Mitsubishi's New Pajero Poised to Capture Market Share, Draws Early Interest
With over 5,000 pre-orders in Japan, the relaunched Pajero looks set to challenge the Toyota Land Cruiser.
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
Verification report
Likely accurate — probability of truth 66%, weighted across 16 claims from 2 independent outlets.
- likely Mitsubishi's new Pajero will be available for sale in Japan on December 17. (82%)
- likely Approximately 5,500 pre-orders have been received for the new Pajero in Japan. (82%)
- likely The Pajero is offered in four trims in Japan: Super Exceed, Exceed, GSR, and GLS. (68%)
- likely The Pajero features a 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine producing 201 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque. (68%)
- likely The Pajero achieves a fuel economy of 12.1 km/L or 28.5 MPG. (68%)
- likely The Pajero uses the Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II) system with four selectable modes. (68%)
- likely The Pajero is built on a truck-based ladder-frame chassis. (68%)
- likely The Pajero offers seven selectable drive modes for various driving conditions. (68%)
- likely The Pajero has a ground clearance of 9 inches and specific angles for approach, ramp breakover, and departure. (68%)
- likely The Pajero will be available in around 100 international markets. (68%)
- likely 80% of the Pajero's customers in Japan are switching from competitor brands. (67%)
- likely About 70% of Japanese orders for the Pajero include premium packages. (67%)
- likely Mitsubishi aims to sell 10,000 Pajeros in Japan by March 2027. (67%)
- unverified The base price of the Pajero is 6,193,000 yen or $39,300. (51%)
- unverified The Pajero is currently sold in Thailand and will launch in Australia later in the year. (51%)
- unverified Australian market will receive the Pajero one month after Japan. (49%)
Sources
- Autoblog — Mitsubishi Pajero Has 5,500 Pre-Orders Before It Goes on Sale
https://www.autoblog.com/news/mitsubishi-pajero-has-5500-pre-orders-before-it-goes-on-sale - Jalopnik — Relaunched Mitsubishi Pajero Is Already Stealing Land Cruiser Customers
https://www.jalopnik.com/2302556/relaunched-mitsubishi-pajero-stealing-toyota-land-cruiser-customers/