2002 Mitsubishi Starwagon Reviews

You'll find all our 2002 Mitsubishi Starwagon reviews right here. 2002 Mitsubishi Starwagon prices range from $2,530 for the Starwagon Gl to $5,390 for the Starwagon Glx.

Our reviews offer detailed analysis of the 's features, design, practicality, fuel consumption, engine and transmission, safety, ownership and what it's like to drive.

The most recent reviews sit up the top of the page, but if you're looking for an older model year or shopping for a used car, scroll down to find Mitsubishi dating back as far as 1986.

Or, if you just want to read the latest news about the Mitsubishi Starwagon, you'll find it all here.

Mitsubishi Reviews and News

Vehicle-to-grid in Australia explained
By Tim Gibson · 05 Sep 2026
EVs are more than just cars in Australia.They can charge devices, power houses and even earn their owners money, as Australia's energy grid undergoes a once-in-a-generation transformation.Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is the final step to fully unlock this potential for electric cars Down Under.V2G is a type of bi-directional charging, a technology that comprises vehicle-to-load (V2L), vehicle-to-home (V2H) and V2G.It allows an electric car to use its battery to send its power back into the energy grid, rather than just power external devices, or charge home batteries.V2G allows owners to charge up their EVs at cheaper times and sell it back to the electricity grid at more expensive times.Rooftop solar, of which Australia has some of the highest uptake in the world, can also be used to charge an EV effectively for free and transfer the stored electricity to the grid for pure profit, especially when an abundance of sunlight has home battery systems fully charged.V2G is not far away in Australia, but there remains roadblocks to its full-scale uptake. Many car manufacturer warranties do not support V2G use as they do not cover battery damage caused by third-party set-ups.Rapidly transferring energy on incompatible vehicles can cause substantial wear on the battery and cause other safety issues. There is also debate about which safety protocols V2G should abide by in Australia as the tech faces regulatory hurdles.The latest ISO 15118-20 protocol is deemed safer than the original ISO 15118-2 for example, but it will need longer to be fully implemented in Australia.Manufacturers are starting to alter their warranties and are undergoing extensive trials for the technology with electricity providers. We are likely to see a full-scale uptake of V2G in Australia within the next couple of years, as regulatory approvals and car warranties catch up, but there is still work to do to make them safer and more efficient. Hyundai and Kia are expected to prepare major announcements for the tech within the next few months.Some models already on sale with V2G capability may be able to use the technology via a software, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5, but it is unclear exactly which models will be eligible.The federal government has shown a keen interest in V2G as part of its energy policy and has recently committed substantial investment towards establishing a network through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) which currently helps to fund other EV technologies like public DC fast chargers.
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New Pajero priced to thrill
By Dom Tripolone · 03 Sep 2026
Mitsubishi means business with its new Pajero 4WD priced to thrill.Buyers will be able to choose from three grades when the Pajero arrives in Australian showrooms this December.Buyers have already been lining up to get their hands on the new rough-and-tumble machine, with Mitsubishi recording more than 3000 pre-orders from before the reveal yesterday.It’s a head-turner with butch, boxy and rugged looks and a plush interior to pamper.Prices kick off at $68,490 (before on-road costs) for the entry-level GLS with five seats, or $69,990 with seven seats.The mid-tier Exceed jumps up to $79,990 and the range-topping GSR starts at $84,990. Both variants are only available with seven seats.All come in substantially cheaper than the equivalent Toyota Prado, but just a little bit more than the Ford Everest powered by the V6 diesel.Mitsubishi’s deal is sweetened with a conditional 10-year/200,000km warranty, which requires owners to complete every logbook service at a Mitsubishi dealer or it reverts to a five year/100,000km guarantee.Mitsubishi offers up to 10 years of capped-price servicing with scheduled workshop visits required every 15,000km or 12 months.The new Pajero shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, which means it uses a rugged ladder-frame chassis that is found underneath serious off-roaders. This is a break from recent tradition with the past few Pajero generations using a car-like monocoque chassis. Mitsubishi has done some serious work to the Pajero to make it more refined and composed compared to the more workman-like Triton.