2027 Mitsubishi Pajero Revealed: Iconic SUV Returns With Rugged New Look

The Mitsubishi Pajero is back! Mitsubishi has unveiled the all-new fifth-generation Pajero, marking the return of one of the world’s most recognisable off-road SUVs after a five-year absence.

However, this is not simply a modern interpretation of the old Pajero. The new model introduces major changes to its construction, technology and positioning. It now uses a ladder-frame platform derived from the Mitsubishi Triton/L200 pickup and combines serious off-road hardware with a far more premium seven-seat interior.

Thailand will become the first market to receive the new Pajero, followed by Japan and Australia. Mitsubishi has also confirmed that the SUV will eventually be offered in approximately 100 countries, including markets across the Middle East.

2027 Mitsubishi Pajero: Highlights

• All-new fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero
• Triton/L200-derived ladder-frame platform
• Seven-seat cabin
• 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine only at launch
• New eight-speed automatic transmission
• Super Select 4WD-II
• Mitsubishi S-AWC technology
• Seven selectable drive modes
• Up to two 14.3-inch displays
• 230mm ground clearance
• Middle East launch confirmed for a later phase

An All-New Design

The new Pajero adopts the straight and boxy proportions currently dominating the large SUV segment. Its tall bonnet, squared-off body, pronounced wheel arches and generous glass area create a rugged appearance.

At the front, the SUV features distinctive T-shaped lighting and Mitsubishi’s familiar Dynamic Shield design language. You’d find a similar design language on the Mitsubishi Outlander and the recently launched Mitsubishi Destinator. Buyers in international markets will be offered two grille designs: a sophisticated horizontal-bar grille and a more rugged honeycomb alternative inspired by the Pajero’s Dakar heritage.

Look closely, and there are several references to previous generations. The stepped C-pillar design is inspired by the roll bar of the original Pajero, while the hexagonal detailing on the tailgate recalls the shape of the old rear-mounted spare wheel.

However, the spare wheel itself has moved underneath the vehicle. While this makes the tailgate easier to operate, some Pajero enthusiasts might miss the unmistakable look of the rear-mounted spare.

Six exterior colours will be available, with Armor Copper Metallic and Phantom Blue Metallic serving as the two hero finishes.

Bigger Than The Pajero Sport/Montero Sport

The fifth-generation Pajero measures:

• Length: 4,920mm
• Width: 1,925mm
• Height: 1,910mm
• Wheelbase: 2,870mm
• Ground clearance: 230mm

Compared to the outgoing Pajero Sport/Montero Sport, the new model is approximately 95mm longer, 110mm wider and 75mm taller. Its wheelbase is also 70mm longer.

These dimensions place it closer to SUVs such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and Ford Everest. It remains slightly smaller than the current Prado but is considerably more substantial than the Pajero Sport it effectively replaces.

Triton-Based Ladder-Frame Platform

Previous generations of the Pajero became known for their monocoque construction, but Mitsubishi has taken the new model back to a more traditional ladder-frame format.

The platform is related to the latest Triton/L200 pickup, although it has been extensively reworked for the Pajero. Mitsubishi says the frame uses more high-tensile steel and features increased torsional and bending rigidity.

The suspension has also been designed specifically for the SUV. Up front is an independent double-wishbone arrangement, while the rear uses a new five-link rigid axle with coil springs, replacing the Triton’s work-focused leaf springs.

This should give the Pajero the durability and articulation expected of a serious off-roader while delivering better ride quality and handling on paved roads.

Its off-road figures include a 30.4-degree approach angle, 22.6-degree breakover angle and 25.8-degree departure angle. Mitsubishi has also achieved a near-even 52:48 front-to-rear weight distribution.

Diesel Engine & Eight-Speed Automatic Gearbox

At launch, the Mitsubishi Pajero will be powered exclusively by a newly developed 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

It uses a single variable-geometry turbocharger and produces 480Nm of peak torque, although selected specifications will offer 470Nm. Reports indicate an output of around 204hp, similar to the bi-turbo Triton.

The engine is paired with a new eight-speed automatic transmission featuring a Sport mode. This is an upgrade over the six-speed automatic used by the Triton and should provide smoother shifts, improved refinement, more flexible performance, and better crawling capability off-road. 

Super Select 4WD-II & S-AWC

Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system remains one of the Pajero’s defining features. It offers four settings:

• 2H: Rear-wheel drive
• 4H: Full-time four-wheel drive
• 4HLc: Four-wheel drive with the centre differential locked
• 4LLc: Four-wheel drive, locked centre differential, and low-range gearing

The new Pajero also gains Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control system. S-AWC integrates four-wheel-drive management, Active Yaw Control, stability and traction control, and ABS to improve grip and stability.

