2026 Mitsubishi Pajero production and engine details

Documents from the South Australian registry confirm that the revived Mitsubishi Pajero for 2026 will be produced in Thailand at the company's plant, which also assembles the Triton, the updated Nissan Navara, and the Pajero Sport. The VIN code of a prototype has also shed light on the SUV's engine and construction.

2026 Pajero Production: Where and Why

The new Pajero's VIN, starting with "MMA," definitively confirms the assembly location: Mitsubishi's plant in Thailand. This same facility produces the Triton and the new-generation Navara, as well as the previous Pajero Sport. Unlike older generations manufactured in Japan, the new model fully transitions to the brand's international production strategy.

The presence of a full registration number indicates this is already a serial pre-production sample—the 44th among the test vehicles built.

What's Known About Construction and Powertrain

Judging by the VIN structure, the Pajero has received a modified version of the 4N16 diesel—a 2.4-liter twin-turbo unit delivering 150 kW and 470 Nm in the Triton. The eighth position in the VIN is particularly significant, as it differs from the Triton and may point to either an updated diesel or an alternative powertrain, including the discussed PHEV variant.

Mitsubishi's strategy is also confirmed: the new Pajero is being built on the Triton's ladder frame, not with a monocoque body like the classic Pajero up to 2021. In practice, the model will essentially succeed the Pajero Sport but move into a higher segment.

Testing Progress and Debut Preparation

The first test vehicles have already been spotted in Australia, where Mitsubishi is actively evaluating the suspension and the car's behavior on local roads. A camouflaged example was again photographed in New South Wales and then covered with a tarp—a detail that underscores the proximity of the global premiere.

The model also appears in Ralliart materials published by Mitsubishi Australia, which typically precedes a global unveiling.

Positioning and Launch Timeline

Deliveries of the 2026 Pajero to Australia are expected by year-end or early next. For buyers, this matters because the vehicle will occupy a more expensive niche and compete with the Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser Prado, marking a move into the premium segment of body-on-frame SUVs.