Mitsubishi Pajero family to expand with two smaller SUVs

The revived Mitsubishi Pajero will spearhead an expanded range of SUV models wearing the 44-year-old nameplate.

“Going forward, with the all-new Pajero leading the lineup, we will expand the Pajero family to include compact and small SUVs,” said Mitsubishi Motors Corporation president and chief operating officer Keisuke Kishiura at the reveal of the fifth-generation Pajero in Tokyo this week.

Kishiura-san didn't provide any further information on the new Pajero-badged models, though a teaser image shown at the event featured two boxy vehicles under sheets.

It's not yet confirmed just how 'compact' and 'small' these vehicles will be. The term 'compact SUV' in the US refers to something Outlander-sized, for example. However, the 'small' Pajero-badged model in Mitsubishi's teaser image appears to be very small, which may mean it slots into Japan's 'kei' car segment.

The Mitsubishi president's remarks follow an earlier report from Nikkei Asia, which said Mitsubishi would launch a Toyota RAV4-sized SUV in 2028 or 2029, sold as a more off-road-capable alternative to the Mitsubishi Outlander and sharing components but using a new platform developed in-house.

Mitsubishi has mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains it can borrow from the Outlander, while the company is reportedly working on a new hybrid powertrain for use in upcoming models like the next-generation ASX.

Nikkei Asia also reported a new kei-class model bearing the Pajero name is due for launch around 2030. This could serve as a rival to the Suzuki Jimny, which is offered in a narrower-width version with a 660cc engine in Japan to meet Kei-class regulations. However, it's unclear if this new model will use body-on-frame construction like the Jimny.

These new Pajero-badged models will be in addition to the Pajero Sport, which is set to live on in some markets. Australian imports of the Triton-based off-road SUV ended in 2025, with the new-generation Pajero – based on the latest Triton – serving as a replacement for both it and the ‘classic’ Pajero that exited production in 2021.

Mitsubishi has leveraged the well-known Pajero nameplate for a number of smaller models over the years, beyond the three generations of Pajero Sport (the first two of which were known here as the Challenger).

The smallest Pajero sold in Australia was the Pajero iO, introduced here in 1999 in three- and five-door body styles. This preceded the first-generation Outlander as Mitsubishi's rival for the Toyota RAV4 in our market, and it measured 3710mm long in three-door guise and 4010mm long as a five-door.

It was discontinued to make way for the first-generation Outlander, launched here in 2003, though it was produced in other markets until as late as 2015. However, Mitsubishi never launched a second-generation model.

The Pajero Mini offered in Japan between 1994 and 2012 was even smaller. In its first generation, it measured just 3295mm long.

MORE: Explore the Mitsubishi Pajero showroom