The revered Mitsubishi Pajero, also known as the Montero in certain regions, is making a triumphant return after a significant absence. Discontinued globally five years ago and in the United States even earlier in 2006, this iconic off-road vehicle accumulated over 3.3 million sales across more than 170 countries since its debut in 1982. Its unexpected cessation in 2021 left a void, but now, the fifth-generation model is poised to reclaim its legacy, offering a compelling alternative to established rivals like the Toyota Land Cruiser.
The New Era of Mitsubishi Pajero: Design, Performance, and Interior Innovations
Mitsubishi's latest iteration of the Pajero emerges with a completely reimagined design, yet subtly nodding to its heritage. Its exterior showcases a commanding presence, featuring bold fenders, an imposing front grille, and substantial ground clearance—attributes essential for a serious off-road contender. The rugged aesthetic is further enhanced by chunky mud flaps and side steps, alongside generous suspension travel, signaling its readiness for challenging terrains. Equipped with either Toyo Open Country H/T or Bridgestone Dueler H/T tires (255/55 R20), the vehicle is built for adventure. A notable change is the shift from a traditional fifth door to a conventional tailgate, with the spare wheel thoughtfully mounted underneath.
Dimensionally, the new Pajero is a formidable machine, measuring 193.7 inches (4,920 millimeters) in length, 75.8 inches (1,925 millimeters) in width, and 75.2 inches (1,910 millimeters) in height. Its wheelbase extends to 113 inches (2,870 millimeters), with both axles maintaining a 1,630-mm (64.2-inch) track, ensuring stability and a commanding road presence. Under the hood, Mitsubishi has confirmed a turbocharged 2.4-liter diesel engine, borrowed from the Triton pickup, delivering a robust 354 pound-feet of torque. This powertrain is complemented by the brand’s renowned Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II) system, offering four selectable modes to conquer diverse landscapes.
The interior of the 2027 Pajero marks a significant leap in luxury and functionality. Designed to accommodate seven passengers across three rows, the cabin boasts premium leather upholstery in higher trim levels, creating a sophisticated and inviting ambiance. The second-row seats offer 5.9 inches (150 millimeters) of sliding adjustment and a tumble mechanism for enhanced cargo capacity and easier access to the third row. A flat roofline ensures ample headroom, even for those in the rearmost seats. Comfort and convenience are paramount, with features such as double-glazed windows, an acoustic windshield for a quieter ride, a cooled storage area, a 12-speaker Yamaha sound system, tri-zone automatic climate control, manual rear shades, and heated second-row seats.
Technology takes center stage with dual 14.3-inch screens dominating the dashboard, providing a modern interface while retaining essential physical controls for frequently used functions like climate settings. A rotary knob allows for seamless switching between 4WD modes, and USB ports are conveniently located across all three rows. The innovative Multi Meter, now a digital layout integrated into the central screen, offers critical off-road information including pitch and roll angles, altitude, compass heading, and left-right torque distribution. Lower trim levels will feature slightly smaller 12.3-inch screens.
At its core, the new Pajero is built on a robust ladder-frame platform, shared with the Triton pickup, but with enhanced rigidity due to increased use of high-tensile steel. This structural improvement promises superior durability and reliability, both on and off the road. The SUV is equipped with a high-mounted double-wishbone front suspension and a new five-link rigid rear axle, meticulously tuned to balance on-road refinement with exceptional off-road capability. The steering is designed for natural feel, and the ride is composed, whether cruising highways or tackling challenging terrains.
Further enhancing its off-road prowess is Mitsubishi's Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. This integrated system orchestrates the four-wheel-drive, Active Yaw Control, Active Stability and Traction Control, and ABS to ensure optimal stability and predictable handling. Continuously adapting to driver inputs and terrain conditions, the S-AWC system provides confidence in diverse environments. With 9.1 inches (230 millimeters) of ground clearance and impressive off-road angles—30.4 degrees approach, 22.6 degrees breakover, and 25.8 degrees departure—the Pajero is engineered for adventure. Its 52:48 front-to-rear weight distribution and long-travel suspension keep tires firmly planted, ensuring maximum traction over rugged landscapes.
The return of the Pajero is more than just a single model launch; Mitsubishi envisions it as the genesis of a new family of off-road vehicles. Following strategies employed by Toyota with its expanding Land Cruiser line and Land Rover with its diverse Defender offerings, Mitsubishi plans to introduce at least two smaller off-roaders under the Pajero nameplate. This strategic expansion signals Mitsubishi’s renewed commitment to the off-road segment and its ambition to regain market share globally. The brand's contemplation of reintroducing the Montero to North America further underscores its potential for a robust comeback.
The revival of the Mitsubishi Pajero is an exciting development for enthusiasts and a significant statement from the manufacturer. Its blend of rugged capability, luxurious comfort, and advanced technology positions it as a strong contender in the competitive SUV market. The decision to expand the Pajero into a series of models indicates a clear vision for the future, promising diverse options for adventurers worldwide.
