2026 Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD revealed, including engine and towing capacity as it prepares to battle Toyota Prado, Ford Everest

Mitsubishi has put itself back in the game, with its new Pajero 4WD.

The Japanese brand whipped off the covers of the new rugged off-roader before it heads to Australia later this year.

The company has claimed this Pajero will be the most capable and comfortable Pajero to date.

Add CarsGuide as a preferred source in Google Search

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero has big changes underneath

After five years in the wilderness the Pajero returns, but it is a lot different from what some might remember.

This version is built on a rugged ladder frame, which underpins most off-road focused 4WDs and utes, instead of the car-like monocoque platform of the most recent generations.

It shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, but Mitsubishi has done a lot of work to make the Pajero a more refined and accomplished daily driver.

The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero

The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to smooth out bumps and lumps.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero engine details and towing capacity

It uses an evolution of the engine found in the Triton, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder with a variable geometry single turbocharger diesel unit, instead of the bi-turbo set-up of the Triton, which makes 150kW and 480Nm, a jump of 10Nm compared to the Triton.

Mitsubishi has also ditched the six-speed auto from the Triton for an eight-ratio gearbox. This will improve performance and help lower fuel use by giving the vehicle more control over the rev range.

The new Pajero has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero's off-road ability

It is ready to rumble off-road with the company’s Super Select 4WD-II tech, which delivers part time four-wheel drive for on-road driving, full-time four-wheel drive for all conditions and a rear differential lock and a low-range transfer case for heading off the beaten track.

There are seven selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.

Rally-bred tech such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) is standard. AYC helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering. It is paired with active stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes to help the Pajero manage slippery surfaces.

New Pajero looks the part

It has chunky proportions with square, muscular haunches and a blocky rear-end. T-shaped headlights linked by a light bar across the bonnet and similar shape tail-lights give it the look of a classic 4WD for the modern age.

Mitsubishi has added a throwback to Pajeroes of old with the hexagonal rear design feature to pay homage to the externally rear-mounted spare tyre of previous models. The spare is located under the car now.

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero

2026 Mitsubishi Pajero's plush interior

The Pajero pampers just as much as it can handle punishment.

This is the most modern looking Mitsubishi interior by far.

Dual 14.3-inch screens - one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments - dominate the dash.

The central screen also houses what the brand calls a Multi Meter, which is a modern, digital version of the old triple meters from previous generations.

The new digital readouts will show altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles and left and right torque distribution.

But the dashboard in front of the driver is lathered in soft-touch materials and designed to give the feeling of space with its swept-back design. And the built-in grab handle is a throwback to the past.

It is built to seat seven, with the third row able to slide up to 150mm and a tumble mechanism for easy access to the last pew.

Mitsubishi has thought about people actually using the last row, with what it claims is plenty of headroom and room for feet under the seats in front.