The Mitsubishi Pajero is back, and this time the legendary nameplate returns with a clear mission: take on the Toyota Land Cruiser in the increasingly competitive market for rugged, premium-capable 4x4s.
Known as the Shogun in the UK during its previous generation, the Pajero built its reputation on genuine off-road ability rather than simply looking the part. The new model continues that philosophy, combining a traditional body-on-frame chassis with modern technology, a more luxurious interior and a new diesel powertrain.
Mitsubishi says the new Pajero has been developed around the concept of “off-road comfort,” with engineers aiming to preserve the vehicle’s all-terrain capability while making it considerably more refined and comfortable on paved roads.
A Classic Pajero Shape with Modern Details
Visually, the new Mitsubishi Pajero takes inspiration from the model’s most recognizable generations, particularly the short-wheelbase Pajeros that became motorsport legends during the Paris-Dakar Rally.
Its upright, boxy proportions immediately distinguish it from the increasingly rounded designs of many modern SUVs. The high bonnet, squared-off body and substantial wheel arches give the Pajero a purposeful appearance, while its tall stance emphasizes its off-road credentials.
One notable change is the absence of the traditional spare wheel mounted on the tailgate. That feature became almost synonymous with previous generations of the Pajero and Shogun, but Mitsubishi has opted for a cleaner rear-end design on the new model.
Underneath, however, the Pajero remains decidedly old-school where it matters most.
The body-on-frame construction is designed to withstand the stresses associated with serious off-road driving, while a generous 230mm of ground clearance helps the SUV negotiate rocky trails, deep ruts and uneven terrain.
The approach angle is rated at 30.4 degrees, while the departure angle is 25.8 degrees. Combined with chunky tyres and its elevated ride height, those figures should make the new Pajero considerably more capable away from paved roads than the average modern family SUV.
New 2.4-Litre Diesel Delivers 201bhp
Power comes from a newly developed version of Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre diesel engine, derived from the unit used in the Mitsubishi L200 pickup.
In the Pajero, the engine produces 201bhp and 354lb ft of torque. The power is sent to all four wheels through a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
The combination of a torque-rich diesel engine, four-wheel drive and a traditional automatic gearbox is particularly appropriate for the Pajero’s intended role. Strong low- and mid-range torque should be useful both when towing and when crawling over difficult terrain.
Mitsubishi has also brought one of its most famous performance technologies back into the spotlight.
The new Pajero features Active Yaw Control, a system first introduced on the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution V. Rather than simply distributing power between the front and rear axles, the system can vary torque between the left- and right-hand wheels.
The technology is intended to improve both agility and stability, potentially giving the large 4×4 more confidence on winding roads while also helping it maintain composure when conditions become difficult.
That combination illustrates Mitsubishi’s broader approach to the new Pajero: traditional off-road engineering supplemented by technology originally developed for high-performance cars.
Mitsubishi’s Most Luxurious Pajero Yet
Although the Pajero retains the mechanical ingredients of a serious off-roader, its cabin represents a significant departure from the utilitarian character associated with older generations.
The new model is positioned as Mitsubishi’s flagship, and the interior has been upgraded accordingly.
Leather covers much of the cabin, while seating for up to seven passengers is provided across three rows. Three-zone climate control and ventilated seats are also available, giving the Pajero the equipment expected from a modern premium SUV.
One of the more unusual features is its Yamaha sound system, which is engineered not only to provide high-quality audio but also to help cancel road noise entering the cabin.
That should make long-distance journeys considerably more relaxing, particularly given the Pajero’s intended ability to travel between cities and remote off-road destinations.
The result is a vehicle that appears to occupy a space between traditional expedition 4×4 and luxury family SUV.
Mitsubishi Pajero vs Toyota Land Cruiser
The new Pajero’s positioning makes its rivalry with the Toyota Land Cruiser impossible to ignore.
Like the Land Cruiser, the Mitsubishi combines a body-on-frame platform with four-wheel drive and serious off-road hardware. Both vehicles are also moving further upmarket, offering buyers more comfort and technology without abandoning their rugged mechanical foundations.
