It’s been more than five years since the Mitsubishi Pajero was last in production, but after a long teaser program, the latest version will finally debut on September 2. Better still for Pajero fans, the new model is also confirmed for Australian showrooms before the end of the year, which is remarkably quick.

Likely to be based on the same platform as the Triton, the Pajero will replace the former Pajero Sport in the local Mitsubishi lineup. It’s predicted to share many of its mechanicals with the Triton, including its 150kW/470Nm 2.4-litre twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine. However, we’re expecting the Pajero to eschew the Triton’s leaf spring rear suspension for a more sophisticated multi-link set-up for greater on-road comfort and more car-like driving dynamics.

Mitsubishi has already confirmed that the new Pajero will feature its ‘Super All Wheel Control’ (S-AWC) four-wheel drive system, likely giving it excellent off-road credentials – better than the Pajero Sport and its less sophisticated ‘Super Select II’ four-wheel drive system.

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The Pajero Sport used an eight-speed automatic transmission locally, while the Triton features a six-speed auto ‘box instead. It remains to be seen what transmission the Pajero will use.

Both five- and seven-seat variants of the fifth-generation Pajero range will be offered locally. According to Australian Government homologation data, four model grades will be offered: the entry-level GLX, mid-spec GLS and Exceed and top-spec GSR, all expected to be produced at the same Thai factory as the Triton.

Overseas reports suggest that either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid drivetrain will join the Pajero range at some stage in its life cycle as emissions standards tighten globally. Competition for the Pajero will include the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X, both of which don’t offer electrification as yet.

The new Pajero will give its maker a much needed shot in the arm at a time when its local sales are down by 27.6 per cent compared to this period in 2025, which is one of the biggest decreases in the entire new-car market.