Meet the New Pajero: The Off-Road SUV Most Buyers Should Aim For
The 2027 Pajero SUV is Mitsubishi’s revived ladder-frame, off-road-focused flagship designed to offer serious four-wheel-drive capability, modern powertrains including diesel and hybrid options, and a rugged alternative to mainstream crossovers in the growing midsize SUV market. For most buyers considering a Mitsubishi off-road SUV, this full-size Pajero should be the default choice. Spy shots show a bigger, boxier body-on-chassis design backed by turbocharged diesel performance and a confirmed hybrid powertrain, clearly aimed at go-anywhere use rather than school-run duty alone. It returns after a five-year break to replace the gap left by previous Pajero generations and the Pajero Sport, but this time it is positioned as the flagship off-road vehicle in a broader Pajero lineup. If you want a single SUV that can tow, tour and handle genuine off-road work, the main Pajero is the one to plan for.
Powertrains and Capability: How the Pajero Compares to Established Rivals
Under the bonnet, the 2027 Pajero SUV is expected to use a version of the latest Triton’s 2.4‑litre bi‑turbo four‑cylinder diesel engine, producing 150kW and 470Nm in ute form and paired there with six‑speed transmissions. In the Pajero, this unit is likely tuned for more torque and matched to an eight‑speed automatic and Super‑Select II four‑wheel drive, eclipsing the outputs of the old Pajero Sport and fourth‑generation Pajero and expected to beat their 3000–3100kg towing capacities. This puts it directly against other large off-road SUVs that offer four‑cylinder and V6 turbo‑diesels, with power and torque that land comfortably in the competitive set. A hybrid powertrain has also been confirmed, supported by major investment in electrified vehicles, giving buyers a future option if they want lower fuel use without sacrificing off‑road focus. The ladder‑frame chassis and coil‑sprung rear suspension underline that this is engineered for rough terrain first, not soft‑road comfort.
| Spec | 2027 Pajero SUV* | Previous Pajero Sport | Mk4 Pajero |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine type | 2.4L bi‑turbo diesel (expected) | 2.4L single‑turbo diesel | 3.2L DI‑D diesel four |
| Power | 150kW (in Triton; Pajero tune TBD) | 133kW | 141kW |
| Torque | 470Nm (in Triton; Pajero tune TBD) | 430Nm | 441Nm |
| Drivetrain | Ladder‑frame, 4WD, hybrid confirmed | Body‑on‑frame, 4WD | Unibody with integrated ladder frame, 4WD |
| Towing capacity | Expected to exceed 3100kg | 3100kg | 3000kg |
Pajero Lineup Expansion: Compact and Mid-Size Gateways to Off-Roading
Mitsubishi is not stopping at a single flagship. The 2027 Pajero SUV will be the first member of a broader Pajero lineup, followed by at least two more SUVs wearing the same badge. According to Nikkei Asia, the brand plans a Toyota RAV4‑sized Pajero model around 2028–2029, using components from the current Outlander but riding on a dedicated Mitsubishi‑developed platform to provide more off‑road capability than that passenger‑focused model. A third Pajero SUV is expected around 2030 in compact kei‑class form, potentially reviving the Pajero Mini name and giving Mitsubishi a rival to the cult‑favourite Suzuki Jimny. While this baby Pajero is likely to use car‑like unibody construction, it is still expected to feature all‑wheel drive and high ground clearance so it fits in with the off‑road‑focused Pajero family. Together, these additions create multiple entry points into the Pajero range, from full‑size flagship to compact adventure runabout.
Design and Positioning: Why Pajero Stands Apart from Mainstream Crossovers
Mitsubishi has been clear that the revived Pajero nameplate will spearhead a family of more rugged, off‑road‑focused SUVs set apart from its passenger models. The fifth‑generation Pajero adopts a larger, boxier look, paired with body‑on‑chassis construction instead of the unibody approach used by some older versions, aiming squarely at buyers who want an authentic off‑road SUV rather than a soft crossover. The baby Pajero and RAV4‑sized mid‑range model will follow the same philosophy, gaining all‑wheel drive and higher ground clearance to maintain capability across the lineup. This strategy clearly differentiates the Pajero family from mainstream midsize crossovers like the Outlander, which focus more on everyday comfort than rugged terrain. Within the competitive field of large off‑road SUVs, the Pajero’s heritage, ladder‑frame chassis and planned hybrid options position it as a flagship off-road vehicle that blends classic 4WD traits with newer electrified technology.
Buy if / Skip if
- Buy the 2027 Pajero SUV if you want a ladder-frame Mitsubishi off-road SUV with strong diesel performance and future hybrid availability.
- Skip the 2027 Pajero SUV if you prefer the ride and packaging of a mainstream unibody crossover like the Outlander over off-road focus.
- Buy the mid-size Pajero (RAV4-sized) if you want more off-road capability than a typical midsize crossover while keeping everyday usability.
- Skip the mid-size Pajero (RAV4-sized) if you rarely leave sealed roads and prioritize on-road refinement above rugged design.
- Buy the compact Pajero Mini-style model if you like the idea of a small, high-ground-clearance SUV with all-wheel drive for light off-roading.
- Skip the compact Pajero Mini-style model if you need maximum towing capacity and interior space rather than a nimble adventure SUV.
