Is Mitsubishi reviving the Pajero SUV?

On its homepage, Mitsubishi Australia unexpectedly posted an image of an LED light strip along with the word "Pajero". Accompanying the image was the caption "The PAJERO is ready to write its next chapter".

This can be seen as official confirmation from the Japanese brand about reviving the legendary Pajero name for its new generation large 7-seater SUV, replacing the current Pajero Sport.

The new generation SUV will drop the "Sport" suffix and revert to the original Pajero name. Unlike the unibody chassis of previous Pajero generations, the new model will switch to a ladder-frame chassis platform based on the new generation Triton pickup truck.

"The company has implemented specialized development processes for the cabin space and front and rear suspension systems to ensure its characteristic versatility," a brand representative shared with international media.

The arrival of this new model is expected to generate significant interest from consumers. According to Drive , Mitsubishi's product strategy director stated that bringing this name back to the market will create a strong connection with the brand's core values.

The model, previously spotted undergoing testing, is preparing for its launch in the Australian market. Photo: Drive .

According to the plan, this 7-seater model will be launched globally in the fall, sometime between September and November, before officially going on sale in key markets.

In terms of operation, the new Pajero will be manufactured at the factory in Thailand and will most likely inherit the 2.4L twin-turbo diesel engine (code 4N16) from the Triton pickup truck, producing 150 kW (equivalent to 201 horsepower) and 470 Nm of torque.

The manufacturer also left open the possibility of further adjusting power specifications to match the flagship vehicle positioning and potentially adding 48V mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid configurations in the future.

The PHEV powertrain will likely leverage the Outlander PHEV platform, featuring a 2.4L gasoline engine combined with two electric motors for a total output of up to 221 kW in the 2026 model year, along with a 22.7 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

This replacement is considered a necessary step as the current Pajero Sport line has officially been discontinued in some markets due to its failure to meet new safety standards for automatic emergency braking systems, effective from March 2025.

Filling the segment gap with a more powerful name will help the company increase its competitiveness against strong rivals such as the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado. This upgraded version is expected to come with a higher price tag than the previous generation.