Mitsubishi Pajero developed with Aussie off-road expertise

Australia’s importance to the Pajero story has earned local engineers a seat at the table, with Mitsubishi confirming its Australian accessories team has been deeply involved in developing gear for the returning 4x4 SUV.

In one of the many press releases issued by Mitsubishi for what is one of its biggest new vehicle launches in years, a small detail reveals Australia was integral in the development of the new large seven-seat SUV.

“With Australia one of the key global Pajero markets, the Australian accessories engineering team has been deeply involved in accessories design and development,” reads the press statement.

That bodes well for the tourers, tradies and families who tend to load these things up, with bullbars and roof racks among the gear said to be ready to go.

A comprehensive accessories list will be released before launch.

The local input follows a broader philosophy of listening to customers – and it’s reflected in one of the new Pajero’s more notable design changes: the spare wheel moved under the Pajero.

Where classic Pajeros carried their spare wheel proudly on the tailgate, the new model tucks it beneath the body – a decision Mitsubishi says came straight from customer feedback.

“We listened to customers. Use in off road but also daily. Usability wise, we move the spare tyre under the car. Rear tailgate is easier to use and the tailgate seen as a shelter,” said Kunitoshi Itagaki, chief product specialist on the new Pajero project.

Mitsubishi says shifting the spare also freed up third-row packaging, and designers were careful to ensure the Pajero still looks the part without the tailgate-mounted wheel.

The trade-off is a cleaner rear end and an easier-to-use tailgate that doubles as a rain shield when the weather turns.

Underneath the practicality is a serious 4x4. The new Pajero packs a 150kW/480Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, an eight-speed auto, Super Select II 4x4 with a rear differential lock, up to seven seats and a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, plus a 300kg static roof-load rating for the accessories buyers will inevitably bolt on.

Mitsubishi will detail the full Pajero accessories range before the 4x4 reaches Australian showrooms from December but given Australia is one of the Pajero's most important global markets, the local influence over the accessories program suggests touring, towing and off-road capability will be improved with warranty-back addons.

Expect bullbars, roof racks and other adventure-focused gear expected to feature prominently.

Mitsubishi has already confirmed more than 3000 Australians lodged pre-registrations for the new Pajero before the vehicle was even revealed, highlighting the strong pent-up demand for the returning nameplate.

With sharp pricing compared to the Toyota Prado – it’s main rival – a comprehensive factory-backed accessories catalogue and one of the industry's longest warranty programs, Mitsubishi will be hoping that early enthusiasm translates into showroom traffic when the reborn Pajero rolls into local showrooms in December 2026.

How much does the 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero cost?
GLS (5 seat) – $68,490
GLS (7 seat) – $69,990
EXCEED – $79,990
GSR – $84,990
* Prices exclude on-road costs

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