03:48 22-01-2026

Mitsubishi reveals new Pajero SUV coming in 2026 with body-on-frame design

Mitsubishi has officially announced the launch of a new body-on-frame SUV in 2026. The announcement was made at the Tokyo Auto Salon and serves as a clear market signal: the brand is preparing for the return of the legendary Pajero, a model that defined its off-road identity for decades.

Production of the Pajero ended in 2021, but demand for classic body-on-frame SUVs continues to rise. Recent Ralliart teasers and spy shots reveal a vehicle with a characteristic boxy profile, a tall hood, and proportions reminiscent of previous generations. According to 32CARS.RU, Mitsubishi is developing the project independently, without unifying platforms with Nissan, despite their long-standing partnership.

The foundation will be the Mitsubishi Triton architecture, featuring a robust frame, updated suspension kinematics, and a focus on serious off-road capability. The base engine is a 2.4-liter twin-turbo diesel producing 201 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque. A plug-in hybrid version based on the Outlander PHEV is also under consideration, combining a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with two electric motors for a total output of 248 horsepower. However, for a larger Pajero, this figure may represent the minimum threshold.

Prices for the Japanese market are projected to range from 5.5 to 7.5 million yen, equivalent to $35,000 to $47,000, but global market pricing is expected to be higher. In terms of specifications and philosophy, the model is positioned to compete directly with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, filling a niche between Mitsubishi's crossovers and heavy-duty body-on-frame SUVs.