The original Mitsubishi Pajero was built in four generations from 1982 to 2021. Japanese sales ended in 2019 with a limited Final Edition, so almost every used Pajero from Japan is from 2019 or earlier. An all-new fifth-generation Pajero was unveiled in September 2026, but it is too new to appear on the used market.
Key takeaways
- Four generations: 1982–1991, 1991–1999, 1999–2006 and 2006–2021 (Japanese sales to 2019); an all-new fifth generation was unveiled in September 2026.
- The Pajero is also known as the Montero and the Shogun in some markets.
- Super Select 4WD, introduced on the second generation, lets the driver switch between 2WD and 4WD on the move.
- Because the newest Japanese Pajeros are from 2019, very few meet Kenya’s 2019+ rule, and many are too old for Zimbabwe’s under-10-years rule.
1. Pajero generations at a glance
| Generation | Years | Chassis codes (examples) | Engines (main examples) | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First | 1982–1991 | L040, L140 | Petrol four-cylinder and V6; four-cylinder diesel and turbo-diesel | Short and long wheelbase; separate chassis |
| Second | 1991–1999 | V20 series | V6 petrol up to 3.5 litres; 2.8 turbo-diesel | Super Select 4WD introduced |
| Third | 1999–2006 | V60/V70 series | V6 petrol (3.5 and later 3.8); 3.2 DI-D diesel | Monocoque body with built-in frame; independent rear suspension |
| Fourth | 2006–2021 | V80/V90 series | 3.0 and 3.8 V6 petrol; 3.2 DI-D diesel | Final Japanese Pajero; Japan sales ended 2019 |
Engines varied by market and year, so always check the exact engine on the listing.
Browse our Mitsubishi Pajero stock or all Mitsubishi stock.
2. First generation (1982–1991)
The Pajero was shown at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show and went on sale in 1982 as a short-wheelbase three-door with a metal or canvas top. A long-wheelbase five-door followed and made it a practical family 4×4.
It used a separate ladder frame, independent front suspension and a choice of petrol and diesel engines, including turbo-diesels.
3. Second generation (1991–1999)
The second generation was larger and more comfortable. Its biggest innovation was Super Select 4WD, which lets the driver change from two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive while moving and also offers full-time 4WD.
Engines included V6 petrol engines up to 3.5 litres and a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel. The rare Pajero Evolution was a homologation special built for rally-raid competition, with a 3.5-litre V6 and wider body.
4. Third generation (1999–2006)
The third generation moved to a monocoque body with an integrated frame, which made it lighter and better on the road. It also gained independent rear suspension for a more comfortable ride.
Engines included V6 petrol engines and a 3.2-litre DI-D common-rail turbo-diesel. Super Select 4WD II was fitted.
5. Fourth generation (2006–2021)
The fourth generation kept the third generation’s basic structure with updated styling, interior and safety equipment. Japanese cars were offered with 3.0 and 3.8-litre V6 petrol engines and a 3.2-litre DI-D diesel, in short and long wheelbase.
Mitsubishi ended Japanese sales in 2019 with a 700-unit Final Edition. Production for other markets continued until Mitsubishi closed the Pajero plant in Japan in 2021.
In September 2026 Mitsubishi unveiled an all-new Pajero, built in Thailand. It goes on sale in Thailand first, followed by Japan and Australia. It is too new to appear as a used car yet.
6. Pajero, Pajero Sport and the small Pajeros
The Pajero Sport is a different, smaller SUV based on Mitsubishi’s Triton pickup. It is not a replacement for the full-size Pajero and was not sold new in Japan under the Pajero Sport name.
In Japan you may also see the Pajero Mini (a kei-car 4×4) and the Pajero iO. These are much smaller vehicles that share only the name.
7. Import age rules
Kenya accepts only cars first registered on or after 1 January 2019, so almost no Japanese Pajero qualifies. Zimbabwe bans used vehicles 10 years or older from the date of manufacture, and Uganda does not accept vehicles 15 years or older. Some countries have no age ban. Check your country with our import age checker before you shortlist a Pajero.
What to check before you buy
- 4WD system: test every Super Select mode, including low range, and check for warning lights.
- Diesel engine: on 3.2 DI-D cars, check for smoke, hard starting and injector problems; ask for service records.
- Underbody: look for rust, damaged skid plates and signs of hard off-road use.
- Suspension and steering: heavy SUVs wear bushes and joints; listen for knocks.
- Modifications: lift kits and oversized tyres can hide problems; standard cars are the safer choice.
- Auction sheet: check grade and repair marks with our auction sheet decoder.
Pay only by bank transfer to an account in the exporter’s company name. See how to avoid scams when buying cars from Japan.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between the Pajero and the Pajero Sport?
The Pajero Sport is a smaller SUV based on the Triton pickup. The original full-size Pajero is a separate model that ended production in 2021; an all-new Pajero was unveiled in 2026.
When did Mitsubishi stop selling the Pajero in Japan?
In 2019, with a limited Final Edition. Production for export markets ended in 2021.
Can I import a Pajero to Kenya?
Only if it was first registered on or after 1 January 2019, and very few Japanese Pajeros meet that. Check each car’s registration date.
Which Pajero generation is best for rough roads?
All four are capable 4x4s. The fourth generation is the newest and most refined; condition matters more than generation on a used car.
See more models in our Mitsubishi car guides, compare the Toyota 4Runner and Hilux Surf, and read 4-wheel drive vs 2-wheel drive.