Mitsubishi’s decision to revive the Pajero name therefore makes strategic sense. The company already has a strong heritage in off-road vehicles, while the Pajero’s motorsport history gives it an identity that few competitors can replicate.
The challenge will be convincing buyers that the revived Pajero deserves to stand alongside established models such as the Land Cruiser.
Toyota has spent decades building its reputation for durability and global off-road capability. Mitsubishi, meanwhile, can point to decades of Pajero experience and an impressive Dakar Rally record.
Could the Pajero Return to the UK as a Shogun?
The biggest question for British buyers is whether the new Pajero will actually be sold in the UK.
Mitsubishi has not yet confirmed a UK launch, but the fact that the new SUV is being developed in right-hand-drive form keeps the possibility alive.
The timing could also work in its favour.
Mitsubishi relaunched in the UK earlier this year, and a flagship model with the heritage of the Pajero could provide the brand with a valuable halo vehicle. A genuine Land Cruiser rival would give Mitsubishi something distinctive to showcase as it attempts to rebuild its presence in the British market.
The Pajero could also have another potential role in the UK: commercial workhorse.
Could a Pajero Commercial Become the New Shogun Workhorse?
A van-style version without the rear seats could appeal to farmers, tradespeople and other buyers who need genuine off-road capability rather than an SUV that merely looks rugged.
That market is already being targeted by Toyota with its Land Cruiser Commercial. By separating passenger and commercial versions, Toyota has effectively repositioned the conventional Land Cruiser as a more premium lifestyle vehicle while retaining a stripped-back work-oriented model for professional users.
A similar strategy could make sense for Mitsubishi.
The previous Shogun developed a particularly strong following among rural users, including farmers, thanks to its combination of four-wheel-drive capability, durability and practicality. A modern Pajero Commercial could therefore revive an important part of the model’s traditional customer base.
Strong Used Shogun Values Show the Name Still Matters
There is another reason Mitsubishi could be tempted to bring the Pajero back to Britain: demand for used Shoguns remains surprisingly strong.
Older examples can still command substantial prices on the second-hand market, with decade-old vehicles regularly changing hands for more than £20,000.
That is an important signal for Mitsubishi. It suggests that the Pajero name still carries significant recognition among British buyers, particularly those who remember the Shogun as one of the country’s most capable large 4x4s.
A new Pajero could therefore appeal not only to customers discovering the name for the first time, but also to former Shogun owners looking for a modern replacement that retains the same basic philosophy.
When Will the New Mitsubishi Pajero Go on Sale?
The new Mitsubishi Pajero will launch first in Thailand, where the vehicle is manufactured.
Australia and Japan are scheduled to receive the new 4×4 by March 2027. A UK launch has yet to be confirmed, although the availability of a right-hand-drive version means British-market sales remain a realistic possibility.
European availability will ultimately depend on Mitsubishi’s wider product strategy, regulatory requirements and the business case for bringing the Pajero to additional markets.
The Pajero Is Back—and It Has a Point to Prove
The return of the Mitsubishi Pajero is significant because the company has resisted the temptation to turn its legendary 4×4 into just another soft-roading crossover.
Instead, the new Pajero retains the fundamentals that made its predecessors famous: body-on-frame construction, generous ground clearance, four-wheel drive and a powerful diesel engine.
What has changed is everything around those fundamentals.
The new Pajero is larger, more sophisticated and substantially more luxurious, with seven seats, advanced chassis technology, ventilated seating, three-zone climate control and a premium Yamaha audio system.
That makes the revived Pajero an intriguing proposition in a market increasingly dominated by expensive SUVs that prioritize road manners and technology over genuine off-road capability.
If Mitsubishi brings the new Pajero to the UK, it could become one of the most interesting new 4x4s of 2027—and potentially the first serious challenger to the Toyota Land Cruiser from Mitsubishi in years.
For a brand seeking a stronger identity, few names could provide a better halo than Pajero.
Source: Mitsubishi
