New Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota Prado: The Age-Old Rivalry Resumes

The Mitsubishi Pajero and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado have been rivals for decades. The Prado name first appeared in 1990, by which point the Pajero was already one of the biggest names in the off-road SUV market. You can read more about the history and generations of the Toyota Prado and the history of the Mitsubishi Pajero to see how this rivalry developed.

More than three decades later, the battle is back. Mitsubishi has revealed the all-new fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero, following the confirmation of the Pajero’s comeback earlier in 2026. Meanwhile, the latest Toyota Prado is already on sale in the UAE.

For this comparison, we are using the globally revealed Pajero specifications and the official 2026 UAE-spec Prado. Mitsubishi has confirmed the Pajero for the Middle East, but its UAE specifications, pricing and regional petrol engine remain unannounced.

Quick Data Snapshot

*The Prado VXR measures 4,990mm.
**The diesel is not confirmed for the UAE.

Design & Road Presence

Both SUVs have adopted boxy styling, but they approach it differently.

The Mitsubishi Pajero looks more modern and aggressive. It features T-shaped lighting, a large front grille, squared wheel arches and an upright body. The stepped C-pillar takes inspiration from the original Pajero, while the hexagonal rear detailing references the spare wheel once mounted on its tailgate.

Two grille designs have been shown, including a premium horizontal-bar design and a rugged honeycomb version influenced by the Pajero’s Dakar heritage.

The Prado takes a cleaner retro approach. Its upright windscreen, flat body panels and squared arches make it look deliberately functional. Its current design was one of the biggest changes introduced when the new-generation Toyota Prado launched in the UAE.

The Pajero has more visual drama, while the Prado looks more traditional and purpose-built. Looks ultimately come down to personal preference.

Size & Platform

The two SUVs are surprisingly close in size.

The Pajero measures 4,920mm long, just 5mm shorter than most Prado variants. However, the Prado is 55mm wider at 1,980mm. The Pajero has the longer wheelbase at 2,870mm compared to 2,850mm for the Toyota.

Both are proper body-on-frame SUVs. The Pajero uses a ladder-frame architecture related to the latest Triton/L200, with independent double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link rigid rear axle.

The Prado uses Toyota’s GA-F ladder-frame platform, shared with other members of the Land Cruiser family. Frame rigidity increased significantly compared to the previous Prado. You can read more about the platform, dimensions and engineering in our detailed guide to the Toyota Land Cruiser 250.

The Pajero’s narrower body could make it easier to navigate tight trails and city parking, while the Prado offers a wider stance.

Interior & Cabin Experience

The new Pajero takes a big step forward inside.

Higher-spec versions feature two integrated 14.3-inch displays. Mitsubishi has also recreated the old Pajero’s famous auxiliary gauges digitally, displaying information such as altitude, compass direction, temperature, pitch and roll.

The cabin also offers ventilated seats, three-zone climate control, acoustic glass and premium upholstery on higher trims. Physical buttons remain available for commonly used functions.

The Prado takes a more traditional approach. Entry-level UAE versions feature smaller screens, while higher trims gain a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 12.3-inch infotainment system.

Adventure and VXR variants add leather seats, powered front seats, heated and ventilated front and second-row seats, a head-up display, a wireless charger and electrically folding third-row seats. Our guide to the top things to know about the new Toyota Prado explains more of the equipment introduced with this generation.

The Pajero currently has the advantage in screen size and cabin presentation, while the Prado offers a strong set of comfort features on higher trims.

Space & Practicality

Both SUVs offer seven seats.

The Pajero’s second row can slide by 150mm and tumble forward to improve third-row access. Mitsubishi has also created additional foot space for third-row passengers, with the rear seats designed to accommodate adults more comfortably.

The Toyota Prado also offers three rows across its UAE range, while higher variants add electrically folding third-row seats.

Both SUVs are almost identical in overall length, so the real practicality winner will become clearer once the new Pajero arrives in the UAE and we can compare boot space and third-row comfort directly.

Features & Technology

The Pajero is clearly being positioned as Mitsubishi’s flagship. Available equipment includes a 12-speaker Yamaha audio system, wireless smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, USB-C ports across all three rows, connected-car functions and remote climate control. 

