Words: Andrew Sluys
Published 2 September 2026
For those that have been counting down the days until Mitsubishi unveils the new Pajero; there’s only one sleep to go.
The Japanese brand is set to unveil this fifth-generation Pajero in full tomorrow, after months of build up and anticipation.
We already know it’s going to be built on a ladder chassis, and feature serious off-road capabilities to take on the likes of the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol.
These underpinnings will be carried over from the new Triton ute, meaning it should be rated to tow 3.5-tonne braked.
A teaser video that dropped earlier today shows the SUV in more detail, but it looks like it’s going to be missing a stand out feature.
A quick shot of the Pajero’s tailgate shows that it no longer carries a full size spare wheel on the back, which is a staple in the off-road world.
In saying this, both the Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol have done away with the tailgate-mounted spare, instead tucking it beneath the boot.
Another small detail shown in this teaser video is the fender-mounted Pajero badge. This looks to position it as somewhat of an upmarket offering.
On the inside, it will retain its iconic triple-meter gauge cluster in digital form. From teasers, this will show information such as altitude, compass heading, temperature, pitch, roll and torque distribution.
Beneath the bonnet it will likely be powered by the same 2.4-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder engine as the Triton, although these details are yet to be confirmed.
It is also said to gain some form of hybrid power, which should help with improving fuel efficiency.
While Mitsubishi New Zealand is yet to make any sort of announcement on this model’s availability, Australian reports point to a launch before the end of the year.
