Mitsubishi counts 11,000 Pajero expressions of interest ahead of December Australian launch

Interest mounts but no orders yet

The 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero has attracted 11,000 expressions of interest in Australia ahead of its expected December 2026 showroom arrival, a figure confirmed by Mitsubishi Motors Australia at the vehicle's Australian media preview on 26 October 2026, as reported by Cars24. Interest has climbed steeply since the Pajero's global unveiling in early September, when the company had recorded 3,982 expressions of interest; by mid-October the number had reached around 8,000. ¹

Cars24's report is careful to distinguish interest from demand: these are not confirmed orders. Mitsubishi has not started taking deposits, so the number of buyers who ultimately proceed with a purchase remains unknown. According to the company, production is not currently constrained in Thailand, although waiting times are yet to be established — so the interest figures do not necessarily point to long delivery delays. Actual wait times will depend on confirmed orders, production volumes and the grade mix buyers choose. ¹

GoAuto reported that Mitsubishi Motors Australia had counted more than 3,000 prospective customers pre-registering interest ahead of launch, while CarExpert cited 3,645 expressions of interest before pricing was announced on 3 September. The figures differ in basis and timing, but all point to the same trajectory: a growing audience measured in registrations rather than sales. ⁶⁴

Pricing and grades

The Australian range comprises three grades and four variants, with list prices excluding on-road costs as confirmed by GoAuto: five-seat GLS at $68,490, seven-seat GLS at $69,990, seven-seat Exceed at $79,990 and the GSR flagship at $84,990. CarExpert notes the top grade approaches roughly $90,000 drive-away, but that location-specific estimate should not be confused with the manufacturer list prices above. ⁶⁴

Mitsubishi expects demand to be spread relatively evenly across the three grades, according to Cars24, with the GLS also intended to appeal to fleet customers including rental companies, government departments, businesses and novated-lease buyers. ¹

The pricing positions the Pajero in a competitive large-SUV segment. CarExpert's comparison places it above the Isuzu MU-X (from $49,900 plus ORCs), the Ford Everest (from $58,990 plus ORCs) and the GWM Tank 500 ($65,990 drive-away), but below the Toyota Prado (from $73,200 plus ORCs). These rivals' prices are CarExpert's figures and carry their respective bases. ⁴

Could a cheaper GLX join the range?

Mitsubishi has not ruled out adding a more affordable grade below the GLS. Approval documents have been filed for an entry-level GLX, which Cars24 reports could potentially bring the starting price closer to $60,000 before on-road costs — though that does not confirm the model will go on sale in Australia or establish its final pricing. CarExpert similarly reported MMAL has received Australian Design Rule compliance approval for a GLX and has not ruled out price moves in future. ¹⁴

For now, Mitsubishi says any change to the line-up will depend on feedback from dealers and customers after launch, per Cars24. Buyers must weigh the announced GLS, Exceed and GSR grades rather than wait on an unconfirmed fourth variant. ¹

CarExpert reported MMAL chief executive Shunichi Kihara defended the higher pricing, saying the price range is "very much different to Pajero Sport, because those two products are totally different products" and that Mitsubishi believes the product and price are competitive in the segment. He would not reveal sales forecasts, saying only that the Pajero would be "competitive". ⁴

Fifth-generation engineering and Australian inputs

The all-new Pajero, unveiled at a world premiere in Tokyo on 2 September 2026, is built at Mitsubishi's production base in Thailand and launches first in Thailand, followed by Japan and Australia during fiscal 2026, with roughly 100 further markets planned from fiscal 2027, according to Mitsubishi Motors. Mitsubishi announced the Pajero name and autumn premiere in May 2026, confirming the model is based on the Triton's ladder frame with model-specific development of the cabin and front and rear suspension. ²³

The connection to the Triton extends to the 4N16-series turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel, though the Pajero application receives its own development work, GoAuto reports. It produces 150kW and 480Nm — 10Nm more than the current Triton — and is paired with a newly developed eight-speed automatic with a broader ratio spread, plus a low-range transfer case and rear differential lock standard across the range. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3500kg, up from the previous Pajero Sport's 3100kg. ⁶

Over the Triton, the Pajero brings five-link rear suspension instead of leaf springs, an eight-speed transmission instead of six, and a unique body with up to three rows of seating, while Mitsubishi claims the frame is substantially stiffer than the outgoing Pajero Sport's. Seven drive modes — Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock — are integrated with Super Select 4WD-II and Super-All Wheel Control, per Mitsubishi Motors and GoAuto. ⁶⁵²

Mitsubishi Australia's product strategy manager Rod Pinedo told media, including CarExpert in reporting republished by 7NEWS, that MMAL presented two non-negotiable requirements during development: relocating the child restraint top-tether points from the Pajero Sport's roof to the second-row seatbacks, and increased cabin width. The result is a body 110mm wider than the Pajero Sport, with 50mm more second-row width, and Mitsubishi has confirmed the new model has no such limitation on fitting three child seats simultaneously. ⁵

Pinedo also said MMAL was involved in dialling in ride and handling, leveraging Australian chassis tuning experience — including extensive testing on rough roads south of Adelaide used for previous local development — in reporting published by 7NEWS from CarExpert's coverage. ⁵

Equipment and history

GoAuto details the Australian equipment: the GLS carries twin 12.3-inch displays, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control with rear air-conditioning, a powered tailgate and surround-view camera; the Exceed adds 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, seat heating, a refrigerated console and larger 14.3-inch displays with a 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system; the GSR adds a black roof, two-tone camel-and-black leather, ventilated and memory front seats and a panoramic sunroof. Safety kit is common across the range. Mitsubishi's 10/10/10 Diamond Advantage program — 10-year/200,000km warranty, capped-price servicing and roadside assistance, subject to terms — applies. ⁶

The December 2026 arrival marks the return of the Pajero nameplate to Australia after more than five years, following the end of fourth-generation production in 2021. GoAuto notes the final 800 Final Edition examples were priced from $54,990 plus ORCs, and the last substantially updated Pajero Sport ranged from $51,540 to $64,840 plus ORCs in 2024 — a clear comparison point for the new model's move upmarket. ⁶

The Pajero name carries substantial heritage: first launched in 1982, the model spanned four generations with cumulative global sales of more than 3.25 million units across more than 170 countries, and secured 12 Dakar Rally victories including seven consecutive wins, per Mitsubishi Motors. The fifth generation adds a "Prestige" dimension to the brand's long-standing Confidence and Comfort philosophy. ²³