Mitsubishi's New Pajero Poised to Capture Market Share, Draws Early Interest

The newly unveiled Mitsubishi Pajero is generating significant buzz in the automotive world, with reported pre-orders already surpassing 5,500 units in Japan ¹². Scheduled to hit showrooms on December 17, the vehicle promises to offer a compelling alternative to long-time market leader, the Toyota Land Cruiser ¹².

Mitsubishi’s latest offering comes equipped with a robust 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine, delivering 201 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, making it a formidable contender in the segment ¹. Additionally, the Pajero boasts impressive fuel efficiency, achieving up to 12.1 km/L or 28.5 MPG, which could appeal to both domestic and international buyers ¹.

A notable feature of the Pajero is its versatility, thanks to the Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II) system, which allows for four different driving modes, catering to diverse terrain and weather conditions ¹. This, combined with a ground clearance of 9 inches and optimal approach, ramp breakover, and departure angles, positions the Pajero well for off-road adventures ¹.

In Japan, the Pajero is available in four distinct trim levels: Super Exceed, Exceed, GSR, and GLS, providing potential buyers with a range of options to suit their preferences ¹. Furthermore, approximately 70% of the initial orders in Japan include premium packages, indicating a strong demand for higher-end configurations ².

Mitsubishi’s strategy appears to be paying off, as around 80% of the Pajero’s Japanese customers are reportedly switching from other brands, suggesting a competitive edge over established rivals like the Land Cruiser ². The automaker aims to sell 10,000 units in Japan by March 2027, demonstrating confidence in the model’s ability to capture market share ².

On the international stage, the Pajero is expected to be available in roughly 100 markets, showcasing Mitsubishi’s ambition to expand its global footprint ¹.

What We Know

• - The new Pajero will be available for sale in Japan on December 17 ¹²
• - Approximately 5,500 pre-orders have been received for the new Pajero in Japan ¹²
• - The Pajero is offered in four trims in Japan: Super Exceed, Exceed, GSR, and GLS ¹
• - The Pajero features a 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine producing 201 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque ¹
• - The Pajero achieves a fuel economy of 12.1 km/L or 28.5 MPG ¹
• - The Pajero uses the Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II) system with four selectable modes ¹
• - The Pajero is built on a truck-based ladder-frame chassis ¹
• - The Pajero offers seven selectable drive modes for various driving conditions ¹
• - The Pajero has a ground clearance of 9 inches and specific angles for approach, ramp breakover, and departure ¹
• - The Pajero will be available in around 100 international markets ¹
• - 80% of the Pajero's customers in Japan are switching from competitor brands ²
• - About 70% of Japanese orders for the Pajero include premium packages ²
• - Mitsubishi aims to sell 10,000 Pajeros in Japan by March 2027 ²