Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 3 September 2026
Hot on the heels of the global unveiling of its new Pajero SUV, Mitsubishi has posted pictures of one decked out for rally racing.
Set to be used to promote this new SUV, this Pajero is wearing a full Ralliart livery, and looks ready to take on some serious terrain.
According to a report by Autoblog, the Japanese brand has its sights firmly set on the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR).
As the name suggests, this is one of the toughest races in Asia, covering jungles, rivers, and plenty of dirt roads throughout Thailand.
It wears almost an identical livery to the Ralliart Triton, which recently won the event in 2026.
“This is not yet officially decided, but in my mind, I’m thinking about a new Pajero next year. I’m really looking forward to creating a new car.
“It’s like a sibling car to the Triton, so if we can utilize the know-how we’ve gained so far in the Pajero and make it a highly competitive car, I think next year will be exciting,” Masuoka said to MotorFan.
A Platform to be Tested
Power in this new Pajero comes from a ‘specially developed’ 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 480Nm. Mitsubishi hasn’t announced its maximum power output.
The diesel uses a single variable-geometry turbocharger and is paired with a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission featuring a Sport mode.
Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II offers four settings: rear-wheel drive, full-time four-wheel drive, locked-centre-differential 4WD and locked-centre-differential 4WD with low-range gearing.
Underneath is a strengthened ladder frame using more high-tensile steel. Mitsubishi says increasing the frame’s cross-sectional area has improved torsional and bending rigidity while reducing weight.
Mitsubishi describes “off-road comfort” as one of the Pajero’s major development targets, with the company aiming to retain serious ability away from the tarmac without sacrificing ride quality during everyday driving.