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.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to make it more composed on the road.The engine is a 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder with a single variable geometry turbocharger, which is an evolution of the bi-turbo unit found in the Triton. Mitsubishi has been able to squeeze a little more torque to boost outputs to 150kW and 480Nm.Mitsubishi has ditched the six-speed automatic transmission and installed a new eight-speed unit, which will smooth out the drive experience and lower fuel consumption.It also uses AdBlue to help lower emissions and improve efficiency.The Pajero can play with the big boys with it rated to tow up to 3500kg.It comes with Trailer Load Assist that enhances stability while towing by detecting if the trailer is swaying and can adjust power and braking to each wheel to get the rig back under control.Owners can load up to 300kg of static load, or 100kg dynamic, on the roof, which further boosts its adventure credentials.It is ready to rumble off-road thanks to the company’s Super Select 4WD-II tech.It 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.Mitsubishi has put a lot of thought into the third row, with it designed for adults.The third row is able to slide up to 150mm and has 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.With the third row folded down the boot can hold 519 litres, which is well below that found in the Prado and EverestThis 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.GLS grade come with:18-inch dark grey alloy wheelsWaterproof black fabric seat trimManual driver and front passenger seat adjustment (slide, recline, height)Electric seat lumbar support adjustment (driver and front passenger)Dual 12.3-inch displaysSix-speaker stereoWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoSteering wheel heater and paddle shiftersTyre pressure monitoring systemAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorDusk-sensing headlamps and rain-sensing wipersKeyless entry and startElectric tailgatePrivacy glassFront dual-zone automatic air conditioningRear automatic air conditioning system12.3-inch full digital meter clusterPhone wireless chargerTwo USB-C ports in every row Exceed grade adds:20-inch alloy wheelsBlack leather seat trimElectric adjustment for driver and front passenger seatsFront and rear seat heating functionDual 14.3-inch screens12-speaker Yamaha stereoRefrigerated console boxGSR grade adds:20-inch black alloy wheelsTwo-tone camel and black leather seat trimFront-seat ventilation functionFront-seat adjustment memory functionSteering wheel and door mirrors adjustment memory functionPanoramic front sun visors with LED lampsBlack headliningIlluminated front scuff platesFront grille LED lightFront and rear light animation patternFront and rear dark bumpersDark grey side stepsBlack door mirrorsBlack wheel-arch mouldingsBlack panoramic roof with sunroofAdaptive Driving Beam systemDigital rear-view mirrorAir conditioner with nanoe X air purifier
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New Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD revealed
By Dom Tripolone · 02 Sep 2026
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.Mitsubishi has prioritised Australia which will be the third market to get the new SUV, following Thailand and Japan.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.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to smooth out bumps and lumps.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.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.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.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.Refinement was top of mind during development with increased sound insulation and acoustic glass making it quieter than any Pajero.Other headlining features include three-zone air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof and a 12-speaker Yamaha stereo.Full Australian details and price will be revealed ahead of the cars arrival before the end of the year.
