The Mitsubishi Pajero Is Back – All-New Pajero Revealed for 2026

It’s official – the Mitsubishi Pajero is coming back.

Mitsubishi Motors has confirmed that its all-new cross-country SUV will carry the Pajero name, marking the return of one of the company’s most recognisable vehicles. The new Pajero is scheduled to make its world premiere in 2026, five years after the model was discontinued in overseas markets.

For Mitsubishi enthusiasts in Christchurch and throughout Canterbury, it’s exciting news. The Pajero has a long history as a serious four-wheel-drive vehicle, and the next generation is being developed as a new flagship for Mitsubishi Motors.

The Return of a Mitsubishi Icon

The Pajero story began in 1982, when Mitsubishi introduced a vehicle designed to combine genuine four-wheel-drive capability with the comfort and practicality of a passenger vehicle.

That formula proved incredibly successful.

Across four generations, more than 3.25 million Pajeros were sold in over 170 countries and regions around the world.

For many New Zealand drivers, the Pajero name will already be very familiar. Over its long history, it established a reputation as a capable family 4WD that was equally comfortable tackling everyday driving, long-distance touring and trips away from sealed roads.

Now Mitsubishi is preparing to start the next chapter.

Built on the Triton’s Ladder Frame

One of the most interesting details Mitsubishi has revealed is what’s underneath the new Pajero.

The all-new Pajero will be based on the highly robust ladder frame used by the latest-generation Mitsubishi Triton.

Rather than simply adapting the Triton into an SUV, Mitsubishi is undertaking model-specific development of the Pajero’s cabin along with its front and rear suspension.

The goal is to retain the serious off-road capability associated with the Pajero name while delivering the refined and comfortable ride expected from a modern flagship SUV.

For Canterbury drivers, that combination could make the new Pajero particularly interesting. From daily driving around Christchurch to towing, ski trips, rural roads and weekends exploring the South Island, the Pajero has traditionally been at home when the journey extends beyond the city.

A Serious Off-Road Heritage

There aren’t many SUV names with a motorsport history quite like Pajero.

Mitsubishi first entered the Pajero in the Dakar Rally in 1983. It went on to secure 12 victories in the famously demanding event, including seven consecutive wins.

That competition history helped Mitsubishi develop and prove the Pajero’s four-wheel-drive performance, handling and durability under some extraordinarily difficult conditions.

It’s a heritage that gives Mitsubishi plenty to live up to with the new model.

Where Will the New Pajero Sit in the Mitsubishi Range?

Mitsubishi describes the all-new Pajero as a new flagship model.

Its Triton-based ladder-frame construction also tells us that Mitsubishi is positioning the Pajero as a genuine cross-country SUV rather than simply reviving the name for another road-focused SUV.

Importantly, the new Pajero is a separate vehicle from the Pajero Sport currently offered in New Zealand.

More information about the new Pajero’s powertrain, four-wheel-drive system, interior, technology, safety equipment and model specifications will be revealed as Mitsubishi gets closer to the vehicle’s official unveiling.

When Will the New Mitsubishi Pajero Arrive in New Zealand?

For now, Mitsubishi has confirmed the all-new Pajero will make its world premiere in 2026.

New Zealand specifications, pricing and local availability have not yet been announced.

We’ll be following the new Pajero closely at Christchurch Mitsubishi and will share more information with our Christchurch and Canterbury customers as Mitsubishi reveals further details.

If the new Pajero does join the New Zealand Mitsubishi range, we’re sure there will be plenty of Canterbury drivers keen to see what the next generation of this legendary 4WD can do.

Keep an eye on Christchurch Mitsubishi for the latest news and updates on the all-new Mitsubishi Pajero.