Mitsubishi Pajero interest triples since world reveal

Mitsubishi’s reborn Pajero hasn’t turned a wheel in a showroom yet, but the queue is already out the door. Around 11,000 Australians have now lodged an expression of interest in the seven-seat 4x4, up from 3000 to 4000 before its world premiere.

That’s nearly triple the pre-reveal tally, and Mitsubishi Motors Australia says customer deliveries remain on track to begin in December.

Speaking to journalists at the Pajero’s local launch, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Pajero product manager Rod Pinedo, was optimistic about the new Paj’s sales potential.

He noted that customer interest had exceeded the brand’s expectations: “We’re very pleased with the numbers so far and the interest from Australian customers.

 “We had three to 4000 pre-registrations of interest before the world premiere, and now that has gone up to around 11,000,” he confirmed.

For context, when Mitsubishi confirmed local Pajero pricing in early September, the number sat at a little over 3000.

So what’s the sales target? Pinedo wouldn’t be drawn on a monthly figure but he dropped a reasonable hint.

“When you look at the top competitors in the segment, you will have an idea of what the aspirations are,” he said.

“We want to play in that space and be able to deliver on customers’ expectations of the Pajero brand.”

Read between the lines and that means Toyota Prado and Ford Everest numbers, the two heavy hitters of the large SUV segment.

Prado found 2006 homes in September 2026 (up 6.4 per cent) while the Everest slumped 33 per cent to 1713, according to VFACTS sales figures.

The outgoing Pajero Sport managed just 118 units, down 82 per cent as stock runs dry, and Mitsubishi as a brand is down 30 per cent year to date.

Interestingly, Mitsubishi isn’t banking on the flashy top-spec Pajero GSR stealing the show. While the flagship has drawn plenty of early attention, Pinedo said the brand expects buyers to spread evenly across the three grades.

“The specification we have planned for the grade walk-up actually targets different buyer types and usage cases,” he explained.

“From launch there’s been a lot of interest for the GSR, being the top spec and having every item in, but we’re forecasting an even mix across all three grades.”

Keen buyers shouldn’t rock up waving cash just yet, either.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia isn’t asking for deposits, though Pinedo said things “…may evolve closer to launch”.

If demand is considerable it will need to manage customer expectations.

Customer deliveries are due to start in December, and Pinedo says supply from the Thai factory that builds the Pajero, Triton and Pajero Sport shouldn’t be a sticking point.

“At this stage that’s the plan [for December deliveries]. There may be external factors out of our control, but our relationship with the factory in Thailand has been amazing for many years,” he said.

With Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Nissan Patrol buyers also in its sights, the Pajero could conquest sales from numerous models.

Whether 11,000 hand-raisers translate into 11,000 signatures is the burning question. But with a potential five-figure waiting list before launch, the Pajero could off to a ripper start.

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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