New Mitsubishi Pajero Could Launch in Late 2026: Spy Photos of Prototype and Unofficial Renders Surface

The first rumors that Mitsubishi was working on a new Pajero began circulating several years ago. At the time, the SUV’s debut was expected closer to 2028. However, according to fresh speculation coming out of Japan, the launch timeline may move faster than previously thought.

Some media outlets now claim that the debut schedule has already been set in Japan, with the new model reportedly slated for a December 2026 reveal. Production of the SUV is expected to take place at a Toyota-operated plant in Thailand, from where the new Pajero would be exported to global markets.

So far, there are no officially confirmed details about the project. Earlier rumors suggested that the revived Pajero could essentially be the same vehicle as the successor to the Pajero Sport.

Depending on the market, Mitsubishi is expected to use different nameplates, but the vehicle itself would remain the same across regions.

About a year ago, Japanese journalists also reported that the new Pajero might be built on a crossover platform. Even then, that idea raised eyebrows, given the legendary status of the Pajero name and its long association with serious off-road capability.

A more logical approach would be an SUV based on the body-on-frame architecture of the L200/Triton pickup. The new model is expected to feature a boxy exterior, a rugged interior design, and a 2.4-liter twin-turbo diesel engine under the hood. It would also come equipped with Mitsubishi’s Super Select all-wheel-drive system—most likely the same 4WD setup used in the current L200/Triton.