The new Mitsubishi Pajero has topped Response's July ranking of the most talked-about automotive stories, beating out rumors of a Toyota Celica revival and a GR Camry. But there's a key difference between them: the Pajero is no longer just a rumor.
Mitsubishi has officially confirmed the model's return and set a world premiere for autumn 2026. The Japanese-market Pajero disappeared from the production line back in 2019 — meaning the comeback arrives roughly seven years later. The automaker has already revealed the car's foundation: the new SUV uses a modified ladder frame from the Triton pickup, while the body and front and rear suspensions were engineered specifically for the Pajero.
Mitsubishi promises to preserve serious off-road capability while improving comfort on regular roads. Another confirmed detail is the brand's signature S-AWC all-wheel-drive system. It will manage torque and dynamics depending on the surface and driving conditions. The new generation will also bring back the idea behind the classic Pajero's three extra gauges: a digital Multi Meter capable of showing altitude, heading, temperature, body tilt, and torque distribution between the wheels.
The interest in the model is easy to explain through its name's history. Since 1982, four generations of the Pajero have sold more than 3.25 million units across over 170 countries and regions. Mitsubishi also ties the model's reputation to 12 Dakar Rally victories, including seven in a row. The rest of July's headline-grabbing stories don't offer that same certainty.
With the Pajero, it's the opposite situation: the question isn't whether it's coming back, but what the production car will actually look like. Mitsubishi has confirmed the frame, S-AWC, and the autumn premiere — the engine, exact dimensions, trim levels, and price all remain unknown.
Earlier, Tarantas.news reported that the new Mitsubishi Pajero could be unveiled on September 2. That date came from a Japanese outlet citing dealer sources and hasn't been confirmed by the company, but the Triton-based frame is now official.
