An Icon Returns: The All-New Mitsubishi Pajero Is Officially Happening

After five years of silence, one of the most recognisable names in off-road history is back. On May 29, 2026, Mitsubishi Motors officially confirmed that its upcoming flagship SUV will carry the Pajero nameplate, with a world premiere scheduled for autumn 2026. For a generation of drivers who grew up watching the Pajero conquer the Dakar Rally and dominate the roads of the Middle East, this is a significant moment.

The Announcement

Mitsubishi's Tokyo press release was direct and unambiguous. The all-new Pajero will debut as a cross-country SUV - their words - and will serve as the brand's flagship model globally. It has been absent from international markets since 2021, when Mitsubishi quietly discontinued the fourth generation after nearly four decades of continuous production. This is its first return to the global stage since then.

What We Know About the New Pajero

The new Pajero is built on the ladder frame that underpins the Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck, though Mitsubishi has been clear that both the cabin and suspension have been developed specifically for this model. It is not simply a Triton with a different body. The front-end design has already been teased in a shadowy but telling image, revealing bold T-shaped headlights with vertical and horizontal lighting elements stretching across the fascia, a strong, assertive look that signals intent.

Production is expected to be based primarily in Thailand, which points strongly toward diesel engine availability for Southeast Asia and Oceania. Petrol and hybrid variants are also anticipated for other regions, including the Middle East, where the Pajero has historically been one of the most trusted names in the segment. The Super Select 4WD-II system and a terrain management setup, both proven in the Triton, are expected to carry over, along with a full suite of advanced driver assistance technology.

The Legacy Behind the Name

The Pajero first launched in 1982 and went on to sell over 3.25 million units across more than 170 countries through four generations. Its motorsport record is extraordinary. Competing at the Dakar Rally from 1983 onwards, the Pajero secured 12 victories in total, including seven consecutive wins, a record that cemented its reputation as the definitive cross-country competition machine. In Japan, the Pajero single-handedly led the recreational vehicle boom of the 1990s, inspiring an entire sub-family of models including the Pajero Mini, Pajero Junior, and Pajero iO.

Montero, the Middle East, and What Comes Next

Perhaps the most interesting detail in Mitsubishi's announcement is the confirmation of the Montero name alongside Pajero. Sold as the Montero in certain markets, including the United States, it has historically reappeared in official communications, suggesting this will be a genuinely global vehicle. Mitsubishi filed a Montero trademark in the United States in 2024, keeping alive the possibility of a North American return for the first time since 2006.

Beyond the flagship model, Mitsubishi has confirmed that Pajero will become a series rather than a single vehicle, with at least two additional models planned. This sits within a broader product roadmap targeting 13 new models by March 2032, with five hybrids and five fully electric vehicles in the mix.

For the UAE market and the wider GCC region, where the Pajero built its most loyal following, this revival could not come at a better time.