Drivers can choose from seven terrain and driving modes: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock. The inclusion of a dedicated Sand mode will be particularly relevant to buyers in the UAE and wider GCC.

Premium Seven-Seat Interior

The new Pajero’s cabin represents a major upgrade over previous Mitsubishi off-roaders. The dashboard is inspired by the original Pajero, but its materials and technology clearly belong in a modern flagship SUV.

Higher variants feature two 14.3-inch screens mounted within a single panel, while lower trims receive 12.3-inch displays. Mitsubishi has sensibly retained physical controls for frequently used functions, including the climate-control system.

One of the cabin’s more interesting features is the new Multi Meter display. It digitally recreates the iconic triple gauges found in older Pajeros and can show information such as altitude, compass direction, temperature, pitch and roll angles, and torque distribution.

The three-row layout accommodates seven occupants. The second row can slide through a range of 150mm and includes a tumble function to improve access to the third row. Mitsubishi claims the rearmost seats provide enough headroom for adults.

New Mitsubishi Pajero interior highlights:

• Semi-aniline leather upholstery
• Ventilated seats
• Tri-zone climate control
• Acoustic windscreen and window glasses
• Wireless smartphone connectivity
• 12-speaker Yamaha audio system
• USB-C ports across all three rows
• Wireless phone charging
• Connected vehicle services

Safety Features

The new Pajero receives eight airbags, including the first centre airbag fitted to a Mitsubishi.

Its driver-assistance package includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, Forward Collision Mitigation, Predictive Forward Collision Warning, Emergency Lane Assist and Front Cross Traffic Alert.

A 3D surround-view camera system can generate a view around the SUV and display the terrain beneath its front end. The under-floor view activates automatically when the driver selects 4HLc or 4LLc, making it useful while navigating through rocky wadis, cresting dunes and tackling other obstacles.

Mitsubishi Pajero Popularity In The UAE & GCC

Few vehicle names carry as much recognition in the UAE and GCC as Pajero. For decades, it has been one of the region’s most common family SUVs and an accessible entry point into proper four-wheel-drive ownership.

Its combination of seven seats, mechanical simplicity, capable four-wheel drive and relatively affordable ownership made it popular with families and off-road enthusiasts alike. Used examples remain a familiar sight across the UAE, and the model continues to attract buyers looking for a dependable SUV without stepping up to the price of a Toyota Land Cruiser or Nissan Patrol. It even features on our list of the most sold used cars in the UAE.

The Pajero also earned considerable credibility through motorsport. Mitsubishi won the Dakar Rally 12 times with the Pajero, including seven consecutive victories between 2001 and 2007. That competition history helped turn the model into something more than just another family SUV.

The new generation enters a more competitive and considerably more premium segment. However, the strength of the Pajero name gives Mitsubishi an advantage few manufacturers enjoy.

When Will The New Mitsubishi Pajero Launch In The UAE?

Mitsubishi has confirmed that the new Pajero will first launch in Thailand, followed by Japan and Australia before the end of March 2027. The Middle East is included in the subsequent global rollout beginning in Mitsubishi’s 2027 financial year.

An exact UAE launch date has not been announced. Based on the confirmed rollout, the new Pajero could reach the UAE sometime in late 2027 or 2028. This remains an estimate until Mitsubishi UAE & Al Habtoor Motors releases local launch details.

More importantly, the diesel is not likely to be offered here. Thailand, Australia and several Southeast Asian markets have strong demand for diesel-powered SUVs and pickup trucks. The UAE and other GCC countries, on the other hand, remain predominantly petrol-driven markets.

As a result, we expect Mitsubishi to introduce a petrol-powered Pajero for the region. The familiar 3.0-litre MIVEC V6 would have been a natural fit, especially given its long service in GCC-spec Pajero and Montero models. However, the ageing engine has reached the end of its lifecycle as tighter emissions regulations take effect globally.

The most likely candidate is therefore a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine related to the unit offered in certain versions of the L200. Mitsubishi could retune it for more power, and could probably even add turbocharging to suit the Pajero’s larger body and flagship positioning.

For now, this remains speculation. Mitsubishi has not officially confirmed a petrol engine, hybrid system or UAE-specific powertrain.

Editor’s Take

The return of the Pajero is genuinely exciting. Mitsubishi could have revived the badge on a soft-roader and relied entirely on nostalgia. Instead, it has developed a large, ladder-frame SUV with low-range gearing, a locking centre differential and the dimensions needed to compete with some of the segment’s biggest names.

Get the engine, specification and price right, and Mitsubishi could once again have one of the UAE’s most popular family off-roaders on its hands. The new Pajero certainly has the hardware and heritage. Now it needs the right GCC powertrain to complete the package.

Browse through over 27,000 listings and find the best cars for sale in the UAE.

Stay tuned to the UAE’s most popular auto blog for more automotive content.