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Two Japanese carmakers headed for break-up
By James Cleary · 27 Aug 2026
It’s been in place in various forms for over 25 years and what is now the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance has had many high-profile ups and downs over that quarter of a century.Now, overnight reports out of Japan are pointing to fundamental problems with the working relationship between two of those three alliance pillars - Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan Motor Company.As the 10th anniversary of Nissan’s big investment in Mitsubishi looms, Nikkei Asia has positioned the corporate association as “nearing a crossroads after a lackluster decade” pointing to a potential divestment by Nissan, which could leave room for Honda or Foxconn to swoop in.In October 2016, with a green light from then Chairman (and great automotive escape artist) Carlos Ghosn, Nissan invested around ¥240 billion (A$2.1 billion) for a 34 per cent stake in Mitsubishi Motors.The core aim was to collaborate on new model development to improve speed to market and gain cost efficiencies. But as the report points out, Mitsubishi Motors has shown limited synergy with Nissan in recent years.Early on, the jointly-developed Mitsubishi eK X and Nissan Sakura EV kei city cars were successful and the Mitsubishi Outlander and Nissan X-Trail SUVs were underpinned by a shared platform.But in speaking with Tokai Tokyo Intelligence Laboratory Senior Analyst Seiji Sugiura, the report makes the point that Mitsubishi Motors and Nissan "haven’t made progress on shared parts and procurement"."The investment really seems to have been driven by Ghosn, and I have doubts about whether there was deep discussion in advance about cooperation," Sugiura-san said.Nissan’s relationship with Mitsubishi is believed to have contributed only about one per cent of the company’s pre-tax profit over the past decade.And Mitsubishi Motors' market capitalisation has fallen by around 40 per cent since October 2016, which is ironic given the Nissan investment served partly as a rescue package for Mitsubishi, which had at that point lost customer trust after a scandal related to fuel efficiency data.Mitsubishi is not alone in facing intense competition from Chinese challenger brands in Southeast Asia as well as the impact of US tariffs and conflict in the Middle East. Nissan remains in the midst of a major global financial crisis, recording massive consecutive annual losses, including a A$7 billion net loss for the fiscal year ending March 2025 and a A$4.7 billion net loss for the year ending March 2026.And with the end of the 10-year ‘lockup’ period for Nissan's stake in Mitsubishi (during which Nissan agreed not to sell its Mitsubishi shares) approaching, market analysts suggest Nissan might unload part of its stake and speculation about other possible capital partners is rife.According to SBI Securities Chief Executive Analyst Koji Endo, what cooperation existed between the two companies "wasn't enough to support their earnings.""Staying on its current track won't produce new technology or business models," Endo added.The report puts forward several post-lock-up investment scenarios, the first being buy-in from Honda despite the planned multi-billion dollar corporate merger between Honda and Nissan being officially canceled in February 2025.The report theorises that a three-way alliance might eventuate as Mitsubishi' strength in pick-up trucks might appeal to Honda and as Nissan focuses on restructuring, having Honda take the lead on cooperation could bring better results.At the same time Taiwanese giant Foxconn could be a player with Mitsubishi confirming this month that it would buy an EV developed by an arm of Foxconn, with sales to begin in Australia and New Zealand as early as this year.Watch this space as October approaches.
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Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD reveal date confirmed
By Tim Gibson · 25 Aug 2026
Buyers will get their first official look at the much-anticipated Pajero 4WD next week. Mitsubishi has confirmed it will reveal the Pajero on the 2nd of September 2026. It comes after Japanese magazine BestCar exposed the reveal date late last month via a dealer source.Mitsubishi is expected to release more details about the Pajero at the reveal, including potentially initial pricing for the car.  The returning Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser competitor is scheduled to arrive in Australia later this year. Next week’s announcement will give buyers more information about what to expect. The Pajero will be primarily based on Mitsubishi’s Triton ute, riding on a sturdy ladder frame chassis.It is thought to also employ a 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 150kW and 470Nm in the Triton.This could be matched with a six-speed automatic transmission and will be supported by a rugged 'S-AWC' four-wheel drive system. The off-road ready S-AWC system also found on the Outlander PHEV includes four-wheel braking and torque vectoring.The Pajero will be offered in the same four trim levels as the Triton, which are the GLX, GLS, Exceed and GSR. Mitsubishi has further revealed a digital revision of its iconic triple analogue instrument meters found on previous generations of the Pajero.CarsGuide spied the Pajero undergoing testing in December last year, with the prototype showing off a blocky exterior and horizontal front grille design. Mitsubishi has not locked in an official launch date for the Pajero in Australia, but next week’s reveal will provide more clues. The new Pajero was approved for sale in Australia earlier this year, and is expected to arrive Down Under by November. Buyers can expect firm launch information in the next few weeks. 
