The First New Pajero in Seven Years

After seven long years, Mitsubishi has released a new Pajero. They revealed the new fifth-generation Pajero yesterday, September 2nd, 2026. I have mixed feelings about it. I would have loved to see them bring back the third-generation design, pictured. I am biased though, as it is the only one I have driven and it is a beauty to drive. 

The timing of the Pajero's long awaited return couldn’t be more symbolic. Japan is in a period where people are spending cautiously, choosing familiar, reliable things over big leaps or flashy upgrades. In a climate where consumers hesitate to invest in something new, the Pajero’s comeback taps into a deeper emotional trend. It offers the reassurance of a name people already trust.

It will be interesting to see how the public reacts to it and how well it sells. Personally, I’m not a fan of the long bonnet on the new version, and I think it looks too much like a Range Rover. It’s lost the distinctive “Pajero” look that earlier models had.