Mitsubishi Pajero (1982 – 2025): Every Generation Explained
Few nameplates have logged as many desert‑rally wins, family road‑trips and over‑landing adventures as the Mitsubishi Pajero (also badged Montero & Shogun). Produced across four core generations—then immortalised by the still‑on‑sale Pajero Sport—the big Mitsubishi rewrote the 4×4 rulebook more than once. Below you’ll find a journalist‑grade deep‑dive that’s keyword‑rich yet human‑readable.
First Generation (L040/L140) — 1982‑1991 • The Dakar DNA is born
- Debuted at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show; sales began May 1982 as a three‑door short‑wheelbase with steel or canvas top.
- Trail‑blazing tech: front double‑wishbone torsion‑bar suspension, power steering and an early turbo‑diesel option.
- Long‑wheelbase five‑door followed in 1983, boosting seating to seven and turning the Pajero into a genuine family adventure truck.
- Motorsport glory arrived fast: lightly tuned Pajeros won their class in the 1983 Paris‑Dakar, kicking off a record 12 overall victories.
Engines & Drivetrains
| Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|
| 2.0 L I4 • 2.6 L I4 • 3.0 L V6 | 2.3 L NA/TD I4 • 2.5 L TD I4 |
Second Generation (V20/V30/V40) — 1991‑1999 • Where luxury meets low‑range
- Launched January 1991 with wider, roomier body styles: metal‑top & canvas‑top SWB plus high‑roof LWB wagon.
- Introduced Super Select 4WD (SS4) allowing on‑the‑fly 2H→4H shifts up to 100 km/h—an industry first.
- Pioneered Multi‑Mode ABS, electronic shock absorbers and an optional 3.5 L 24‑valve V6, edging the Pajero closer to the luxury‑SUV space.
- Cult‑classic Pajero Evolution homologation model (1997‑99) featured wider track, 3.5 GDI V6 and Dakar‑inspired body kit.
Third Generation (V60/V70) — 1999‑2006 • Monocoque muscle
- Adopted a unibody integrated with ladder‑style sub‑frame—lighter than body‑on‑frame yet stiffer for more precise on‑road manners.
- Independent rear suspension debuted, improving wheel articulation and ride comfort.
- Engines topped out with a new 3.8 L 6G75 V6 (250 PS) while a 3.2 L DI‑D common‑rail turbo‑diesel met tightening Euro emissions.
- Super Select II became fully electronic, toggling 2H/4H at stand‑still and varying torque 33:67 to 50:50 automatically.
Fourth Generation (V80/V90) — 2006‑2021 • The final form
- Unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show with sharper styling, side‑curtain airbags and an uprated RISE crash cell.
- Carried over independent suspension but added larger brakes, aluminium bonnet and 700 mm wading depth—keeping its off‑road prowess intact.
- Powertrains: 3.2 L DI‑D diesel gained common‑rail injection (200 PS later), 3.8 L V6 received MIVEC variable‑valve timing (184 kW).
- 2021 “Final Edition” (700 units, Japan‑only) marked the end of a 3.3‑million‑unit run after Mitsubishi closed the Pajero Manufacturing plant.
2022‑2025: Special Editions & the Pajero Sport Connection
Although core Pajero production ended, its spirit survives:
- Pajero Sport (Triton/L200‑based SUV) received a 2025 facelift—new steering wheel, cosmetic tweaks and rejigged trim walks.
- Rumours of an all‑new electrified “big Pajero” around 2026 persist, but Mitsubishi has yet to confirm anything official.
- Used‑market values for clean Gen 4 wagons have firmed, highlighting the model’s enduring appeal with off‑road enthusiasts.
Quick‑spec Chart (5‑Door Long‑Wheelbase)
| Generation | Years | Wheelbase | Overall Length | Engine Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gen 1 | 1983‑1991 | 2,695 mm | 4,650 mm | 3.0 L V6, 2.5 L TD |
| Gen 2 | 1991‑1999 | 2,725 mm | 4,740 mm | 3.5 L V6, 2.8 L TD |
| Gen 3 | 1999‑2006 | 2,780 mm | 4,831 mm | 3.8 L V6, 3.2 L DI‑D |
| Gen 4 | 2006‑2021 | 2,780 mm | 4,900 mm | 3.8 L V6 MIVEC, 3.2 L DI‑D |
Buying Guide – Which Pajero Suits You?
| Use Case | Best Generation | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Classic 4×4 project | Gen 1 (’82‑’91) | Simple mechanics, lightweight body, rising collector interest. |
| Budget over‑lander | Gen 2 (’91‑’99) | Robust SS4, plentiful parts, spacious interior. |
| Daily driver + touring | Gen 3 (’99‑’06) | Car‑like ride, unibody strength, modern safety. |
| Family tow rig | Gen 4 (’06‑’21) | 200 PS DI‑D, 3,000 kg braked towing, latest airbags. |
| Still‑in‑production alt. | Pajero Sport (2025) | 10‑year warranty in some regions, modern infotainment. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pajero coming back after 2025?
Mitsubishi has hinted at “new ladder‑frame SUVs” in its mid‑decade roadmap, but no official Pajero revival is confirmed as of May 2025.
What’s the difference between Pajero and Pajero Sport?
The Pajero Sport is a mid‑size SUV based on the Triton pick‑up. It’s narrower, runs a live rear axle and sits a class below the discontinued full‑size Pajero.
Why did Mitsubishi discontinue the Pajero?
Declining global sales and tougher fuel‑economy rules made the ageing, heavy body‑on‑frame SUV unprofitable. Mitsubishi closed the dedicated factory and ended production in March 2021.
Conclusion
From its turbo‑diesel trail‑blazer roots in 1982 to the luxe yet rock‑crawling Final Edition of 2021, the Mitsubishi Pajero earned its place alongside Land Cruisers and Range Rovers in 4×4 folklore. While the 2025‑model‑year Pajero Sport keeps the badge alive, collectors and adventure seekers continue to prize clean fourth‑generation wagons—proof that a well‑designed off‑roader never truly goes out of style.