The Prado VXR counters with a 14-speaker JBL audio system, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, Toyota Connect, a head-up display and digital rear-view mirror.

Both also offer extensive driver-assistance technology. The Pajero gets eight airbags, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, Forward Collision Mitigation and MI-PILOT assistance.

Higher Prado variants feature Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including adaptive cruise control, Pre-Collision System, Lane Trace Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and Safe Exit Assist. The Pajero feels slightly more modern in its infotainment presentation, but the Prado is already very well equipped.

Engine & Performance

The new Pajero is currently available with a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel in certain markets, producing around 204hp and up to 480Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic. The UAE-spec Prado uses a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine producing 267hp and 430Nm, also paired with an eight-speed automatic.

However, we are not directly comparing their engines yet. The Pajero is expected to arrive in the UAE and the Middle East with a petrol engine, but Mitsubishi has not confirmed which one.

One possibility is some form of the Outlander PHEV’s 2.4-litre system. However, that powertrain uses a transverse layout developed around a primarily front-driven architecture, while the Pajero is rear-wheel-drive based with switchable four-wheel drive.

Mitsubishi also has a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine used with the Triton/L200 platform. Packaging it could be easier, but in its current form it would likely be underpowered for the Pajero and may require turbocharging.

Until Mitsubishi confirms the Middle East engine, comparing the diesel Pajero directly with the petrol Prado would not be particularly useful.

Stay tuned for that battle.

Off-Road Capability

This is where the rivalry becomes especially interesting. The Pajero uses Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system with 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc modes. Drivers can use rear-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive, lock the centre differential or select low range. It also gets S-AWC and seven drive modes: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.

Ground clearance is 230mm, while the approach, breakover and departure angles measure 30.4, 22.6 and 25.8 degrees respectively. The Prado is equally serious. UAE models offer Crawl Control, Downhill Assist Control and a centre differential lock.

The Adventure adds Multi-Terrain Select, Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism, rear differential locking and a 3D Multi Terrain Monitor. SDM can disconnect the front stabiliser to improve wheel articulation.

The VXR instead features Adaptive Variable Suspension and a rear torque-sensing LSD. Both also use camera systems to help drivers see obstacles around and beneath the vehicle.

On paper, this is extremely close. Both are exactly the sort of machines featured in our guide to the best off-road SUVs in the UAE. A proper UAE desert test will be needed before choosing a winner. 

Daily Driving & Ownership In The UAE

The Prado is already well suited to UAE conditions. Three-zone climate control and a cooler box are standard, while higher trims add ventilated seats and more premium equipment.

The Pajero also looks promising with three-zone climate control, ventilated seats, acoustic glass and remote climate functions. Its narrower body could make city driving and parking slightly easier.

For now, the Prado has the clear advantage in ownership. The 2026 model starts at AED 199,900 and rises to AED 264,900 for the VXR.

The Prado also benefits from a strong reputation in the UAE used-car market and regularly features among the best used Toyota SUVs in the UAE.

The Pajero has similar heritage. Even after the previous generation ended production, it remained a popular second-hand option. Our guide asking whether a used Mitsubishi Pajero is still worth buying explains why the old model remains relevant.

In fact, the Pajero has also ranked among the most-sold used cars in the UAE, highlighting how strong the name remains locally.

The new Pajero’s UAE price, variants, petrol engine and final equipment levels remain unknown. If Mitsubishi prices it competitively against the Prado Adventure and VXR, the rivalry could become particularly interesting.

Verdict

The Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is the safer choice today because it is already available in the UAE with known pricing, specifications and proven off-road equipment.

However, the new Mitsubishi Pajero looks like a genuine challenger. It matches the Prado closely in size, has a slightly longer wheelbase, impressive Super Select 4WD-II technology, a more futuristic cabin and plenty of serious off-road hardware.

The biggest unanswered questions are its UAE petrol engine and price. If Mitsubishi gets those two things right, the Pajero could once again become one of the Prado’s toughest rivals. More than three decades after these two SUVs first started competing, the Pajero vs Prado rivalry is officially back.

Choose from a selection of SUVs listed on DubiCars, including the best Prado and the best Pajero listed for sale in the UAE.

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