Pajero Ralliart teased, no green light yet

Key highlights:

• Pajero Rally Concept wears Ralliart hardware and off-road accessories
• Mitsubishi says no production Pajero Ralliart project exists yet
• 2027 Pajero launches with 150kW turbo diesel and Super Select 4WD II

The new Mitsubishi Pajero has returned as a body-on-frame SUV with diesel power, and Mitsubishi has aimed it directly at the Toyota LandCruiser 250, but at its official world premiere in Tokyo, Japan, another Pajero stole some attention.

The Pajero Rally Concept sat on the show floor wearing Ralliart graphics and a stack of off-road hardware, and it looked ready for a harder-edged production version. Mitsubishi executives, however, quickly cooled that speculation: “Not yet.”

Pajero Rally Concept looks ready for the rough stuff

Mitsubishi displayed the Pajero Rally Concept alongside a replica of its title-winning Triton ASXR rally truck.

The SUV wears a striking red motorsport-inspired wrap with glossy Ralliart graphics and swaps its standard wheels and tyres for 18-inch Work Crag T-Grabic MC aluminium alloy wheels wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar X-AT all-terrain tyres.

Several other changes separate the concept from the standard Pajero, such as:

• Front and rear fender extensions
• Custom C-pillar cover
• Red skid plates
• Front grille with Ralliart emblem
• Snorkel

Mitsubishi lists these components as accessories, although some remain prototype parts. 

The concept’s presence naturally raised questions about a high-performance Pajero Ralliart, but for now, Mitsubishi appears to have another role in mind for it, such as promotional duties or rally support.

Mitsubishi says there is no Ralliart production plan yet

A Ralliart production vehicle is a factory performance-tuned or sports-themed version of a standard Mitsubishi car, named after the brand’s global motorsport and rallying division.

Mitsubishi Chief Product Specialist Kunitoshi Itagaki said the company considers Ralliart’s heritage important and will continue studying ways to deliver the performance and experience expected from the badge, but there is no production plan to disclose at this stage.

Also read: 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero vs Older generation: 5 key changes

The Pajero’s Dakar history still matters

Mitsubishi also highlighted the motorsport heritage behind the new off-roader. 

Keisuke Kishiura, President and Chief Operating Officer of Mitsubishi Motors, pointed to the Pajero’s 12 Dakar Rally victories, which earned the SUV its “king of the desert” nickname.

Kishiura also said motorsport-developed technologies eventually make their way into Mitsubishi’s production vehicles, but he stopped short, however, of announcing or even hinting at a more powerful Pajero production variant.

What powers the new Pajero?

The new Pajero uses a Triton-sourced ladder-frame architecture, but Mitsubishi has fitted model-specific suspension underneath it – the front uses a double-wishbone layout, while the rear gets a five-link rigid axle.

Mitsubishi has not mentioned other powertrain options yet, although a hybrid is likely under development for the future, which could eventually create a stronger foundation for a Ralliart model.

What would a Pajero Ralliart need?

A production Pajero Ralliart would make sense with a more powerful engine, stronger suspension, grippier tyres and a bodykit inspired by the concept.

That possibility also ties into earlier comments surrounding the Premcar-developed Triton Raider for Australia. Mitsubishi executives have previously described a potential Ralliart version of the midsize pickup as another step in capability.

For now, Mitsubishi has not committed to taking that approach with the Pajero.

Owners can still build a rugged Pajero

Mitsubishi is already showing how owners can add more off-road hardware while buyers wait for any potential Ralliart decision. One Pajero displayed at the presentation featured:

• Steel front bumper with integrated bull bar
• Additional LED lights
• Snorkel
• Roof rack
• Side steps
• 18-inch wheels
• Yokohama Geolandar tyres

These upgrades give buyers a way to customise the SUV without waiting for a factory Ralliart model.

Mitsubishi did not mention this upgraded Pajero build in its official press release. The company is expected to provide more information about the available accessories through its official accessory catalogue in the near future.