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Five cheapest seven-seat SUVs
By Laura Berry · 21 Aug 2026
It has never been a better time to buy an SUV with seven-seats, with a range of options across all price ranges.But if you're looking for a seven-seater, but don’t want to spend any more than about $45K? We’ve got you covered.Here are the five most affordable seven-seater SUVs on sale in Australia.The MG QS is last on our list for affordability but first on our list for practicality thanks to its giant five-metre length, which offers more third-row room than the others here. The QS is a proper larger SUV, while the others here are on the smaller side of large.The price of $46,990 is a drive-away offer too, so the value is still outstanding. We have tested the MG QS and liked the roominess, the hefty list of standard features and the 10-year warranty.  Things we didn't like include the fairly small petrol engine, which has to work hard to carry this big car around. We also felt the cabin stying looks great, but some of the materials felt a bit cheap. The Mitsubishi Outlander has been around for decades and has been a stalwart in driveways of Aussie families. A low list price of $42,540 for this entry grade is also good to see. We tested the Outlander and liked its value for money and good looks, but found the third row to be cramped and the CVT transmission to offer lacklustre performance. The Nissan X-Trail is not only one of the original mid-sized SUVs that’s been around for more than 25 years but for a long time it was one of just a few that offered seven seats.The new X-Trail is one of the best SUVs here and it's wonderful to see it priced so affordable at a list price of $41,305.Of course we have tested it and liked the ride comfort and good handling, but we noted that the spare wheel is under the third row seats and little things like the sound system quality weren’t as good as some rivals.Chery has returned to Australia with an array of excellent vehicles and the Tiggo 8 is no exception. At just over 4.7m long the Tiggo 8 is classed as a large SUV, although that’s still not huge.We’ve tested it and liked the quality of the interior, the amount of features for this $41,990 drive-away price and the good ride. We prefer the super hybrid version of this SUV, which offers better fuel economy although the price tag is more than this petrol version.Indian car maker Mahindra makes a pretty compelling proposition here with the XUV 700, which is our cheapest seven-seater SUV at $36,990 drive-away for the AX7 entry grade.The AX7 is considered a mid-sized SUV at just under 4.7m long.We’ve tested it and liked the punchy 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, the mountain of standard features for the price, but felt the interior quality could be better and the ride and handling wasn’t exactly great.
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Hidden EV threat will void your warranty
By Tim Gibson · 19 Aug 2026
This could be a huge problem for EV owners in Australia. Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) is the next big step to unlocking the full potential of electric cars. V2G allows an EV battery to send its power back to the grid, allowing owners to make money at peak times.Electric cars sales are already booming in Australia, but this added functionality gives them an even sharper edge over petrol- and diesel-powered alternatives. However, using V2G in Australia currently risks voiding the manufacturer's warranty of the car.Electric Vehicle Council’s Head of Energy, Infrastructure and Commercial Alina Dini told CarsGuide current warranties generally weren’t designed to account for undertaking V2G. “Unless it has been stipulated in those terms and conditions that vehicle to grid is allowed, it’s generally not,” Dini said. V2G can have a significant impact on battery condition, depleting its health more rapidly than standard use. Most EVs in Australia are not designed to have two-way power transfer, but that are a range of third-party chargers that can facilitate V2G capabilities.Hyundai Australia's Senior Manager Future Mobility and Government Relations Scott Nargar said third-party V2G set-ups don't allow the car to be in control of the energy transfer.This can lead to overheating and other safety issues, with any damage not eligible for repair under warranty.Hyundai Australia states that none of its vehicles support V2G in Australia."The use of unapproved bidirectional charging equipment introduces safety risks, potential vehicle damage and warranty implications for your vehicle," Hyundai's website said.These set-ups use workarounds to enable V2G that is otherwise prohibited by the car's software.Most brands including BYD, Hyundai, Kia, Tesla and Zeekr warn against the use of unapproved V2G set-ups, with it risking the validity of the warranty.Mitsubishi remains one of few brands to actively support V2G in its Outlander PHEV SUV warranty, but it suggests repeated fast charging will reduce battery capacity.V2G is not as much of a safety issue as it is one of technology moving quicker than the rules, according to Ms Dini. Many brands are laying the groundwork for a full-scale uptake of V2G.“What we’re finding now is that all of the automotive OEMs that we work with are having a really hard look at their warranties," Ms Dini said."They’re having conversations with their stakeholders overseas and looking to reshape the commercial arrangements for selling cars."Brands are also collaborating with energy providers and government agencies in trials that will see the technology become mainstream within the next couple of years. BYD has partnered with Amber Electric and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), while Hyundai, Kia and Zeekr are working with AGL. Developments are expected to be announced within the next few months.
