All-New Mitsubishi Pajero Unveiled as the Brand's Next-Generation Flagship

Quick Facts

• Mitsubishi Motors unveiled the fully redesigned, all-new Pajero at its world premiere in Tokyo
• The new-generation Pajero returns after the previous generation was discontinued globally in 2021
• Developed over five years, the model will be built in Thailand and sold in more than 100 countries, including South Africa
• Powered by a specially developed 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 480 Nm, paired with a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission
• Equipped with Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), Super Select 4WD-II, and seven selectable drive modes
• Off-road figures include 230 mm of ground clearance, a 30.4-degree approach angle, a 22.6-degree ramp breakover angle and a 25.8-degree departure angle
• Previous generations of the Pajero recorded more than 3.29 million units in production and 12 Dakar Rally victories, including seven in succession

Mitsubishi Motors has lifted the covers off the fully redesigned, all-new Pajero at its world premiere in Tokyo, marking the return of the cross-country SUV as the brand’s next-generation flagship. The Pajero was discontinued globally in 2021, and the new model has been developed over five years to reclaim its position at the top of the Mitsubishi range.

First introduced in 1982, the Pajero was developed as a cross-country, four-wheel drive vehicle combining authentic off-road performance and dependability with passenger car-like comfort. It quickly became a favourite among outdoor enthusiasts and found particular success in South Africa, with total production across its previous four generations exceeding 3.29 million units.

The Pajero’s reputation was cemented in 1983, when it began competing in the Dakar Rally, the world’s most demanding off-road motorsport event. Across its competition history, the Pajero secured 12 Dakar victories, including seven consecutive wins, helping it earn a reputation for off-road performance, handling stability and durability that carried over into its standing with everyday customers.

“The Mitsubishi Pajero was always well loved by both the South African public and media for the way that it combined modern luxuries and tried-and-trusted mechanics. It is the perfect vehicle for adventurers looking to explore our beautiful continent,” said Lerato Nonyane, General Manager: Product & Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors South Africa.

The all-new Pajero builds on the nameplate’s long-standing philosophy, combining proven off-road capability and reliability with cabin comfort and ease of handling across both harsh terrain and city streets. The new model adds a further dimension of prestige to that formula, expressed through the premium quality expected of a flagship.

“The all-new Pajero is equipped with Mitsubishi Motors’ Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), which integrates the control of acceleration, cornering and braking to deliver precise and intuitive vehicle behaviour, while Super Select 4WD-II balances outstanding off-road performance with ease of use in everyday situations. Combined with a highly rigid, durable ladder frame and a carefully tuned suspension, these technologies will encourage drivers to enjoy travel with confidence on any road and be able to take the next step towards new adventures with peace of mind,” said Nonyane.

Guided by the “Grand Charisma” design concept, the all-new Pajero has been crafted to achieve a powerful presence and premium feel befitting Mitsubishi Motors’ new-generation flagship. Building on the bold, upright proportions and horizontal design theme inherited from the first-generation model, powerful fenders express the vehicle’s performance capability, while sculpted body surfaces enhance its commanding presence.

The frontal design draws on Kendo, a traditional Japanese martial art built on discipline and composure, and is available with either a horizontal-bar grille or a honeycomb grille, alongside distinctive T-shaped headlights. Signature elements carried through from earlier generations include a C-pillar inspired by the roll bar of the first-generation model and a hexagonal rear motif that interprets the rear-mounted spare tyre of earlier Pajeros, blending heritage with a more modern design language.

Inside, a horizontally oriented instrument panel inspired by the first-generation Pajero combines functionality with a refined cabin. Two 14.3-inch screens make up a monolithic display featuring heritage-inspired graphics, including a Multi Meter display that brings the original triple-meter cluster into the modern era. Driving information such as altitude, compass heading, temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles, and AYC control status is displayed for drivers to assess conditions at a glance, while the Smartphone-link Display Audio system supports wireless smartphone connectivity for mapping, music and other compatible apps.

Soft-touch materials incorporating a stitching technique inspired by Kimekomi, a traditional Japanese craft, are applied to the instrument panel and door trims, adding depth and a sense of premium quality. Comprehensive sound-insulation enhancements have been included to allow occupants to converse naturally even at highway speeds, and optimised interior packaging ensures a spacious, comfortable cabin in every row. Jointly developed with Yamaha Corporation, the Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system features 12 speakers and dual amplifiers.

“The all-new Pajero will feature a clean diesel engine, a highly rigid ladder frame and specially developed suspension along with the brand’s renowned off-road systems to ensure that the latest iteration seamlessly builds on the reputation of its predecessors,” said Nonyane.

The Pajero is powered by a specially developed 2.4-litre engine fitted with a wide-range single variable geometry turbocharger, delivering 480 Nm and paired with a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission with sport mode. Its highly rigid ladder frame draws on decades of rally experience, with expanded use of high-tensile steel contributing to weight reduction while increased frame cross-sectional area improves torsional and bending rigidity. The suspension pairs an independent double-wishbone front setup with a newly developed five-link rigid rear axle, aimed at delivering both strong off-road capability and a composed on-road ride. Strengthened body mounts further suppress unwanted vibration on rough roads, supporting the “off-road comfort” benchmark set for the model’s development.

The Pajero’s S-AWC system integrates Active Yaw Control, Active Stability and Traction Control, and Anti-lock Braking to deliver responsive handling and stability across a wide range of surfaces. The Super Select 4WD-II system allows drivers to choose between four drive modes, 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc, while seven selectable drive modes, Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock, allow drivers of all experience levels to adapt to the conditions ahead. Large 18-inch brake rotors and an electric brake booster round out a reassuring brake feel, with off-road credentials including 230 mm of ground clearance, a 30.4-degree approach angle, a 22.6-degree ramp breakover angle and a 25.8-degree departure angle.

The all-new Pajero introduces a comprehensive suite of preventative safety and driver assistance technologies, including Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian, cyclist and motorcyclist detection and junction assist, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, and Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication. For the first time on a Pajero, Emergency Lane Assist uses a forward-facing camera and radar to detect lane departure risk and provide warnings and steering assistance, while Front Cross Traffic Alert helps reduce the risk of crossing-path collisions at intersections.

For driver assistance, MI-PILOT combines Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist to help maintain following distance and lane position on highways, easing fatigue on long journeys. The Pajero is also equipped with eight airbags, including Mitsubishi Motors’ first SRS centre airbag, while the 3D Multi Around Monitor combines four vehicle-mounted cameras with a 3D model of the vehicle, processing around 30 frames per second to assist with parking, manoeuvring and off-road awareness.

“The Pajero is a core model for the Mitsubishi brand and Mitsubishi Motors South Africa look forward to giving a new generation of families the opportunity to create new memories in a vehicle that is renowned for dependability, comfort and unrivalled off-road ability,” concluded Nonyane.

Get in touch today to find out more about the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero.