The next-generation Mitsubishi Pajero is nearing its global debut. While car experts suggest that it will be launched by the end of this year in certain markets like Australia and the Middle East, we are sure about five changes that it will bring along. These new changes will not only place it against the bigger rivals, but also position it as a luxury SUV.

Next-gen Mitsubishi Pajero: Top 5 highlights we know so far

1. Bigger size, new platform

The next-generation Pajero will be based on an all-new platform. During the recent investor call, Mitsubishi revealed a plethora of new products, also confirming the return of the Pajero nameplate. Online reports have been stating for a long time that the next-gen Pajero will use the Mitsubishi Triton’s body-on-frame platform.

This new platform will be stretched and tuned for luxury, off-road capability, and safety. Mitsubishi had already revealed that the new Pajero will offer rugged capabilities, but also focus on ‘eco-friendly’ performance.

With that said, the test mules have been spotted repeatedly in the global market, showing their massive size that looks equivalent to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250. The latter will also become its main competitor once the new Pajero gets launched.

2. Muscular design, luxurious cabin

The new Pajero will also undergo a substantial design change. We have already seen the fully camouflaged test cars on the road, and along with its increased size, the new Pajero will offer a premium look.

What we can safely say is that it will get the modern bits like the connecting daytime running LED lights at the front, a big grille, large wheel arches, a large greenhouse, and vertical LED taillights. Moreover, Mitsubishi’s ‘New Year 2026’ teaser released in December 2025 gave us a faint glimpse of the new Pajero fitted with a panoramic sunroof.

The bigger size would mean that the cabin will get more space and more cargo area. This could also mean that the new-gen Pajero will possibly get launched in multiple seating layouts, including three-row captain seats.

Along a comfortable cabin design, it will also focus on wireless connectivity, which will include a large infotainment system supporting wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a head-up display unit for the driver, a digital driver console, voice commands, multi-zone climate control, and other such features that will elevate the cabin’s premium factor.

With that, we also expect the modern features to follow on the inside. The previously spied test mules were seen with an ADAS radar module, which confirms that it will get the smart autonomous safety assist features like the adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist and prevention, auto emergency braking, rear-cross traffic alert, traffic sign recognition, high-beam assist, and more.

Also read: Suzuki Fronx Sports Edition launched globally, gets bigger alloys, sporty body kit

3. Advanced 4WD systems

During the official confirmation of the Pajero’s return, Mitsubishi revealed that it will come equipped with the ‘Super Select 4WD’ system. It is a trademark 4WD system that will get smart features like the sand crawl mode, under-bonnet view, traction control modes, terrain modes, shift-on-the-fly, and more.

Even the previous-gen Pajero was acclaimed for its off-road capabilities, and the new-generation model’s new Super Select 4WD will take things one step further. The 4WD capability will position the new Pajero more strongly against the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

4. New engine options

While there is no confirmation regarding the engine specifications of the new Pajero, we firmly believe that it will come with multiple options, including the 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine sourced from the Triton pickup truck, which makes 201 bhp and 470 Nm.

Moreover, online reports hint that Mitsubishi will debut mild-hybrid and strong-hybrid engine options on the new Pajero, along with turbo petrol options. Additionally, some rumours say that a pure electric version could also be on the cards.

5. Middle East launch timeline

The next-generation Pajero will debut in Thailand in Autumn 2026. It will be a global launch, and the other priority markets like Australia and the Middle East are likely to get the new SUV by the first half of 2027.