Mitsubishi has confirmed the Australian range and specifications for the all-new Pajero, with the returning nameplate bringing a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine, seven drive modes, a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and a choice of five- and seven-seat configurations.
The Mitsubishi Pajero will return to Australian showrooms in December 2026, reviving one of the brand’s best-known nameplates after an extended absence.
For fleet buyers, the new Pajero arrives as a traditional body-on-frame four-wheel drive at a time when the large SUV market is rapidly changing. Mitsubishi has retained diesel power and genuine off-road hardware while adding a substantial package of safety, connectivity and driver assistance technology.
The range will open with the five-seat GLS at $68,490* plus on-road costs, while the seven-seat GLS is priced from $69,990*. The seven-seat EXCEED starts at $79,990*, with the GSR topping the range at $84,990*. More than 3,000 pre-registrations had already been received when Mitsubishi announced the Australian specifications.
Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO Shunichi Kihara said the Pajero remained an important vehicle for the company.
“For four generations, the Pajero has defined Mitsubishi. It has stood out for its capability, comfort and sheer dependability, showcasing the best Mitsubishi has to offer,” Kihara said.
“The All-New Pajero takes the Pajero backstory and modernises it.”
Familiar diesel formula with more capability
Power comes from the latest version of Mitsubishi’s 4N16 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, producing 150kW and 480Nm.
The engine uses a variable-geometry turbocharger and is paired with a lighter eight-speed automatic transmission with a wider ratio spread. Mitsubishi says the combination has been developed to improve response and fuel efficiency.
The Pajero also meets Euro 6d emissions standards, with the engine using AdBlue, a dual-loop exhaust gas recirculation system and water-cooled intercooler. An automatic stop/start system is fitted for urban driving.
An 80-litre diesel tank and 17-litre AdBlue tank are fitted across the range.
Importantly for fleets operating in regional areas, infrastructure, utilities and other demanding environments, Mitsubishi has not diluted the Pajero’s off-road hardware.
Super Select II 4WD is standard and allows drivers to select between rear-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive and locked-centre-differential modes. A low-range transfer case and rear differential lock are also standard.
The system is combined with Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control and Active Yaw Control, with seven selectable drive modes covering Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock conditions.
3.5-tonne towing capacity
The Pajero has a 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, opening the vehicle to fleet applications that require trailers, equipment or recreational towing.
Trailer Load Assist can intervene when trailer sway is detected, altering power and braking at individual wheels to help stabilise the combination.
Roof load capacity is rated at 100kg while driving and 300kg when stationary.
Underneath is a new frame that Mitsubishi says is considerably stiffer than the Pajero Sport platform. Long-travel suspension, wider tracks, high-response dampers and stabiliser bars have been used to balance off-road capability with everyday ride quality, while the new model also adopts electric power steering.
Five or seven seats for fleet flexibility
The entry GLS can be ordered with five or seven seats, while EXCEED and GSR are seven-seat models.
The second row slides through 150mm to vary legroom between the second and third rows. With the third-row seats folded, Mitsubishi quotes 519 litres of luggage capacity, plus another 10 litres beneath the cargo floor.
Technology has taken a significant step forward compared with previous Pajero generations.
GLS receives a 12.3-inch central display and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. EXCEED and GSR move to 14.3-inch displays, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Mitsubishi Connect are standard throughout the range.
EXCEED adds equipment including leather trim, electrically adjustable front seats, front and rear seat heating, a refrigerated centre console and a 12-speaker Yamaha audio system.
The GSR adds ventilated front seats, seat and steering-wheel memory functions, a panoramic sunroof, black 20-inch alloy wheels and a range of darker exterior treatments.
Safety equipment standard across the range
Mitsubishi has also chosen to make the major active safety package common across all grades.
Equipment includes adaptive cruise control with lane keeping assistance, forward collision mitigation with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot warning, emergency lane assistance, driver monitoring, front and rear cross-traffic alert and a Multi Around View Monitor.
A bonnet see-through camera is also fitted to digitally provide a view immediately ahead of and beneath the front of the vehicle, which should be particularly useful when manoeuvring off-road or in confined worksites.
An interesting option for regional and operational fleets
The return of the Pajero gives fleet operators another choice in a segment that remains important to councils, utilities, resources businesses and organisations operating outside metropolitan areas.
Its combination of seven-seat capacity, diesel power, low-range four-wheel drive, 3.5-tonne towing capability and modern active safety technology should ensure the Pajero attracts attention well beyond private recreational buyers.
*manufacturers recommended retail price