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Mitsubishi’s new ASX revealed
By Tom White · 10 Aug 2026
Mitsubishi has thrown the covers off its long-awaited electric crossover, dubbed the ASX VR-e.The new ASX, built in Taiwan in partnership with electronics giant Foxconn, will continue to be sold alongside the French-built and Renault Captur-based combustion ASX which launched locally late in 2025.The new model’s VR-e name is a reference to the Galant VR-4 from Mitsubishi’s past, said to be earned through the new car’s “sporty performance and responsive handling.”The brand said that it has undergone extensive local testing and tuning by both global and regional teams.Mitsubishi didn’t confirm any technical details on the car at this time, other than it will arrive in four familiar variants, LS, Aspire, Exceed, and GSR.However, specifications for the Foxtron Bria on which it is based can give us an idea of what to expect.Overseas this car is equipped with a single 57.7kWh LFP battery option in either rear- or all-wheel drive layouts. The RWD versions produce 171kW, while the AWD version produces 299kW. The latter can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 3.9 seconds according to Foxtron.Range is 516km for RWD variants or 466km for the AWD variant although this is to the more lenient NEDC measuring standard. All cars can charge at a max rate of 134kW on DC for a roughly 30 minute 10-to-80 per cent charge.On the styling front the car shares largely the same key elements as the Foxtron Bria, but has unique lighting signatures as well as Mitsubishi badgework and wheel designs.Inside is also said to feature unique Mitsubishi touches, while featuring a large central touchscreen and small digital instrument cluster, alongside a floating centre console and other contemporary design motifs.The ASX VR-e will be added to the brand’s local line-up in the fourth quarter of 2026. Expect more detailed local pricing and specifications closer to its launch window.The new EV, Mitsubishi’s first pure electric model since the experimental i-MiEV city car which launched in 2010, will be crucial for the brand in helping it keep on top of potential penalties under Australia’s new vehicle efficiency laws.Its line-up continues to be heavily combustion-weighted, currently consisting largely of the Triton ute and Outlander mid-size SUV.The highly anticipated return of the Pajero nameplate, slated to arrive at a similar time to the ASX VR-e, is expected to be diesel powered at launch although recent news that the company is investing in upgrades for the Thai plant at which it is built suggests electrification may be on the way.
