Mitsubishi has brought back the iconic Pajero nameplate with an all-new fifth-generation SUV, marking a major departure from the model that ended production in 2021.

The new 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero will launch in the Middle East by March 2027. This makes the new SUV particularly relevant for buyers in the UAE, where large four-wheel-drive SUVs remain popular.

The latest Pajero is not simply a modernised version of the previous-generation model. Mitsubishi has changed the SUV’s underlying architecture, powertrain, design and cabin, while giving it a stronger focus on off-road capability and long-distance touring.

Here are 5 of the biggest changes between the old Pajero and the new 2027 model.

1. 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero moves to a tougher ladder-frame chassis

The biggest mechanical change is underneath the new Pajero. The fourth-generation Pajero used a monocoque construction, which gave it more car-like road manners. The new model moves to a ladder-frame chassis derived from the Mitsubishi Triton, bringing the Pajero closer to traditional body-on-frame SUVs.

Mitsubishi has heavily modified the architecture for the Pajero, including additional reinforcement to improve rigidity. The change is important for buyers who want an SUV capable of handling challenging off-road conditions, towing and long-distance touring.

The new chassis also gives the Pajero a stronger foundation to compete with established large SUVs such as the Toyota LandCruiser and other 4WD models popular across the UAE.

The new model also gets an updated four-wheel-drive system designed around Mitsubishi’s Super All-Wheel Control technology, further strengthening its off-road credentials.

2. Gets a smaller yet powerful diesel engine

The new Pajero also gets a major change under the bonnet. The outgoing Pajero was available with larger engines, including a 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and a 3.8-litre petrol V6 in various markets. The new model instead uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder clean-diesel engine.

Despite having less displacement, the new diesel produces 210bhp and 480Nm, compared with 197bhp and 441Nm for the older 3.2-litre diesel. Maximum torque is available from 1500rpm to 2750rpm.

The new engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, replacing the older 5-speed automatic transmission. The move should give the new Pajero a more modern driving experience and help improve efficiency.

Mitsubishi has also indicated that hybrid technology is being considered for the future, although a hybrid Pajero is not confirmed for the initial launch.

3. Spacious seven-seater cabin

The new Pajero is also taking on a different role within Mitsubishi’s SUV range. The previous-generation Pajero was positioned as the brand’s flagship off-roader, while the smaller Pajero Sport was based on the Triton platform.

For the new generation, Mitsubishi is effectively bringing those two approaches closer together. The new Pajero uses a Triton-derived ladder-frame platform but has been developed as a larger and more premium SUV with three rows and seating for up to seven occupants.

That makes it better suited to families who need both passenger space and four-wheel-drive capability.

For UAE buyers, this combination is particularly significant. Large seven-seat 4WD SUVs are commonly used for everything from daily family driving to highway trips and desert adventures, so the Pajero’s new positioning puts it into a much more competitive part of the market.

4. The styling is more rugged than before

The previous Pajero had a rounded design that reflected its early-2000s origins. The new model takes a much more upright and boxy approach.

The fifth-generation SUV features a squared-off body, upright proportions and Mitsubishi’s latest design language. The front gets distinctive T-shaped lighting elements, while the overall shape gives the Pajero a more substantial road presence.

There is also a significant change at the rear.

The previous Pajero used a side-hinged tailgate with a spare wheel mounted on the door. The new model switches to a more conventional top-hinged tailgate, with the spare wheel positioned underneath the vehicle.

The result is a cleaner rear design while maintaining the practical requirements of a serious off-road SUV.

5. Gets a major technology upgrade

The cabin is perhaps where the biggest visual difference between the two generations can be seen. The older Pajero’s interior was becoming dated by the time production ended, particularly compared with the newer large SUVs. Mitsubishi has addressed this with a much more modern cabin for the fifth-generation model.

The new Pajero gets dual 14.3-inch displays, along with a modern digital interpretation of the Pajero’s traditional triple-meter layout. Mitsubishi has also focused on cabin refinement, with features including acoustic glass, improved insulation, a 12-speaker Yamaha Ultimate sound system and second-row climate control.

The SUV also features Mitsubishi’s MI-PILOT active highway lane guidance system, adding more advanced driver-assistance technology to the Pajero. This represents a significant change in direction. The new Pajero is designed to offer the ruggedness expected from a 4WD while providing the technology and comfort expected from a modern family SUV.

2027 Mitsubishi Pajero: What does the new model mean for UAE buyers?

The new Mitsubishi Pajero is a major departure from the SUV that left the market five years ago. The switch to a ladder-frame chassis, new 2.4-litre diesel engine, seven-seat configuration and upgraded four-wheel-drive system gives the Pajero a much stronger focus on the traditional off-road SUV market.

Its Australian launch will provide an early look at how Mitsubishi plans to position the new Pajero internationally, while the Middle East is expected to be among the markets receiving the new SUV from 2027.

For UAE buyers, the most important question will be how Mitsubishi positions the Pajero against established large SUVs in the region. UAE-specific pricing, variants and equipment are yet to be confirmed, so those details will need to be announced closer to the local launch.

Cars24 UAE says

The 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero is more than a nameplate revival. Mitsubishi has fundamentally changed the SUV, moving it from a monocoque platform to a tougher ladder-frame architecture while adding a new diesel engine, seven-seat practicality and a much more sophisticated interior.

The result is a Pajero that is positioned closer to today’s premium off-road SUVs than the ageing model that went out of production in 2021.

With the Middle East included in Mitsubishi’s global rollout, UAE buyers will have to wait for local pricing and specifications, but the new Pajero already looks set to be a significantly more capable and modern SUV than its predecessor.

Meanwhile, you can search for a used Mitsubishi Pajero in Dubai with Cars24 UAE.

Also read: Opinion: Why 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero is the perfect choice for the UAE