Mitsubishi has given a select group of Pajero owners and enthusiasts a first look at the new generation of its iconic SUV.
The secret preview took place at Star Camp 2026 on May 30 at Asagiri Kogen in Japan.
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Attendees were ushered into a room where the automaker pulled the sheet off what appears to be a production-spec prototype.
The reactions captured on video show genuine excitement.
One owner recalled that the original Pajero was the first car he drove after getting his license and admitted he struggled to imagine what a new generation would look like.
Another called the SUV "cooler than expected," while others praised the wheel design and the balance between off-road toughness and premium polish.
Cabin and Interior Impressions
Guests were also allowed inside the cabin, which featured a beige color scheme.
They noted the soft-touch materials, roominess, and an upmarket feel suitable for both rough trails and daily errands.
One longtime owner said the car is still "unmistakably a Pajero at heart" despite modern updates. Another simply wanted to drive the prototype away.
According to CarsGuide, Australian homologation filings confirm four trim grades: GLX, GLS, Exceed, and GSR.
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The GLX and GLS focus on practicality, Exceed on luxury, and GSR on rugged styling and off-road hardware.
A range-topping Pajero Ralliart is also possible, capitalizing on the nameplate's Dakar history.
The new Pajero rides on a ladder-frame architecture derived from the Triton pickup, with bespoke development for the cabin structure and suspension.
Mitsubishi promises "outstanding off-road capability" and a "refined and comfortable ride."
Some reports suggest the Triton's turbodiesel could be used, but an electrified setup is more likely.
Mitsubishi has committed to five self-charging hybrids and five plug-in hybrids over the next six years.
The new Pajero will debut globally in autumn 2026, with Australian deliveries starting by Christmas. North America will get it closer to 2030, wearing the Montero badge.
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Its targets are the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series and the Nissan Patrol.
