2027 Mitsubishi Pajero revealed: Off-road icon reborn as Triton ute-based SUV

The covers have come off the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero, the first new iteration of the iconic large off-road SUV since 2006, sporting some of the most significant wholesale changes in the nameplate’s 44-year history.

The born-again Pajero is a substantial departure from the fourth-generation model that exited production in 2021, as its construction, underpinnings, and proportions are far closer to the also-discontinued, ute-based Pajero Sport than its monocoque predecessor.

Indeed, the new Pajero is based on the same ladder-frame platform as the latest Triton ute, but it’s powered by a new single-turbo-diesel engine, features a wagon body, and has a unique interior.

Unlike previous iterations produced in Japan, Mitsubishi will build the new Pajero alongside the Triton in Thailand, which will also be the first market in which it is sold. Australian pre-orders will open in October ahead of the model’s expected local arrival in December.

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The new Pajero’s design takes inspiration from the rest of Mitsubishi’s catalogue, namely the subtle C-shape motif on both sides of the front grille. The brand says its standard horizontal-slat grille was inspired by Japanese martial arts, while a Dakar-inspired hexagonal grille will also be available.

There are full-width light bars at both ends of the vehicle, with the front-end incorporating an animated signature. Though an iconic fixture of previous Pajero generations, the new model’s spare wheel is no longer mounted externally on the tailgate, but moved under the rear of the vehicle.

The ladder-like C-pillar elements are said to be inspired by “the roll bar of the first-generation model”, while the new Pajero body is generally very upright and boxy. Mitsubishi has confirmed a plethora of accessories will be available, including bull bars.

Mitsubishi will offer six exterior paint colours for the new Pajero – mostly whites, greys, and blacks – including two hero colours: Armor Copper and Phantom Blue (pictured below).

Underpinning the Pajero is a heavily modified version of the Triton’s ladder-frame chassis. It has thicker side members, additional cross-bracing, and a wheelbase measuring 2870mm – 260mm shorter than that of Mitsubishi’s ute.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Japanese brand says the front and rear of the chassis have been developed exclusively for the Pajero, adopting a double-wishbone front suspension setup for greater lateral rigidity, and a five-link rigid rear-end with coil springs instead of the Triton’s leaf springs to balance off-road capability and ride comfort.

Other changes over the Triton include rear disc brakes instead of drums, a slightly tighter turning circle, and a higher “eye-point”, to aid outward visibility, plus a redesigned front door structure and more upright A-pillars.

The result is an SUV that’s roughly 100mm longer, wider, and taller than the old Pajero Sport, while maintaining its seven-seat capacity across three rows. It’s expected it’ll also be offered as a five-seater in Australia.

The Pajero’s interior sports a new design and layout never before seen in an Australian-delivered Mitsubishi. Up front is a tall, slab-like dashboard, which houses a two-tier passenger-side glovebox, grab handles at both ends, and a new infotainment/climate/cluster panel.

Mitsubishi says this dashboard design was “inherited from the first-generation Pajero”, and that its soft-touch finish and stitching technique are inspired by the traditional Japanese craft of Kimekomi. Similar finishes are also found on the door trims, “creating a sense of depth and premium quality worthy of a flagship model”.

Physical climate controls have been retained in a new layout below the central touchscreen, while the infotainment and instrument screens share the same panel and both measure 14.3 inches across. Some trim levels will feature 12.3-inch displays instead.

Both incorporate graphics “inspired by the Pajero’s heritage”, led by the triple-gauge Multi Meter display on the infotainment screen. The instrument display, meanwhile, sports digital gauges and a handful of layouts consistent with other modern Mitsubishis.

Lower on the dash are a pair of USB-C ports and a 12-volt outlet, while the centre console features a wireless phone charger. It’s not yet clear which features will be removed in cheaper variants.

Elsewhere on the centre console is a large traditional gear selector, two cupholders, a small selection of metallic-look buttons – including one for the rear differential lock – and Mitsubishi’s familiar four-wheel drive controller.

Though not confirmed, Mitsubishi’s imagery reveals the Pajero may offer powered steering wheel adjustment, paddle shifters, powered seat adjustment, and two-position driver’s seat memory. Most of these features will almost certainly be reserved for top-spec variants.

The steering wheel appears to be a carryover unit from models like the Triton and Outlander, though it features a smooth wrap instead of a perforated leather finish. Mitsubishi has confirmed selected variants will be available with semi-aniline leather upholstery.

Mitsubishi’s column-mounted driver monitoring camera also features prominently, though the brand claims it will be less sensitive than the oft-criticised units fitted to its other current models.

Otherwise, the Pajero will follow the Outlander by featuring a bespoke Yamaha sound system developed specifically to suit its cabin. This ‘Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate’ system offers 12 speakers with two amplifiers, alongside active noise compensation to complement the insulated front and side windows.

As for rear-seat amenities, the Pajero will offer USB-C ports in the front seatbacks and a dedicated climate panel on the back of the centre console. There are also multi-tier map pockets, tray tables, and a fold-down central armrest with pop-out cupholders.

Additionally, the second-row seats can slide 150mm forward or back to aid third-row access and comfort. Mitsubishi says the third row offers “ample headroom, even for adults”.

At launch, the Pajero will only be offered with a diesel powertrain. While it uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine like the Triton, it has only a single turbocharger but offers an additional 10Nm of torque for a total peak of 480Nm. However, “select specifications” will instead offer 470Nm. Maximum power output is unchanged from the Triton at 150kW.

It will also use a “new-generation” eight-speed automatic transmission similar to that in the old Pajero Sport, marking an upgrade over the Triton’s six-speed unit. Like the Triton, though, the Pajero will come with Mitsubishi’s Super-Select 4WD-II selectable four-wheel drive system with 2H, 4H, 4HLc, and 4LLc modes.

Mitsubishi says the new Pajero will feature Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC). Already seen on the all-wheel drive Outlander, S-AWC allows for front-rear torque distribution, left-right torque-vectoring, and four-wheel brake control to improve cornering stability and traction.

All of the above will be complemented by seven drive modes: Eco, Normal, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock.

That’s all we know about the 2027 Pajero so far. More information will be announced closer to the model’s local launch, when it will compete directly with other ute-based SUVs like the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, and GWM Tank 500, along with the popular Toyota Prado.

It’s almost certainly going to be more expensive than the old Pajero Sport, given its substantial overall upgrade, but it’s not expected to go significantly upmarket in price. For context, the MU-X is priced from $49,900, the Everest starts at $58,990, and the Japan-built Prado’s base price is higher at $73,200.

Known as the Montero in North America, Spain and Latin America, and the Shogun in the UK, the Mitsubishi Pajero has generated more than 3.3 million sales globally over four generations since its launch in 1982.

Recent reports have suggested there will be additional Pajero-based models launching in the near future, including a Toyota RAV4-sized SUV and a compact kei-class model, and Mitsubishi has indicated it will offer hybrid versions of both the Triton and Pajero.

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