Mitsubishi Motors has recorded strong demand for its next-generation Pajero, with approximately 5,500 pre-orders received in Japan within just over a month of reservations opening. The strong response comes ahead of the SUV’s official Japanese market launch on 17 December 2026, followed by its wider international rollout.
Pre-orders opened on 1 October, with the company reporting that demand had already exceeded its sales target for the 2026 financial year. The fifth-generation Pajero is also scheduled to reach South Africa by the end of 2027.
The model previously received a positive response following its launch in Thailand in mid-October, supporting Mitsubishi’s plans to re-establish the Pajero across key international markets.
Four Trim Levels Planned for Japan
In its domestic market, the new Pajero will be offered in four trim levels: Super Exceed, Exceed, GSR and GLS.
Mitsubishi President and Chief Operating Officer Keisuke Kishiura described the Pajero as an important model for the brand, highlighting its role in supporting the company’s future growth.
The return of the nameplate also represents a renewed focus on Mitsubishi’s established four-wheel-drive and off-road heritage.
2.4-Litre Turbodiesel Powertrain
The new Pajero is powered by Mitsubishi’s 4N16 2.4-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel engine, producing 150 kW at 3,500 r/min and 480 Nm of torque between 1,750 and 2,500 r/min.
Power is delivered through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Higher-specification models feature Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system, which includes low-range gearing and a centre differential lock. The system is designed to provide additional control and traction across different driving conditions.
The SUV also incorporates seven terrain modes, while the base four-wheel-drive configuration uses Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) dynamic management, an active limited-slip differential and a rear differential lock.
Off-Road Capability and Chassis Engineering
The fifth-generation Pajero features an independent double-wishbone front suspension with coil springs and a stabiliser bar.
At the rear, Mitsubishi has introduced a newly developed five-link rigid axle arrangement with torque arms, coil springs and a stabiliser bar.
The vehicle’s off-road specifications include:
- Ground clearance: 230 mm
- Approach angle: 30.4 degrees
- Breakover angle: 22.6 degrees
- Departure angle: 25.8 degrees
Braking is handled by ventilated disc brakes at the front and solid disc brakes at the rear.
These specifications highlight Mitsubishi’s focus on combining everyday SUV usability with the off-road capability expected from the Pajero nameplate.
South African Launch Expected by 2027
With the Japanese launch scheduled for December 2026 and international markets expected to follow over the next 12 months, the new Pajero is set to become an important addition to Mitsubishi’s global SUV line-up.
South African buyers are expected to receive the fifth-generation model by the end of 2027.
Its arrival will place the Pajero back into consideration in the large off-road SUV segment, where it will compete with established models such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Ford Everest, GWM Tank 500 and Isuzu MU-X.
The strong initial pre-order response in Japan suggests significant interest in the returning nameplate as Mitsubishi prepares for its next phase of global expansion.
