Electric Cars

The redesigned 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero has made its debut in Australia, arriving with a notably elevated price point. This resurgence of the iconic off-road vehicle presents a considerable shift from its previous iteration, positioning it as a premium contender in the SUV segment. This pricing strategy has sparked discussions regarding its potential implications for the American market, should Mitsubishi decide to reintroduce the model in the United States.

In the Australian market, the new Pajero's price spectrum starts at AUD 68,490 for the base GLS five-seat variant, excluding on-road expenses. The seven-seat version is priced at AUD 69,990, while the Exceed trim escalates to AUD 79,990. The top-tier GSR model commands AUD 84,990, representing a substantial increase of approximately AUD 20,000 compared to the previous Pajero Sport. This places the Pajero in direct competition with established body-on-frame SUVs in Australia, such as the Ford Everest and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. The entry-level Pajero GLS is positioned above the base Ford Everest (AUD 58,990) and even the more powerful V6 Everest (AUD 66,990), sitting just below the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (AUD 73,200). For higher trims, the Pajero Exceed aligns with some premium Everest models, and the GSR pushes Mitsubishi into an even more upscale category. The vehicle's robust specifications, including a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine delivering 204 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II system with low-range gearing and a rear differential lock, aim to justify this elevated cost.

Australian Pricing Sets a Precedent for the US Market

The Australian pricing for the new Mitsubishi Pajero, ranging from AUD 68,490 to AUD 84,990, provides a clear indication of the vehicle's premium positioning. This is a substantial leap from the previous Pajero Sport, reflecting an enhanced offering in terms of features and capabilities. The base GLS model, even before factoring in on-road costs, is more expensive than several established competitors like the Ford Everest. This aggressive pricing strategy suggests Mitsubishi is aiming for a more upmarket segment with the new Pajero, emphasizing its advanced off-road prowess and updated specifications.

For instance, the entry-level Pajero GLS is priced higher than the base Ford Everest and the more powerful V6 Everest, positioning it closer to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in terms of cost. Higher trims, like the Pajero Exceed and GSR, further solidify this premium stance, with the GSR pushing into even more expensive territory. The vehicle's mechanical specifications, including a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the sophisticated Super Select 4WD-II system, are designed to support this higher valuation, offering a comprehensive off-road package that aligns with its increased price tag.

Potential US Market Entry and Competitive Landscape

Mitsubishi has yet to confirm whether the new Pajero, also known as the Montero in some markets, will be launched in the United States. However, the Australian pricing offers valuable insight into how the vehicle might be positioned in the American market. A direct currency conversion places the base model around $49,300 USD and the top-tier GSR at approximately $61,100 USD. While this is a raw conversion and does not account for various US market-specific costs such as transportation, tariffs, certification, and dealer markups, it provides a reasonable estimate for its potential pricing.

If Mitsubishi decides to bring the Pajero to the US with a similar pricing strategy, it would directly compete with established off-road vehicles. For example, the 2027 Toyota Land Cruiser starts at $59,580, including destination fees. This suggests that the Pajero could be positioned squarely against the Land Cruiser, a significant shift for Mitsubishi. Other competitors include the Ford Bronco, which starts at $42,790 for the two-door model, with the four-door Badlands variant priced at $50,885. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon begins at $51,735, and the Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road at $52,285. This implies that the Pajero would enter a highly competitive segment, potentially challenging popular models within a similar price bracket. Ultimately, Mitsubishi's final decision on pricing and market strategy for the US will be crucial in determining the new Pajero's success.

Ford's new Fathom electric pickup truck, despite its official starting price of $29,945, lacks crucial details regarding its towing capabilities, sparking a significant debate within the automotive community. Company executives suggest the vehicle is primarily designed for routine commutes and light cargo transportation rather than demanding towing tasks. However, without official figures on its towing capacity, range, battery specifications, horsepower, or payload, potential buyers are left to speculate, raising questions about the vehicle's suitability for various needs.

The Fathom's towing capacity has become a central topic of discussion, particularly after an industry executive downplayed its role in heavy-duty applications. This statement quickly gained traction, especially following the recent unveiling of the Fathom prototype in Las Vegas. The absence of comprehensive performance data means that any unofficial comments or speculations tend to spread rapidly, impacting public perception and buyer expectations.

Ford aims to sell over 100,000 Fathom units in its inaugural year, a target previously achieved by only one EV model in the U.S. market. CEO Jim Farley has even likened the Fathom to a "Model T moment" for the company, emphasizing its affordability and simplicity compared to earlier, more complex electric models. Executive Andrew Frick also highlighted that the Fathom is targeting consumers who are transitioning from gasoline or hybrid vehicles and primarily use their trucks for daily travel and errands, not heavy hauling.

The Fathom is built on a novel universal EV platform, developed by a team comprised of experts from consumer electronics, EV startups, and Formula One, rather than traditional Ford engineers. Plans include offering two battery options, with the higher-end variant expected to exceed 300 miles of range, while the sub-$30,000 model will offer less. The vehicle is positioned as an everyday electric truck, drawing parallels to Ford's Maverick, which also caters to buyers who seldom tow substantial loads.

For customers requiring regular towing capabilities, Ford continues to offer conventional gasoline-powered options like the F-150 and Ranger. Other electric truck competitors, such as the Tesla Cybertruck, have also emphasized towing in their marketing, though real-world tests often reveal a significant reduction in range when towing heavy loads, a challenge inherent to electric vehicles. Ford is currently transforming its Louisville Assembly Plant, with Fathom prototype production using production-ready components slated to begin in the first quarter of 2027. Full reveal and pre-orders are anticipated for early 2027, with customer deliveries commencing in late 2027.

The continuous lack of specific performance figures for the Ford Fathom leaves a significant void for prospective buyers. While Ford highlights its intended use for daily activities and moderate hauling, the absence of official towing and payload capacities remains a concern. Buyers who frequently engage in heavy-duty tasks would be well-advised to await the release of certified specifications, independent evaluations of range, and comprehensive towing assessments before committing to the Fathom. These forthcoming details will be crucial in determining its practical utility for a diverse range of consumers.