All-new Mitsubishi Pajero on sale late 2026

It’s official: the diesel-powered Mitsubishi Pajero is returning to take the fight to the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado, with the iconic off-road SUV due in Australian showrooms before Christmas.

Mitsubishi’s head office in Japan has officially confirmed one of the worst-kept secrets in the automotive industry: the Pajero will return from the ashes.

The new 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero will make its global debut in the third quarter of 2026 – think August or September – with pre-orders opening shortly afterwards and first deliveries commencing in December.

It’s understood the new Pajero will ride on the same ladder-frame platform underpinning the current Triton ute, and will likewise be built in Thailand.

The SUV is almost certain to carry over the ute’s 2.4-litre twin-turbo-diesel engine and SuperSelect II full-time 4x4 system – a combination that already underpins one of the sharper ute packages on the market.

The Triton’s six-speed automatic transmission could reportedly be swapped for an eight-speed unit in the Pajero – according to dealer sources – which would bring it in line with the transmission sophistication of key rivals as well as the preceding Pajero Sport.

Towing capacity is expected to hit the magic 3500kg braked figure, with a water wading depth of around 800mm, meaning this will be a legitimate 4x4 wagon.

School runs during the week, camping on the weekend appears to be the thinking, with Mitsubishi using the term ‘adventure’ heavily in its early messaging.

Combined fuel consumption should be around 8.0L/100km, while its physical size will see it line up directly against the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado – two of the top-selling large SUVs in Australia.

A camouflaged prototype was spotted in Melbourne’s CBD as recently as March, suggesting the local development program is well advanced, following other sightings in Australia earlier in the year.

As new-car prices continue to climb, there’s arguably a gap in the large SUV market that a well-priced, well-equipped Pajero could drive straight through.

The 250 Series Toyota Prado starts north of $73,000 before on-road costs, and while the Ford Everest is a genuinely impressive machine, it has long faced reliability questions, with the brand recently ditching the bi-turbo diesel engine.

That said, the updated 2026 version starts from $60K drive-away.

The Isuzu MU-X starts at $55,900 plus on-roads in 4x4 guise and is probably the Pajero’s closest rival. It remains popular and dependable, but is beginning to show its age dynamically and technologically.

Sharper pricing than the Prado is almost guaranteed and Mitsubishi’s class-leading 10-year warranty could prove a potent combination.

But there is also the possibility Mitsubishi could push the Pajero further into premium territory, which may impact pricing.

But throw in a nameplate many Australians still hold dear and it’s understandable Mitsubishi is quietly excited about the return.

Diesel will almost certainly lead the launch, though hybrid powertrains are understood to be in development, particularly as emissions laws (NVES) tighten significantly from 2027, placing increasing pressure on manufacturers of thirsty ladder-frame SUVs.

For now, the focus is firmly on getting the diesel-powered Pajero into Australian driveways before the end of 2026.

If Mitsubishi can deliver on the promise of the nameplate – capable, dependable and accessible – this could shape up as one of the more significant SUV launches in Australia in years.

Pricing will be crucial but as it stands Mitsubishi is keeping mum on any potential pricing and model grade strategy.

*Lead image generated by AI

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