Key Takeaways
- The new Pajero is Prado-sized: 70mm shorter, 55mm narrower, 20mm longer in wheelbase
- 480Nm splits the field: under Prado (500Nm) and Everest V6 (600Nm), over MU-X (450Nm)
- Its Super Select 4WD-II is the only system here with a full-time 4WD mode AND a locked low range
- Claimed 230mm clearance edges Prado and Everest; MU-X still leads at 235mm
- Price, power and towing are the missing numbers, and they will decide this fight
Image credit: Mitsubishi Motors
The reborn Mitsubishi Pajero lands in the middle of Australia's most contested class: the ladder-frame, seven-seat family 4WD. Before it arrives here, this is how Mitsubishi's published figures line up against the segment's establishment: the Toyota Prado, Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X. Rival figures below are the current Australian specifications from our database; the Pajero column is what Mitsubishi published at the world premiere, and the gaps are marked honestly rather than guessed.
The numbers, side by side
| Pajero (new) | Prado | Everest | MU-X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body | Ladder frame, 7 seats | Ladder frame, 5 or 7 seats | Ladder frame, 7 seats | Ladder frame, 7 seats |
| Engine | 2.4L single-VGT turbo-diesel | 2.8L turbo-diesel 48V | 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel (Sport) | 3.0L turbo-diesel |
| Power | Not yet announced | 150kW | 184kW | 140kW |
| Torque | 480Nm | 500Nm | 600Nm | 450Nm |
| Transmission | 8-speed auto | 8-speed auto | 10-speed auto | 6-speed auto |
| 4WD system | Super Select 4WD-II + low range | Full-time 4WD + low range | Selectable 4WD + low range | Selectable 4WD + low range |
| Length | 4,920mm | 4,990mm | 4,978mm | 4,860mm |
| Width | 1,925mm | 1,980mm | 1,923mm | 1,870mm |
| Height | 1,910mm* | 1,925mm | 1,876mm | 1,815mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,870mm | 2,850mm | 2,900mm | 2,855mm |
| Ground clearance | 230mm* | 225mm | 226mm | 235mm |
| Approach angle | 30.4°* | 32° | 30.2° | 29.2° |
| Departure angle | 25.8°* | 22° | 25° | 26.9° |
| Airbags | 8 (incl. front-centre) | 9 | 9 | 8 |
| ANCAP | Not yet rated | 5 stars | 5 stars | 5 stars |
| Braked towing | Not yet announced | 3,500kg | 3,500kg | 3,500kg |
| Price (before on-roads) | Not yet announced | From $72,500 | From $68,990 (Sport) | From $55,900 (LS-M 3.0 4x4) |
*Mitsubishi notes height, clearance and angle figures vary by specification. Rival figures are current Australian specs for the variants named; Prado and Everest figures shown are for the entry diesel grades listed.
Where the Pajero looks strong
The drivetrain layout is the standout. Super Select 4WD-II gives you full-time 4WD for wet highway running AND a locked centre diff with low range for the hard stuff. The Prado is full-time-only, and the Everest and MU-X are part-time selectable systems. Add S-AWC yaw control, seven terrain modes, a front under-floor camera view, and the claimed 230mm of clearance, and the off-road spec sheet reads properly serious. Inside, two 14.3-inch screens and a sliding, tumbling second row make it the most modern cabin of the four on paper.
Where the questions are
Three numbers are missing, and they are the big ones. No power figure, no towing capacity, and no price. 480Nm against the Everest V6's 600Nm looks soft until you know the kW and the gearing, and in this class a 3,500kg braked rating is table stakes that Mitsubishi has not yet claimed. The Pajero Sport tows 3,100kg; the new Pajero will need to do better to be taken seriously by the caravan crowd. ANCAP is also unrated, against three five-star rivals, though eight airbags including a front-centre bag is a solid starting hand.
The verdict, for now
On the published numbers the new Pajero is a legitimate Prado rival with the segment's most flexible 4WD system and its freshest cabin. Whether it wins comes down to the three unknowns. If Mitsubishi prices it under the Prado's $72,500 start with a 3,500kg rating, it is instantly on every shortlist. We will update the Pajero's page and this comparison the day those numbers exist.
Compare these picks side by side
Stack 6 of them on 200+ specs, price, safety and running cost in one view.
Compare all 6 nowFrequently Asked Questions
Is the new Pajero bigger than the Toyota Prado?
Does the new Pajero out-torque the Prado and Everest?
How much will the new Pajero cost against the Prado and Everest?
Which of these has the best off-road angles?
Should I wait for the Pajero or buy a Pajero Sport now?
New cars, real prices, straight to your inbox
Join the CarSorted mailing list for new-model launches, price drops and drive-away deals, honest reviews, and founding-member pricing on the upcoming CarSorted Pro Report.
- New-model launches
- Price drops & deals
- Honest reviews
No spam, unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to receive marketing emails.
Disclaimer: All information in this article was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (3 September 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Specifications, government incentives, and rebates can change without notice. Always verify details with the manufacturer or relevant authority before making a purchase decision. Running cost estimates are based on average Australian driving conditions at 15,000 km/year. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations or rankings.
Written by Uzzi, CarSorted Editorial Team · 3 September 2026 · how we research
Comments (0)
Sign in to join the conversation
No comments yet. Be the first!