Mitsubishi Pajero Likely Coming Back To India

 The legendary Pajero after it was discontinued in 2021. The new model is expected to debut globally in late 2026, with an India launch possible in 2027.

Quick Overview

Detail	Information
Global Debut	August-September 2026
Deliveries Begin	December 2026
India Launch	Possible in 2027
Platform	Ladder-frame chassis (shared with Triton pickup)
Engine	2.4L twin-turbo diesel (~201 bhp / 470 Nm)
Hybrid Option	Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) expected
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Seating	7-seater (3 rows)
Expected India Price	₹65 – ₹80 lakh (CBU route)
Rivals	Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Fortuner

Why is the Pajero Coming Back?

Mitsubishi has confirmed that they will launch a “new full-fledged off-road SUV” in 2026. This is expected to be the Pajero. The company wants to:

• Reclaim off-road heritage – The Pajero was famous for its ruggedness
• Compete with Toyota Land Cruiser – The new Pajero targets Land Cruiser directly 
• Revive a legendary nameplate – The Pajero name is still loved worldwide

Platform and Chassis – Built for Off-Road

The new Pajero will use a ladder-frame chassis (body-on-frame) shared with the Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck .

Chassis Feature	Benefit
Ladder-frame	Extremely durable, best for off-road
High ground clearance	Good for rough terrain
Heavy-duty suspension	Can handle heavy loads and towing
Towing capacity	3,500 kg (can tow large trailers/boats)
Wading depth	800 mm (can drive through deep water)

Why this matters: Most modern SUVs use monocoque chassis (car-like). The Pajero stays true to its off-road roots with a truck-like chassis.

Engine and Performance

The new Pajero will likely use the same engine as the Triton pickup .

Specification	Detail
Engine Type	2.4L 4-cylinder twin-turbo diesel
Power	~201 bhp (150 kW)
Torque	470 Nm
Transmission	8-speed automatic
Drivetrain	4WD with multiple drive modes

Drive Modes Expected: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand, Rock 

Fuel Efficiency: Expected around 8.0 L/100 km (approx. 12.5 km/l) – impressive for a large off-road SUV.

Hybrid and Electric Options

Mitsubishi is also expected to offer a Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) version.

PHEV Detail	Information
Likely System	Based on Outlander PHEV
Engine	2.4L petrol + two electric motors
Combined Power	~248 hp
Benefits	Lower fuel consumption, electric-only city driving

The PHEV version may come later, after the diesel launch.

Design – Rugged and Box

The new Pajero will have a boxy, rugged look similar to the Land Cruiser.

Design Feature	Detail
Overall Shape	Square, upright, traditional SUV
Front Grille	Large, bold Mitsubishi design
LED Lights	New DRL signatures
Wheel Arches	Flared, muscular
Spare Wheel	Likely mounted on tailgate (traditional Pajero style)

The test vehicles have been spotted with heavy camouflage, but they clearly show a Land Cruiser-like boxy shape .

Interior and Features

The new Pajero will be much more premium than the old model.

Interior Feature	Expected
Seats	3 rows (7 seats)
Upholstery	Premium leather / Nappa leather
Touchscreen	12.3-inch (expected)
Instrument Cluster	Digital
ADAS	Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
360-Degree Camera	Yes (for parking and off-road)
Sunroof	Panoramic (expected)

The interior will be much more luxurious than the older Pajero, with better materials and more technology.

India Launch Details

India Detail	Information
India Launch	Expected in 2027 (after global debut)
Import Route	Likely CBU (Completely Built Unit)
Expected Price	₹65 – ₹80 lakh (ex-showroom)
Rivals in India	Toyota Fortuner, Toyota Land Cruiser
Mitsubishi’s India Partner	TVS Mobility (service ecosystem)

Why so expensive? The Pajero will likely be imported as a CBU, which attracts high import taxes (over 100%). Local assembly is not confirmed.

Old Pajero Sport Price (for reference): The discontinued Pajero Sport was priced between ₹28-36 lakh.

Comparison – Old vs New Pajero

Feature	Discontinued Pajero Sport	Expected New Pajero (2026/27)
Engine	2.5L Diesel (176 bhp)	2.4L Twin-Turbo Diesel (201 bhp)
Torque	~350 Nm	470 Nm
Transmission	5-6 speed	8-speed automatic
Chassis	Ladder-frame	Reinforced ladder-frame
Interior Tech	Basic	12.3″ screen, ADAS, 360 camera
Price (India)	₹28-36 lakh	₹65-80 lakh (expected)

The new Pajero will be much more powerful, more premium, and more expensive than the old one.

Rivals

Model	Price (India)	Engine	Torque
Mitsubishi Pajero (New)	~₹65-80 lakh	2.4L Diesel	470 Nm
Toyota Land Cruiser	~₹2-3 Crore	3.3L Diesel	700 Nm
Toyota Fortuner	₹38-55 lakh	2.8L Diesel	500 Nm

The new Pajero will sit above the Fortuner but below the Land Cruiser in price and positioning.

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