The automotive world was left with a distinct void when Mitsubishi retired the iconic fourth-generation Pajero (V80/V90). For decades, the Pajero nameplate defined rugged capability, rally-raid dominance at the Dakar Rally, and unmatched dependability across tough terrains.

The legendary flagship 4×4 is making a grand comeback. Slated as a 2027 model year vehicle following its anticipated late-year reveal, the fifth-generation Pajero trades nostalgic monocoques for a heavy-duty, modern ladder-frame architecture, potent bi-turbo diesel power, and future-proof electrified drivetrains.

1. Spy Shots & Sightings: What Has Been Spotted?

Test mules of the next-generation Pajero have been spotted testing in several regions, most notably on roads in Thailand, as well as during cold-weather and high-altitude tests.

• Boxy, Upright Proportions: Prototypes feature a muscular silhouette with a high bonnet line, upright greenhouse, flared wheel arches, and short front/rear overhangs for generous approach and departure angles.
• Next-Gen ‘Dynamic Shield’ Face: Despite heavy camouflage, the front fascia reveals a bold rendition of Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield grille with split T-shaped LED headlights, echoing the design language of the latest Triton and Outlander.
• Benchmarking Against Rivals:Sighted test convoys in Thailand included benchmarks like the Ford Ranger/Everest platform, underscoring Mitsubishi’s target of matching the segment leaders in highway refinement and off-road capability.

2. Platform & Mechanicals: A Tough Ladder Frame with S-AWC

Unlike the monocoque architecture of the 3rd- and 4th-generation Pajeros, the 2027 model returns to a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis shared with the sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton.

A Major Engineering Upgrade: While the Triton pick-up uses rear leaf springs for payload management, the new Pajero adopts a multi-link coil-sprung rear suspension, drastically improving ride comfort, body control, and rear-passenger comfort.

Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) Goes Frame-Based

Mitsubishi has confirmed that the new Pajero will pair its robust body-on-frame platform with its renowned Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC) system. Integrating Active Yaw Control (AYC) (brake-vectoring traction control) with the proven Super Select 4WD-II transfer case, the Pajero will offer:

• Full-time 4WD capability on tarmac (4H mode)
• Center differential lock (4HLc) and low-range crawling gear (4LLc)
• Terrain-specific drive modes (Gravel, Mud, Snow, Sand, Rock)

3. Expected Powertrain & Performance

+-------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Powertrain        | 2.4-Litre 4N16 Bi-Turbo 4-Cylinder Diesel   |
+-------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Output / Torque   | ~204 PS (150 kW) / 470 Nm                   |
+-------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Transmission      | 8-Speed Automatic                           |
+-------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Drivetrain        | Super Select 4WD-II with S-AWC              |
+-------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Towing Capacity   | ~3,500 kg (Braked)                          |
+-------------------+---------------------------------------------+
| Future Electrified| Hybrid (HEV) / Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) (~285kW) |
+-------------------+---------------------------------------------+

Diesel First

At launch, the 2027 Pajero is slated to employ the upgraded 2.4-litre 4N16 bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine.Tuned specifically for SUV duties, it puts out an estimated 204 PS (150 kW) and 470 Nm of peak torque, paired with an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.

The PHEV Horizon

Mitsubishi has allocated substantial investment into Thai manufacturing facilities to produce electrified ladder-frame vehicles.A dedicated Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) or Hybrid (HEV) powertrain is confirmed to follow the initial diesel rollout, anticipated to deliver an electric-only range of up to 100 km and over 285 kW in combined power output.

4. Interior, Tech, and Safety

The interior bridges rugged utility with family-oriented luxury:

• Modernized Triple Gauge ‘Multi-Meter’:An updated digital nod to the classic Pajero’s dashboard compass, altimeter, and inclinometer display.
• 7-Seater Packaging: Three-row seating configuration with fold-flat rearmost seats and dedicated AC ventilation across all rows.
• Technology Hub: A 9-to-12.3-inch touchscreen supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a customizable full-digital instrument cluster, and a 360-degree multi-around monitor with off-road ‘transparent underfloor’ view.
• ADAS Safety: Mitsubishi’s e-Assist / Diamond Sense suite, including adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and autonomous emergency braking.

5. Expected Pricing

Manufactured alongside the Triton in Laem Chabang, Thailand, the 2027 Pajero benefits from ASEAN trade agreements (AFTA), helping mitigate import duty costs across the region.

• Global / Regional Baseline: Starting in the equivalent range of AUD $60,000 – $75,000 for mid-to-high spec diesel variants.
• Projected Malaysian Pricing: If brought into Malaysia via CBU from Thailand, expect the 2027 Pajero to be positioned as an upscale 7-seater SUV:
  • Base / Standard Diesel 4×4: ~RM 240,000
  • Flagship Diesel S-AWC: ~RM 270,000 – RM 295,000
  • Future Flagship PHEV (if launched): ~RM 320,000+

6. Rivals in the Malaysian Arena

If Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) launches the 2027 Pajero, it will land in a competitive market divided between traditional ladder-frame utility SUVs and modern boxy lifestyle off-roaders.

Competitor	Platform & Drivetrain	Strengths	Est. Price Range (MYR)
Mitsubishi Pajero (2027)	Ladder-frame, 2.4L Bi-Turbo Diesel / S-AWC	Rally pedigree, S-AWC traction, boxy styling, coil suspension	~RM 240k – RM 295k (est.)
Ford Everest	Ladder-frame, 2.0L Bi-Turbo / V6 Diesel	Class-leading cabin tech, 10-speed AT, premium driving dynamics	RM 263,000 – RM 310,000
Toyota Fortuner	Ladder-frame, 2.8L / 2.4L Turbo Diesel	Unbeatable resale value, proven durability, wide service network	RM 195,000 – RM 237,000
Isuzu MU-X	Ladder-frame, 1.9L / 3.0L Turbo Diesel	Workhorse dependability, fuel economy	RM 180,000 – RM 220,000
GWM Tank 300 / 500	Ladder-frame, 2.0T Petrol / Hybrid	Luxury-retro interior, high standard equipment, heavy off-road hardware	RM 250,000 – RM 330,000
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (LC250)	TNGA-F Ladder-frame, 2.4T / 2.8D	Premium benchmark status, heritage, off-road supremacy	RM 450,000+ (Parallel/Recon)

Final Outlook

The 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero represents a strategic shift for the Japanese brand. By combining the rugged chassis and durability of the latest Triton platform with the road-holding intelligence of S-AWC and a refined coil-sprung rear suspension, Mitsubishi aims to offer a vehicle that can conquer rough off-road terrain without punishing passengers on daily commutes.

For Malaysia and Southeast Asia, where rugged 7-seaters remain practical family touring options, the rebirth of the Pajero brings genuine heritage back to the SUV arena.