by After years of silence, Mitsubishi appears to be preparing to bring a legendary name, once defining its off-road heritage, back to the market. At the Tokyo Motor Show, company president Takao Kato made a brief but very telling statement, confirming that “we will launch a new full-fledged off-road SUV in 2026.” This, along with a recent teaser that strongly resembles what we’ve seen in spy photos, gives reason to believe it is precisely the return of the Pajero.
A New Rival for the Land Cruiser
For fans of true off-roaders, the timing seems perfect. The segment is currently dominated by the Toyota Land Cruiser, and the emergence of a fresh competitor from Mitsubishi could add new excitement to the segment. Production of the full-fledged Pajero ceased in 2021, ending a 40-year history of four generations. A recent video from Ralliart showed an SUV the size of a Pajero but in a modern execution, with a boxy design that is sure to get enthusiasts excited.
Platform and Powertrains
Despite earlier rumors of possible cooperation with Nissan regarding the use of Patrol components, the latest data suggests Mitsubishi has decided to develop and build the new Pajero independently. The foundation for the off-roader will likely be the platform from the new Mitsubishi Triton pickup.
These figures correlate well with the current Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which in some markets is equipped with a 2.8-liter turbo diesel producing 201 hp.
Electrification and Challenges
It is likely that alongside conventional versions, Mitsubishi will also present an electrified modification of the Pajero. The most logical choice appears to be using the hybrid system from the popular Outlander PHEV. This system combines a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors and a lithium-ion battery, delivering a total of 248 hp. However, adapting this setup to the larger and heavier Pajero may require engineers to increase power or change the configuration for the vehicle to meet expectations regarding dynamics.
Expected Price and Market Specifics
The question of pricing remains open at this early stage. The Pajero is expected to be more expensive than the base Triton, and top versions will undoubtedly cost significantly more than the Outlander. Japanese media suggest the price range will be from 5.5 million yen (approximately $34,900) to 7.5 million yen (approximately $47,500).
It is important to remember that domestic prices in Japan are usually significantly lower than in Western countries. For example, the Land Cruiser 250 in Japan starts from 5.2 million yen ($32,900), while in the US its price starts at $57,600. Part of this difference is explained by different powertrains (diesel in Japan, hybrid in North America), but this does not fully account for the gap.
The return of the Pajero in 2026 could become a key event not only for Mitsubishi but for the entire full-size off-road vehicle market. The company is betting on a proven platform and modern trends like hybridization, attempting to combine legendary reliability with new technologies. The success of this project will largely depend on whether engineers can successfully adapt the electric drive for a heavy vehicle and offer a competitive price in global markets. It is also a test for the brand, whose reputation was built on rugged off-roaders, in a world increasingly oriented towards electric vehicles.
