The Mitsubishi Pajero is back! In a release posted today, the automaker said the all-new, fifth-generation Pajero will celebrate its world debut in autumn 2026, which is generally between September and November in Japan.

An iconic nameplate, the Pajero (also known as the Montero in some markets) survived for four generations before it was discontinued in 2021, which means its return to the global market comes after a five-year absence. Previous generations of the Pajero occupied the line-up alongside the Pajero Sport but despite sharing the ‘Pajero’ name, they are entirely different vehicles built on completely different platforms.

Where the Pajero Sport was of a ladder-frame construction similar to the Triton, the Pajero adopted a hybrid approach featuring a unibody structure with a built-in, integrated ladder frame from the third generation through the end of its global run.

Before the third generation, the first two generations of the Pajero that existed before the original Pajero Sport made its debut in 1996 were ladder-frame vehicles. For the upcoming Pajero, Mitsubishi is going back to the model’s roots by confirming the model will be based on the ladder frame of the Triton.

Expect the new Pajero to get the Triton’s 4N16 2.4 litre inline-four turbodiesel engine, which comes in single- or twin-turbo versions for outputs of 184 PS and 204 PS respectively. This should be paired with a six-speed automatic gearbox and Mitsubishi’s Super Select II four-wheel drive system.

Despite its pick-up truck base, the company says the Pajero will come with “model-specific development of the cabin and front and rear suspension” for not just off-road capability but also a refined and comfortable ride.

The sole teaser image also shows a front lighting signature entirely different to the Triton, appearing more akin to what you see on the Xforce, albeit with a full-width light bar across the face like the Frontier Pro. “The all-new Pajero is being developed as a new flagship model that embodies Mitsubishi Motors’ spirit of adventure and determination to take on challenges,” it noted in its release.

Mitsubishi did not confirm if the Pajero will effectively replace the Pajero Sport, which is still sold in certain markets like Thailand. The latter is set to be discontinued in Australia as it does not meet upcoming regulatory standards – CarExpert says this new Pajero will be its replacement.

Mitsubishi did say in its release that the Pajero is “making this its first return to the global market in five years,” suggesting it to be a global model. Given the Pajero Sport is quite old now – the current third-generation model has been around since 2015 – there is a likelihood that it will go away entirely. The Pajero name certainly carries more prestige, although with the new one being a Triton-based SUV, some will likely look at it as merely a Pajero Sport, just without the ‘Sport’ suffix.

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