Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited has confirmed the Pajero nameplate is due to return to Australia before the end of 2026.

Speaking with CarSauce at the launch of the Mitsubishi Triton Raider, Mitsubishi Australia representatives said the company expects to confirm more detail shortly, but indicated the new Pajero is planned to arrive before Christmas 2026.

The local timing aligns with a global announcement out of Tokyo from Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, which officially locked in the "Pajero" moniker for the all-new cross-country SUV. The brand confirmed a world premiere is scheduled for autumn 2026, marking the legendary model's return to the global stage five years after it was discontinued in overseas markets in 2021.

Images: BestCarWeb Japan

The returning Pajero is set to become Mitsubishi’s flagship SUV in Australia, effectively filling the role left by the Pajero Sport.

CarSauce previously covered the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport production ending in early 2025, which covered the end of the previous ladder-frame SUV’s production for the local market amid updated Australian Design Rule requirements.

Mitsubishi Australia said development vehicles have already been in the country for local evaluation.

Testing has included work around advanced driver assistance systems, connected vehicle functions and Australian road and outback conditions.

The company also indicated the vehicle uses Triton-based underpinnings, aligning it with Mitsubishi’s latest ute platform rather than the old standalone Pajero formula.

Global data confirms that while the new flagship relies on the Triton's robust ladder frame, it will feature model-specific development for its cabin, along with entirely custom front and rear suspension setups designed to strike a balance between rugged off-road capability and passenger-car comfort.

That would position the new Pajero against a broad group of body-on-frame and off-road-oriented SUVs, including the 2026 Toyota LandCruiser, 2027 Nissan Patrol and 2026 Toyota LandCruiser Prado.

Other potential rivals include the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Denza B5 and GWM Tank 500.

Mitsubishi has not yet released local pricing, engine details or full specifications for the returning Pajero.

The current Triton uses a 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine, but Mitsubishi Australia did not confirm whether that engine will be used in the new Pajero.

Ralliart and Raider-style variants possible

Mitsubishi Australia is also looking at how its new local second-stage manufacturing strategy could apply beyond the Triton Raider.

The Raider was developed with Premcar in Victoria and is covered separately in 2026 Mitsubishi Triton Raider Priced From $74,990: How It Compares with the Ranger and HiLux.

Mitsubishi Australia said the Raider program has opened the door to further locally enhanced vehicles, although it has not confirmed the Pajero as the next model to receive that treatment.

The company said the Raider name could potentially be used on other Mitsubishi nameplates, but the broader opportunity is the use of Australian second-stage engineering and manufacturing for specific local-market variants.

When asked whether a Pajero could be given similar treatment, Mitsubishi Australia indicated that it could be possible.

A Ralliart-branded Pajero was also discussed, with Mitsubishi Australia saying it still has aspirations to bring the Ralliart brand back locally.

The company said it considered the Ralliart name for the Triton Raider but decided that vehicle needed more unique appearance items to justify the badge.

For Pajero, Mitsubishi Australia sees a clearer historical link due to the nameplate’s association with Dakar competition and Mitsubishi’s broader rally heritage.

However, no Pajero Ralliart has been approved for Australia at this stage.

Mitsubishi Australia also did not confirm any revival of the Pajero Evolution badge, despite the original Pajero Evolution’s history as a late-1990s homologation model.

The current position is that Ralliart remains the more likely performance or off-road sub-brand under consideration, while Evolution remains unconfirmed.

Powertrain plans remain open beyond the initial launch phase.

Mitsubishi Australia said it is studying hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric options across its future model portfolio, including vehicle types such as large SUVs.

For the new Pajero, electrified options are possible later, but the company indicated they are unlikely at launch.

That position differs from earlier reports suggesting plug-in hybrid technology could be central to the returning Pajero from the outset.

Mitsubishi Australia’s latest comments suggest electrification is being assessed, rather than locked in for the first vehicles due in showrooms.

Australia is expected to be one of the first markets to receive the new Pajero, though Mitsubishi Australia said it will not be the first globally.

The company has not announced whether a short-wheelbase Pajero is being studied.