It’s official: Mitsubishi Pajero is being reborn in 2026 and a PHEV is part of the powertrain plan
The Mitsubishi Pajero is officially back, with the Japanese brand confirming its iconic off-roader will return in late 2026 as a new flagship SUV built on the ladder-frame underpinnings of the Triton ute.
Revealed via a teaser image and official announcement from Mitsubishi Motors, the all-new Pajero will make its global debut this Spring before arriving in Australia, where the nameplate remains one of the most respected and recognisable 4×4 badges ever sold.
First launched in 1982, the Pajero became a global off-road icon thanks to its blend of rugged capability and passenger-car comfort, while its 12 Dakar Rally victories helped cement its reputation as one of the world’s toughest adventure vehicles. Mitsubishi says more than 3.25 million Pajeros have been sold across 170 countries and regions.
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While Mitsubishi has not yet detailed powertrains, the initial model is expected to use the same 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine found in the latest Triton, which produces 150kW and 470Nm in Australian specification. Reports from Japan also suggest an eight-speed automatic transmission is under consideration.
For EV and electrification fans, however, the bigger news is likely to come later.
EV Central previously revealed Mitsubishi was developing a new-generation plug-in hybrid system based around a P2 hybrid architecture for its ladder-frame vehicles, including the Triton. The system places an electric motor between the engine and transmission, allowing extended EV driving capability while retaining the towing, payload and off-road capability expected from traditional body-on-frame vehicles.
Industry sources expect that technology to eventually find its way into the new Pajero, creating a direct rival for electrified off-road SUVs such as the Toyota Prado Hybrid and the incoming wave of Chinese plug-in hybrid 4x4s.
That aligns with Mitsubishi’s broader electrification plans. Earlier concept vehicles previewing a future Pajero replacement have showcased far more ambitious technology, including quad-motor electric drivetrains, approximately 100km of EV driving range and advanced off-road torque vectoring systems.
The production Pajero confirmed this week is expected to take a more conservative approach initially, with Mitsubishi stating the SUV will be based on the Triton’s highly robust ladder-frame chassis while featuring model-specific cabin, suspension and ride-tuning development.
Mitsubishi says the new Pajero has been engineered to deliver both genuine off-road capability and improved on-road comfort, positioning it as the brand’s new flagship model.
The reborn Pajero will enter one of Australia’s most competitive vehicle segments, taking on rivals including the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and upcoming electrified off-road SUVs from brands including Denza and GWM.
For Australia, the return is significant.
The Pajero was one of the country’s defining 4WDs for decades, building a loyal following among touring, towing and off-road enthusiasts before production ended in 2021. Its return gives Mitsubishi a genuine large-SUV flagship once again and potentially provides the platform for one of the brand’s most important future electrified vehicles.
