Mitsubishi to resurrect Pajero, to make a comeback to India?

Mitsubishi Pajero was once a very sought-after premium rugged SUVs in India till the model was discontinued in early 2020 due to multiple issues. Eventually, Mitsubishi had to fold and quit the Indian passenger vehicle market. In fact, Mitsubishi had to discontinue the production of the SUV globally. However, recent developments suggest that the Japanese brand may stage a comeback.

Keisuke Kishiura, President and COO, Mitsubishi Motors, recently teased the possibility of return of the famed SUV. At the recent Automobile Council event in Japan, Kishiura offered fresh insights into the brand’s upcoming cross-country SUV, which is widely expected to mark the return of the Pajero.

Mitsubishi Pajero To Be Resurrected?

According to Autoindustriya.com, the newly appointed Mitsubishi president and COO reflected on the Pajero’s legacy as a capable off-road model. While he stopped short of explicitly confirming the name for the new SUV, he noted that preparations are well underway, with a launch targeted before the end of this year. The Pajero theme was also evident at Mitsubishi Motors’ display at Automobile Council 2026. 

The showcase included first- and second-generation models, the J11 Delivery Wagon that underpinned the original Pajero, along with the Pajero I concept and the Dakar-winning rally version. At the moment details about this project are scarce but enough to excite enthusiasts who would still prefer a rugged, go-anywhere, body-on-frame SUV which the Pajero was known for.

Reports suggest the next-generation Pajero will retain a body-on-frame construction, likely derived from the Mitsubishi Triton, known for its ruggedness and off-road credentials. Power is expected to come from a 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel engine, which should serve as the primary option across most markets. 

In addition, Mitsubishi could offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant in select regions, potentially sharing its setup with the Outlander, to balance performance with improved efficiency. The SUV is also expected to feature an updated Super Select 4WD system, aimed at enhancing traction and control over demanding terrain.

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Will Mitsubishi Return to India?

Mitsubishi, however, hasn’t confirmed its return to the Indian PV market. In India, Mitsubishi was in a partnership with Hindustan Motors which went bankrupt in 2014, even though globally the former continues to be part of the trinity involving Nissan and Renault. Mitsubishi used to assemble CKD units of the Pajero SFX and Pajero Sport at its facility in Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu. 

More recently, Mitsubishi has been setting the stage for a possible long-term comeback. In 2024, TVS Mobility formed a joint venture with Mitsubishi Corporation to develop a comprehensive mobility ecosystem in India. The partnership involves an initial investment of ₹300 crore and will focus on vehicle sales, after-sales services, and Vehicle-as-a-Service offerings.