Mitsubishi Confirms New SUV Coming This Year, a Pajero Reincarnation

KatadataOTO – Some time ago, Mitsubishi slipped a mysterious Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) unit into a video post about their involvement in a rally event.

At a glance, its posture resembles the Destinator but with slightly larger dimensions. Many parties assume the model is the latest generation Pajero.

Mitsubishi was reluctant to confirm the model featured in the post, but confirmed that a new SUV is indeed being prepared for consumers this year.

“We will launch a true off-road SUV in 2026,” said Takao Kato, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, quoted from Carscoops, Monday (19/01).

Photo: Drive

This was revealed by Kato on the sidelines of the Tokyo Auto Salon, held from January 9-11, 2026.

It seems the model Kato was referring to is the Pajero. Considering the Pajero was once synonymous with off-roading thanks to its tough performance.

The Mitsubishi Pajero itself first appeared in 1982 as an off-road vehicle. In Indonesia, its presence has now been replaced by the Pajero Sport.

The arrival of the newest Pajero will also mark a change in Mitsubishi's SUV design language in the global market.

Referring to Mitsubishi's video post, the latest generation Pajero has a front LED appearance similar to the Destinator and Xforce.

So, it can be said that almost nothing of the old Mitsubishi Pajero's character remains in its newest version.

The design language of the Destinator and Xforce also has the potential to be applied to other Mitsubishi vehicle lines, such as the Low SUV Xpander Sport.

There was speculation that the Mitsubishi Pajero would share components with the newest Nissan Patrol. 

However, a report from an anonymous source to the Japanese local media, Best Car Web, stated that the three-diamond brand has decided to develop the Pajero independently.

In terms of technical specifications, the Mitsubishi Pajero will likely use the same platform as the Triton pickup.

The Pajero's powertrain is a 2,400 cc four-cylinder turbo diesel engine that can produce 201 hp and a peak torque of 470 Nm.

Photo: Mitsubishi

It is possible that the newest Mitsubishi Pajero will also enter the electrified vehicle market.

If it comes to Indonesia, the Pajero will certainly be an attractive option. SUVs are still in high demand by the public, including Mitsubishi consumers. 

This is reflected in the success of the Destinator, which managed to gather 12,000 Vehicle Order Letters (SPK) just five months after its launch.