MITSUBISHI Motors Corp. has unveiled the all-new Pajero cross-country sport utility vehicle (SUV), marking the return of one of its flagship models to the global market after five years.

The Japanese automaker said in a statement on Wednesday that the new Pajero will first be launched in Thailand, followed by Japan and Australia during fiscal 2026.

From fiscal 2027, Mitsubishi plans to introduce the model in about 100 countries worldwide, including markets in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.

The overseas Pajero was discontinued in 2021. The model was first introduced in 1982 and has since become one of Mitsubishi’s most recognizable nameplates.

“Under our mid- to long-term vision for the 2030s, we aim to enhance customer satisfaction and corporate value by developing distinctive products and strengthening our brand, while further reinforcing what makes Mitsubishi Motors unique,” Mitsubishi Motors President and Chief Operating Officer Keisuke Kishiura said.

“The all-new Pajero is the first model to bring this vision to life,” he added.

Mitsubishi said the all-new Pajero retains the model’s off-road capability while adding more premium and technology-driven features, underscoring how the company is positioning a familiar nameplate for markets where rugged SUVs continue to compete alongside more comfort-focused models.

It is equipped with Mitsubishi’s Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC), which integrates acceleration, cornering, and braking control, as well as Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II), which is designed to balance off-road capability with ease of use in everyday driving.

The vehicle uses a durable ladder frame and a tuned suspension system designed to maintain tire contact with the road.

Inside, the Pajero features two 14.3-inch displays, including a Multi Meter display that provides driving information such as altitude, compass heading, temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles, and active yaw control status.

The Multi Meter offers 16 background themes that change in real time.

The SUV is also equipped with a Smartphone-link Display Audio system that supports wireless smartphone connectivity for mapping, music, and other compatible applications.

Mitsubishi said the all-new Pajero offers a refined cabin while retaining dimensions intended to make the vehicle easy to maneuver.

Exterior color options include Armor Copper Metallic and Phantom Blue Metallic, while the interior is available in Camel.

First introduced in 1982, the Pajero became one of the models that drove Japan’s recreational vehicle boom in the 1990s.

Cumulative production across four generations has exceeded 3.29 million units, with the model reaching more than 170 countries and regions worldwide. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz