2027 Mitsubishi Pajero prices: Born-again large off-road SUV won’t come cheap

The 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero made its world debut in Tokyo, Japan yesterday, and today Mitsubishi Australia has announced local pricing and specifications for its all-new flagship SUV ahead of first customer deliveries Down Under in December.

With a starting price of $68,490 before on-road costs, the all-new large off-road SUV – which is not only a belated successor for the fourth-generation Pajero discontinued in 2021, but also replaces the Pajero Sport axed in 2025 – is more expensive than all but one of its most direct competitors.

The Japanese-built Toyota Prado is still dearer with a starting price of $73,200 before on-road costs, but the new Pajero is significantly more expensive than the ute-based, Thai-made Isuzu MU-X (from $49,900 plus ORCs) and Ford Everest, Australia’s most popular large SUV priced from $58,990 plus ORCs.

While the new 3.0-litre diesel-powered GWM Tank 500 is also cheaper with a $65,990 drive-away starting price, the reborn Pajero is almost $17,000 pricier at base level than the old Pajero Sport (from $51,540), stock of which remains available in Australia, and $13,500 more expensive than the previous-generation Pajero GLX Final Edition last sold in 2021 at $54,990 plus ORCs.

Built in Thailand alongside the Triton on which it’s based, the first Pajero to be available for five years will share its body-on-frame construction and turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine with the sixth-generation Triton ute launched in early 2024.

Indeed, the new Pajero – which Mitsubishi Australia says has already attracted more than 3000 pre-registrations – will be the first in two generations to be based on a ladder-frame chassis, after the third-generation model switched to a unibody (monocoque) design with an integrated ladder frame for increased torsional rigidity.

That has led some to suggest it’s more appropriately described as a replacement for the Pajero Sport – which was based on and built alongside the previous Triton in Thailand, much as the Ford Everest and the related Ranger are – rather than the fifth generation of a model that has always been produced in Japan, at least for Australia.

Mitsubishi says the ladder frame has been “significantly enhanced” to offer “the robust capability of traditional frame-based off-road vehicles with modern refinement levels, ensuring a quiet, comfortable occupant experience”.

It claims the new frame is “significantly stiffer” than the outgoing Pajero Sport’s and supported by long-travel suspension with wider tracks, high-response shock absorbers and stabiliser bars, and electric power steering.

Front suspension is via wishbones and coils and, like the Pajero Sport, the Pajero swaps out the Triton’s leaf-sprung rear suspension for a five-link ‘torque arm’ live rear axle with coil springs.

Compared to the Triton's ladder frame, the Pajero's heavily modified chassis has thicker side members, additional cross-bracing, and a wheelbase measuring 2870mm – 260mm shorter than that of Mitsubishi's ute.

There are rear disc brakes instead of drums, a slightly tighter turning circle, and a higher 'eye-point', to aid outward visibility, plus a redesigned front door structure and more upright A-pillars.

The result is an SUV that's roughly 100mm longer, wider, and taller than the old Pajero Sport, and maintains its seven-seat capacity across three rows.

Braked towing capacity is 3500kg, bettering the Pajero Sport by 400kg and the old Pajero by 500kg (and matching the Triton and its direct rivals), while Trailer Load Assist (TLA) is said to detect sway and actively adjust power and braking to each individual wheel to maximise stability while towing.

Mitsubishi lists a static roof-load capacity of 300kg (dynamic: 100kg), allowing fitment of popular accessories such as roof racks.

It also says that because Australia is “one of the key global Pajero markets”, its local accessories engineering team has been “deeply involved” in accessories design and development, and that a comprehensive outline of genuine accessories will be provided before launch.

While a hybrid powertrain has been confirmed for release by 2030, the new Pajero will arrive with a “new-generation” version of the Triton’s twin-turbocharged 2.4-litre 4N16 four-cylinder diesel engine, albeit with only a single turbocharger. It develops the same 150kW of power but has an extra 10Nm of torque at 480Nm.

These outputs eclipse those of both the single-turbo diesel Pajero Sport (133kW and 430Nm), and the Mk4 Pajero’s 3.2-litre DI-D diesel four (141kW/441Nm).

And in terms of its large off-road SUV competitors, the Everest is available with 125kW/405Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder and 184kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel engines, the Prado comes with a 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, and the MU-X can be had with 120kW/400Nm 2.2-litre and 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre four-cylinder engines.

Claimed to deliver more refinement, drivability, response and efficiency, it now meets Euro 6d emissions standards – a first for a Mitsubishi engine – thanks to a water-cooled intercooler, dual-loop EGR system and the adoption of AdBlue, and an electric fan cooling system.

Fuel consumption figures are yet to be announced, but a fuel-saving automatic idle-stop system is claimed to improve efficiency in stop-start driving, while a “latest-generation variable-geometry turbocharger” is said to increase mid-range torque and response “right where the bulk of driving is conducted”.

While the Triton has a six-speed automatic transmission, the new Pajero adopts an “enhanced, lighter-weight” version of the old Pajero Sport’s eight-speed unit with a wider ratio spread “to support impressive response and reduced fuel use”.

All model variants will come standard with a low-range transfer case, rear differential lock, Mitsubishi’s tried-and-proven Super Select II switchable 4WD system with 2H (rear-wheel drive, high ratio), 4H (four-wheel drive, high ratio), 4HLc (4WD, high ratio, locked centre diff) and 4LLc (4WD, low range, locked centre diff) drivetrain settings, plus Super-All Wheel Control with Active Yaw Control and seven drive modes – Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.

No vehicle dimensions have been announced for Australia, but fuel capacity is 80L and AdBlue capacity is 17L.

Three trim levels will be available from launch, each borrowing its name from the Pajero Sport (with the exception of GLX, leaving the door open to a cheaper variant later on), and each bringing an uptick in technology, safety and equipment compared to both the old Pajero and Pajero Sport, led by a digital recreation of the iconic triple analogue ‘Multi Meter’ instruments seen in previous generations of the Pajero.

The entry-level five-seat Pajero GLS is priced at $68,490 plus ORCs, with a third row of seats costing an extra $1500 and bringing the price to $69,990 plus ORCs, while both the mid-range Exceed ($79,990 plus ORCs) and sportier GSR flagship ($84,990 plus ORCs) come standard with seven seats.

A full list of standard equipment can be found in our 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero price and specs article.

Mitsubishi says the new Pajero was designed in Japan under the ‘Grand Charisma’ design theme, and “styled from the outset to showcase premium craftsmanship and superior quality befitting its status as Mitsubishi’s global flagship”, while its “spacious, flexible and luxurious cabin offers [a] commanding driving position with modern, clear interfaces for intuitive operation".

Key features of the exterior design, which was “inspired by the original Pajero’s solidity” but is “thoroughly modern while retaining a commanding presence of its own”, include a T-shaped lighting signature up front, a C-pillar aping the original Pajero’s ‘roll-bar’, a pronounced centre bonnet edge, and a Dynamic Flow Light for the GSR, which illuminates on entry/exit.

All exterior lighting is LED and, inside, the horizontal dashboard design aims to create a sense of width and a focus on Japanese craftsmanship and fine detail delivers “an opulent occupant experience”, accessed via a new proximity key fob.

Entry-level GLS grades come standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen adjoining a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, while Exceed and GSR variants upgrade to larger 14.3-inch units. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range, along with Mitsubishi Connect providing a range of services including Automatic Collision Notification and Remote Climate Control.

The cabin features USB-C ports with up to 27W of charging capacity, a 15W wireless phone charger up front, and a meter display that harks back to the original Pajero with a specific off-road mode preset to display an altimeter, and inclinometers showing pitch and roll, with other functions including a compass, AYC status and world clock also available.

Mitsubishi claims class-leading headroom in a rally-inspired interior featuring seats with a wide range of adjustment (including powered lumbar as standard) and “exceptional” side bolstering to reduce fatigue.

The second row slides over a 150mm range to provide adjustable legroom and improved access to the third row, which offers “maximised head and shoulder room”, while cargo capacity behind the latter is listed at 519L (VDA), plus another 10L in a cargo box under the boot floor. A power tailgate is standard across the range.

While the base GLS gets waterproof black fabric seat trim, there’s leather upholstery featuring “intricate stitch-work with hand-stitching applied to the instrument panel and door trims” in the other two variants, with the GSR adding a large panoramic sunroof.

All variants score a heated steering wheel with paddle shifters, an electric park brake with brake auto-hold, proximity entry with push-button start, and rain-sensing wipers.

The Exceed adds heated and power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats and a refrigerated console box, and swaps the GLS' 18-inch alloy wheels for larger 20-inch alloys.

The range-topping GSR features black 20-inch alloy wheels and other black exterior accents. Additional standard equipment includes Adaptive Driving Beam for the LED headlights, plus a digital rear-view mirror, and ventilated front seats. There's also memory for the front seats, exterior mirrors, and steering wheel.

The Exceed and GSR also get a 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system with 11-channel Dual Amplifier and Digital Signal Processor, which compensates for vehicle speed, rain and even air-conditioning to deliver “a crystal-clear audio experience”.

All Pajeros will come standard with dual front and front-side airbags, plus a front centre airbag and a driver's knee airbag. There's also curtain airbag coverage for the first and second rows, plus the third row in seven-seater variants.

Standard active safety and driver assist technology includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, reverse AEB, blind-spot monitoring, child presence detection, driver attention monitoring, traffic sign recognition, tyre pressure monitoring, and front and rear cross-traffic alert.

There's also MiPilot, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane-keep assist, plus Mitsubishi's Multi Around View Monitor 360-degree camera system with a see-through bonnet mode, and front and rear parking sensors.

Other safety technology includes an emergency call system and Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication (EAPM).

A range of solid, metallic and pearlescent exterior paints are available, in addition to two prestige colours debuting on the Pajero (Armour Copper and Phantom Blue), alongside Armour Copper and Black Diamond (Exceed and GSR only), while Phantom Blue can be had with all grades.

White is the only standard solid colour and optional paint prices are yet to be announced. Uniquely, the GSR features a black roof to create a two-tone look when paired with a non-black primary colour.

While the base GLS comes with black fabric seat trim with grey stitching, the Exceed gets black leather with beige stitching, and the GSR offers two-tone black and Camel leather with Camel stitching.

Service pricing is yet to be announced but, as with all Mitsubishi models in Australia, the Pajero will be backed by a conditional 10-year/200,000km warranty, 10-year capped-price servicing and 10-year roadside assistance plan. If you’re a commercial buyer or you don’t service with Mitsubishi, you receive the Japanese brand’s standard five-year/100,000km warranty.

Known as Montero in North America, Spain and Latin America, and the Shogun in the UK, the Mitsubishi Pajero generated more than 3.3 million sales globally over four generations and 40 years following its launch in 1981.

“For four generations, the Pajero has defined Mitsubishi. It has stood out for its capability, comfort and sheer dependability, showcasing the best Mitsubishi has to offer,” said MMAL CEO Shunichi Kihara.

“The All-New Pajero takes the Pajero backstory and modernises it. It maintains its flagship position in the global Mitsubishi hierarchy, combining Pajero’s core attributes and applying it in a way that defines modern ‘Mitsubishiness’.”

Pricing

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