The new Mitsubishi Pajero is just weeks away from arriving in Australian showrooms, and now the Japanese brand has revealed how local engineers have spent almost five years ensuring its flagship SUV is ready for Australian conditions.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia’s accessories engineering team began working with the company’s Japanese headquarters in early 2022, helping shape the new Pajero’s design to accommodate equipment commonly fitted by Australian owners. Rather than developing accessories after the vehicle was completed, the Aussie team worked alongside Mitsubishi’s global engineers during the vehicle’s development.

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The work was led by Mitsubishi Australia’s Engineering Manager of Accessory Development, Steve Pearson.

“Australians ask a lot of their four-wheel drives. They tow caravans, travel off-road and cover enormous distances, so our accessories must be more than cosmetic additions,” Pearson said. “They need to be engineered as part of the vehicle experience.”

According to Mitsubishi, one of the biggest achievements is the development of Australian-made steel front protection bars, available in both hooped and hoopless configurations. Mitsubishi says the bars have been engineered to retain the Pajero’s full suite of driver assistance systems.

The Australian team also worked with Japanese engineers to modify and reinforce sections of the vehicle’s frame to accommodate its towing equipment. This includes a genuine weight distribution hitch, while the towbar has been designed to support the various off-road couplings commonly used by Australian caravanners.

“The tow bar might not be the most glamorous accessory, but from an engineering perspective it is something we are incredibly proud of,” Pearson said.

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In total, 20 locally-developed accessories will be available when the new Pajero launches in December, allowing customers to have their vehicles fitted out through Mitsubishi dealerships.

These include roof racks, a snorkel, underbody protection, side protection bars, driving lights, a winch cradle and various bonnet and headlight protectors. Several components will also be manufactured in Australia, including the front protection bars, driving lamps, winch cradle and weight distribution hitch.

The new Pajero is scheduled to arrive in Australian showrooms in December 2026, with the locally developed accessories available alongside a broader range of genuine Mitsubishi equipment.