Mitsubishi confirms new Pajero SUV launch for 2026 with hybrid options

Mitsubishi has officially confirmed the launch of a new body-on-frame SUV in 2026. A brief statement from the company's president at the Tokyo Auto Salon sparked widespread discussion, as all signs point to the brand preparing to revive a model that shaped its off-road image for decades: the Pajero.

How Mitsubishi is preparing to bring back the iconic SUV

Production of the Pajero ended in 2021, but demand for body-on-frame SUVs continues to grow. A Ralliart teaser and recent spy shots reveal a vehicle with a boxy silhouette, a distinctive hood, and proportions similar to previous Pajero generations.

Unlike rumors of a joint development with the Nissan Patrol, Japanese sources state that the project is being developed entirely by Mitsubishi, without sharing platforms with alliance partners.

Engines and platform: betting on the Triton and hybridization

According to BestCar, the new Pajero will use the platform of the current Mitsubishi Triton, featuring a robust frame, upgraded suspension geometry, and adaptability for demanding off-road conditions. The base engine will be a 2.4-liter twin-turbo diesel with 201 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque, identical to the pickup. A plug-in hybrid based on the Outlander PHEV system is also under consideration, combining a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors for a total output of 248 horsepower. The question remains whether this will provide enough power for the larger and heavier Pajero.

Pricing and positioning

The preliminary price range for the Japanese market is 5.5 to 7.5 million yen, equivalent to roughly $35,000 to $47,000. However, on global markets, the price will be significantly higher, following the typical practice of Mitsubishi and competitors like the Toyota Land Cruiser 250.

In terms of architecture, classic off-road features, and engine lineup, the model is clearly aimed at competing directly with the Prado and differentiating itself from the brand's crossover lineup.