All-new Pajero Pricing Announced

1 October, 2026

Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand (MMNZ) has confirmed pricing and full specification for its all-new Pajero, with the legendary cross-country family SUV returning to New Zealand as the flagship of the Mitsubishi SUV range.

The new seven-seat Pajero will be available in two models – the Pajero VRX, with an RSP of $79,990 +ORC, and the range-topping Pajero Exceed, with an RSP of $86,990 +ORC.

The announcement follows significant early interest from Kiwi motorists, with Mitsubishi dealers around the country reporting strong volumes of pre-orders ahead of the vehicle’s arrival.

Proven reputation

First introduced globally in 1982, Pajero went on to become one of Mitsubishi’s most recognisable vehicles, with more than 3.2 million produced across four generations and sold in more than 170 countries and regions.

More than four decades of Pajero heritage have helped shape Mitsubishi’s reputation for four-wheel drive capability globally and in New Zealand.

MMNZ Chief Operating Officer Tony Johnston says the response to Pajero’s return has demonstrated just how much the name still means to Kiwi motorists.

“Pajero has a special place in Mitsubishi’s history and among Kiwi drivers – but even we’ve been a little surprised by the response,” said Johnston.

“Our team has been driving pre-production vehicles around Wellington during local testing and we’ve been inundated with people wanting to stop, take photos and videos, ask questions and have a look inside.

“That enthusiasm is translating into strong pre-orders through our dealer network. There is clearly a lot of love for Pajero in New Zealand and a great deal of excitement about what this new generation brings.”

Off-road evolution

At the heart of the new Pajero is a Mitsubishi-developed 2.4-litre Gen2 turbo-diesel engine producing 150kW and 480Nm.

The new engine uses a single variable-geometry turbocharger and is paired with a new-generation eight-speed automatic transmission – developed to handle the increased torque, while improving efficiency and drivability.

Every Pajero is rated to tow up to 3.5 tonnes and built around a heavy-duty, high-rigidity ladder frame, with high-mount double-wishbone front suspension and a five-link solid-axle rear suspension.
Continuing Pajero’s long tradition of elite off-road capability, the new model combines Super All-Wheel Control (S-AWC) with the proven Super Select 4WD-II system.

S-AWC integrates control of acceleration, cornering and braking to deliver precise and predictable vehicle behaviour, while Super Select 4WD-II provides four drivetrain settings – 2H, 4H, 4HLc and low-range 4LLc – for conditions ranging from everyday road driving to demanding off-road terrain.

Seven selectable drive modes – Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock – further tailor vehicle behaviour to different surfaces and driving conditions, while a manually selectable rear differential lock provides additional traction when the going gets really tough.

“New Zealanders have always expected Pajero to be more than a large SUV,” said Johnston.

“It needs to be equally at home carrying the family, towing the boat or caravan and heading well beyond the open road. That breadth of capability has always been fundamental to Pajero and it remains so in this new generation.”

The legendary look – reimagined

The connection with previous generations extends beyond Pajero’s off-road performance.

The new model’s tall, squared-off stance and strong horizontal lines deliberately reference earlier generations of Pajero, while familiar design cues have been reinterpreted for a contemporary feel.

Inside, the horizontal instrument panel takes inspiration from the first-generation Pajero, while an expansive digital multi-meter display reimagines the distinctive triple meters of historic Pajero models.

The display can provide dedicated off-road and all-round driving information, including altitude, compass heading, temperature and vehicle pitch and roll angles.

At 4,920mm long and 1,925mm wide, with a 2,870mm wheelbase, the new Pajero provides three rows of seating for seven occupants and the space expected of a flagship SUV.

Two high-spec options

VRX sets a high specification from the outset, with a 12.3-inch Smartphone-link Display Audio system and matching 12.3-inch digital driver display.

Standard equipment includes black leather upholstery, heated first- and second-row seats, power-adjustable front seats, three-zone automatic climate control, heated steering wheel, wireless smartphone charging, six USB-C ports, digital rear-view mirror, electric tailgate and MI-PILOT driver assistance technology.

Exterior specification includes 18-inch dark grey machined alloy wheels, black roof rails, LED headlights, daytime running lights and fog lights, dark satin side steps and skid plate.

The Exceed builds on that with dual 14.3-inch displays, camel and black coloured leather trimmed upholstery and interior trim, ventilated front seats, driver and passenger memory functions, an electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel with memory, centre-console cooler box and 12-speaker Dynamic Sound Yamaha Ultimate audio system.

Externally, distinguishing features include 20-inch smoke-clear and gloss-black machined alloy wheels, Adaptive LED headlights, black door mirrors and wheel-arch mouldings, dark grey side steps and additional dark exterior detailing.

Three new Mitsubishis before Christmas

Pajero’s arrival will cap a significant period of new-model activity for MMNZ, following the introduction of the new Outlander Sport HEV and all-electric ASX VR-e.

Together, the three new arrivals broaden the Mitsubishi range across hybrid, fully electric and off-road diesel powertrains before Christmas.

“It’s fitting that Pajero caps off such a significant year for Mitsubishi in New Zealand,” said Johnston.

“We’ve introduced three very different vehicles for different Kiwi lifestyles – and Pajero has a particularly special role within the wider range and within Mitsubishi heritage.”

The all-new Mitsubishi Pajero VRX and Exceed will arrive in Mitsubishi dealerships nationwide in December 2026.

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