New Pajero built for a wilder world

As the reborn Mitsubishi Pajero prepares to land in Australian showrooms from December 2026, the car-maker says more frequent floods and storms are pushing buyers back towards genuinely capable four-wheel drives. With dedicated 4WD modes and solid ground clearance, the numbers behind the new seven-seat 4x4 flagship suggest the Japanese brand isn’t just talking a big game.

The new Mitsubishi Pajero is no shrinking violet says Mitsubishi and in a world where weather events are becoming increasingly unpredictable, capable SUVs may become more sought after.

“Times are changing, we’re seeing more intense weather events right across the world. And they’re happening more often,” said Mitsubishi’s product strategy division chief product specialist, Kunitoshi Itagaki.

He reckons shifting weather patterns have changed what people expect from a large SUV.

“Against this backdrop, expectations for the innovation and quality in vehicles are increasing. In addition to our recreation, people are becoming more aware of unexpected situations, such as heavy rainfall and flooded roads.”

Mitsubishi says the new Pajero will be highly capable in challenging conditions, hence the hardware. The new seven-seat large SUV gets the brand’s Super Select II 4x4 system with 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc modes.

Translation, rear-drive, 4WD, 4WD with locked centre diff then 4WD low range with locked centre diff.

A low-range transfer case and a rear diff lock are also part of the package, along with seven drive modes and 3.5-tonne braked towing with Trailer Load Assist.

Underneath there’s solid 230mm of ground clearance which should deliver a competitive water fording depth, but an 80L fuel tank feeding the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel could be seen as the weak link here.

While rivals such as the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado have the same 80L fuel tank, the Toyota Prado can hold 110 litres thanks to a secondary 30 sub tank.

Mitsubishi is confident its new flagship 4WD SUV will deliver the goods and inspire confidence in owners no matter the conditions.

“The value we want to deliver through this new Pajero is that anyone can drive safely, securely, comfortably, and confidently, regardless of the road surface or weather,” Itagaki said.

“We want customers to experience an overwhelming sense of confidence and trust, supported by proven engineering and technology,” he said.

“At the same time, with the capability to tackle any road with ease, we hope to make driving more enjoyable and inspire the spirit of adventure, encouraging people to go further and explore new destination.”

Crucially, none of it demands a TAFE course in low-range theory. Itagaki repeatedly returned to the idea of “ease of operation that anyone can master”.

The Pajero arrives in Australia from December 2026 priced from $68,490 plus on-road costs, wearing a fair bit of history on its shoulders.

“Now we are proud to introduce the all-new Pajero, marking its first complete redesign in 20 years,” Itagaki said.

Twenty years between drinks is a long time. But if the weather keeps doing what Mitsubishi says it’s doing, the timing might be spot on.

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