After years of speculation and anticipation,Mitsubishi has finally delivered exciting news for fans of “The Legend.” At this month’s Tokyo Auto Salon, company president Takao Kato confirmed that “a new, true off-road SUV will be launched in 2026.”
While the official name has yet to be announced, teaser images and carefully placed hints have led automotive media worldwide to a near-unanimous conclusion: the legendary Mitsubishi Pajero is set to make its long-awaited return, aiming to challenge the currently dominant Toyota Land Cruiser 250 (Prado) and reclaim its place at the top of the off-road hierarchy.
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Earlier rumors suggested that the new Pajero might be based on a Nissan-derived platform, possibly sharing underpinnings with the Nissan Patrol. However, according to a recent report from respected Japanese outlet BestCar, Mitsubishi has chosen a different path. The project will reportedly be developed entirely in-house and is expected to share its platform with the all-new Mitsubishi Triton pickup—confirming a rugged body-on-frame construction designed for serious off-road use.
Design-wise, the new SUV is expected to adopt a bold, boxy silhouette that emphasizes strength and modernity, as hinted in a previously released Ralliart concept video. With the Triton as its foundation, many key mechanical components are also likely to be shared, placing the Pajero on equal footing with its toughest rivals.
Powertrain expectations point toward a 2.4-liter twin-turbo diesel engine (4N16), producing an estimated 201 horsepower and 470 Nm of torque. There is also strong speculation that Mitsubishi could introduce a plug-in hybrid variant, potentially based on the Outlander PHEV system. This setup—combining a 2.4-liter gasoline engine with dual electric motors—would likely be retuned for higher output to better suit the Pajero’s size and weight.
In terms of pricing, Japanese media estimate a domestic price range of approximately 5.5 to 7.5 million yen, positioning it slightly below the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 in the local market.
If these reports hold true, the return of the Pajero in 2026 could be a pivotal moment for the off-road SUV segment, reigniting competition after years of Toyota dominance. For devoted Pajero fans, it may be time to start saving—because the legend appears ready to rise again. The only remaining question is exactly when it will arrive.
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