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Japan's new FJ LandCruiser rival incoming
By Jack Quick · 06 Aug 2026
Mitsubishi will soon reveal its new Pajero off-road SUV, but there is a whole family of Pajero models coming.The Japanese carmaker first announced this intention as part of its ‘Mid-Long Term Vision’ presentation in May 2026. All three Pajero models were teased with their boxy, upright silhouettes revealed.Broadening the Pajero nameplate follows a similar ethos to what Toyota is currently doing with the LandCruiser. There is the full-size LandCruiser 300 Series, the iconic LandCruiser 70 Series, the LandCruiser Prado and now the smaller LandCruiser FJ. Even more LandCruisers are planned in the future, including an electric one.Mitsubishi has historically offered many versions of the Pajero to supplement the full-size version.Up until recently it offered the Pajero Sport/Challenger as a Thai-produced SUV counterpart to the Triton ute. There has also been the Pajero Mini kei car, as well as the Pajero Junior and Pajero iO small SUVs.As reported by Nikkei Asia, the second Pajero model will be a mid-size model to rival the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, or possibly the new FJ LandCruiser.Sales are reportedly due to begin in Japan around late 2028 or early 2029. It’s unclear if it will be exported to other countries yet, but mid-size SUVs are incredibly popular in Australia.This mid-size Pajero will reportedly be manufactured in Japan and be built on a dedicated platform, while sharing componentry with the Outlander. It’s unclear if this means it’ll be built on a more rugged ladder-frame or road-going monocoque platform.It will reportedly be differentiated from its rivals by offering electronically controlled four-wheel drive. There will also reportedly be a hybrid powertrain.Tougher exterior styling is expected to differentiate it from the Outlander.Mitsubishi has teased a third Pajero model is in the pipeline and it will reportedly be a compact version that may slot into kei car regulations in Japan.If this is the case, this means the compact Pajero will need to be no longer than 3400mm, no wider than 1480mm and no taller than 2000mm. It must also have an engine no larger than 660cc that can produce up to 47kW.This compact Pajero will reportedly be produced in Japan and be a key rival to the likes of the Suzuki Jimny, among others.It won’t be the first Mitsubishi model to also spawn a kei-car version. The Japanese carmaker currently offers the Delica Mini as a smaller companion to the Delica D:5, plus it historically offered the Pajero Mini from 1994 to 2012.It’s unlikely this compact Pajero will be offered in other markets outside of Japan. Mitsubishi has previously explored introducing kei car-sized vehicles in Australia but found the required engineering work to pass local design and safety regulations would make them too costly.The new, full-size Mitsubishi Pajero is reportedly set to be unveiled on September 2 and will be on sale in Australia before the end of 2026. This comes roughly five years after the previous model was discontinued locally.Unlike previous Pajeros, this new model will be produced in Thailand and adopt its ladder-frame chassis from the Triton ute. This is more like the previous Pajero Sport/Challenger as the Pajero has historically been its own model.It’s expected the new Pajero will share a version of the 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine with the current Triton.However, recent investment in Mitsubishi’s Thai manufacturing facility hinted that a hybrid version of both could be fast-tracked.
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Crucial Pajero off-road details revealed
By Andrew Chesterton · 05 Aug 2026
Mitsubishi has at last confirmed a critical chassis detail for its incoming next-generation Pajero, with the off-road icon readying for its return to take on the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Y63 Nissan Patrol.The brand has revealed the new Pajero will ride on a ute-like ladder-frame chassis – rather than adopt a monocoque platform like its third- and fourth-generation predecessors – seemingly confirming the Triton's chassis as the underpinnings for the reborn icon.In a post to its dedicated Pajero page in Japan, the brand wrote that the model will "lead you to your destination in any environment" courtesy of the "addition of S-AWC to the strong ladder-frame structure".S-AWC is Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control – its name for its AWD system which combines torque vectoring, torque distribution and four-wheel braking. In vehicles like the Outlander PHEV, the system also deploys electric motors at each axle to control the functionality.It is not to be confused with the Triton's Super Select II 4WD system, which will presumably also feature.September 2 firms as the reveal date for the new Pajero, suggesting we're getting very close to the final mysteries being solved.One remaining question is what will be powering it. Given its ute-based chassis the likelihood of Triton power seems likely, meaning it will deploy the same 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, producing around 150kW and 470Nm."In the development of the new Pajero, we aimed to inherit and evolve the (capability) and comfort that successive Pajeros have been about," Takaaki Matsumoto, the new Pajero's Chief Vehicle Engineer, has said about the project."This is the embodiment of Pajero, which developed the 4WD, which was for working cars until now, as an all-round 4WD that anyone can run comfortably on any road. On top of that, we worked together to make a big jump in how to make this Mitsubishi Motors' flagship."Stay tuned as more information comes to light about Mitsubishi's highly anticipated new 4WD.
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