The all-new fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero has returned after a five-year hiatus, promising to challenge the Toyota Land Cruiser once again on the global stage. The SUV debuted this month, targeting more than 100 markets with a focus on off-road capability and premium comfort. Inside the flagship model, occupants find a seven-seat layout with soft-touch materials, leather upholstery, and fine stitching on higher trims. The cabin also features a dual-screen setup combining two 14.3-inch displays, a premium Yamaha sound system, acoustic glass, and numerous driver safety aids, including a virtual under-floor camera. This advanced monitoring system provides a clear view of the terrain beneath the vehicle, assisting drivers in handling tricky obstacles by visualizing the space directly under the chassis.
Under the Skin
Beneath the bodywork, the all-new Pajero shares its construction with the Triton pickup truck. It rides on a ladder-frame chassis with independent double-wishbone suspension at the front and a five-link rigid axle at the rear. The SUV boasts impressive off-road metrics, including a 34.4-degree approach angle, a 25.8-degree departure angle, and a 22.6-degree breakover angle. It also offers 9.1 inches of ground clearance, or 230 millimeters. These specifications ensure the vehicle can tackle steep inclines, steep descents, and rocky riverbeds with improved stability compared to its predecessor.
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The current sixth-generation Triton pickup truck has been around since production began in 2023, assembled in Thailand and Brazil. It comes in two and four-door body styles. Mitsubishi is preparing a mid-cycle refresh for the model, expected to arrive within a couple of years. These updates typically include a new front fascia, rear tweaks, and a more tech-focused cabin with improved materials. The refresh aims to keep the model competitive in an evolving market by refreshing its visual identity and enhancing the user experience through technological upgrades.
A Rendered Glimpse of the Future
Speculative renderings from artist Nikita Chuyko imagine the updated Triton adopting design elements from its larger sibling. The digital illustrations show the truck wearing the Pajero’s new front fascia, complete with updated headlights, Y-shaped daytime running lights, and a new grille with horizontal slats. The hood and front fenders were modified to fit this new look, while the profile remains largely unchanged. Out back, the taillights feature fresh graphics extending into the tailgate, separated in the middle by the Triton badge. The side profile is kept identical, preserving the utilitarian shape that defines the pickup’s character, though the wheels are updated to match the new aesthetic.
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While these images offer an unofficial early look, some believe the mid-cycle updates could include a cockpit inspired by the new Pajero. This would mean replacing the current tablet-like infotainment screen and switchgear with the SUV’s dashboard panel, center console, and four-spoke steering wheel. The Triton has traditionally offered a utilitarian interior, so a move toward the Pajero’s luxury would be a significant shift for the pickup.
However, experts suggest the changes will be more modest, keeping the Triton distinct from its SUV sibling. Updated driving aids and a potential switch from rear drum brakes to discs are also expected as part of the facelift. This approach ensures the pickup retains its rugged identity while benefiting from modern safety and braking technology.
