New Mitsubishi Pajero returns with 3500kg towing capacity
The new Mitsubishi Pajero is coming to Australia with a 3500kg towing capacity, 480Nm turbo-diesel, low range and rear diff lock.
Published on: 14 September 2026
The Mitsubishi Pajero is officially returning to Australia, and for caravanners, one number in particular is likely to attract attention: 3500kg. Mitsubishi has confirmed the all-new Pajero will arrive in Australian showrooms in December 2026, bringing the iconic nameplate back after a five-year absence.
Mitsubishi Pajero gets 3500kg towing capacity
While there’s plenty that’s new, including a more luxurious interior, updated technology and a new ladder-frame platform, its 3500kg braked towing capacity puts the Pajero firmly back on the radar for travellers looking for a capable tow vehicle.
It also comes standard with Trailer Load Assist (TLA), which is designed to detect trailer sway and can adjust engine power and braking at individual wheels to help stabilise the vehicle and trailer combination.
However, a maximum towing capacity doesn’t tell the whole story when it comes to towing a heavy caravan. Mitsubishi hasn’t yet detailed figures such as GVM, GCM or maximum towball download in its Australian announcement.
For now, though, the headline 3500kg braked towing capacity puts the new Pajero into familiar territory for buyers looking at vehicles to tow larger caravans.
2.4-litre turbo-diesel under the bonnet
Power comes from Mitsubishi’s latest-generation 4N16 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine. Derived from the engine used in the Triton, it has been further developed for the Pajero and produces 150kW of power and 480Nm of torque.
The engine uses a variable-geometry turbocharger designed to improve response and mid-range torque, along with a water-cooled intercooler, dual-loop EGR system and AdBlue. It’s paired with an updated eight-speed automatic transmission with a wider spread of ratios, which Mitsubishi says has been calibrated for improved response, efficiency and smoother shifting.
The Pajero also has an 80-litre fuel tank and 17-litre AdBlue tank.
Proper 4WD hardware remains
Despite the more premium positioning of the new model, Mitsubishi hasn’t abandoned the Pajero’s off-road roots. Super Select II 4WD is standard and provides four drivetrain settings:
- 2H: rear-wheel drive high range
- 4H: four-wheel drive high range
- 4HLc: four-wheel drive high range with the centre differential locked
- 4LLc: four-wheel drive low range with the centre differential locked
A rear differential lock is standard across the range. The system is supported by Super-All Wheel Control with Active Yaw Control and seven drive modes covering Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock conditions.
For travellers towing into campsites and exploring beyond the bitumen after unhitching, the combination of low range, rear diff lock and selectable drive modes should make the Pajero considerably more appealing than a road-focused family SUV.
New ladder frame and suspension
Underneath is a substantially revised ladder frame that Mitsubishi says is significantly stiffer than the Pajero Sport’s. The Pajero uses wishbone front suspension with coil springs and a five-link rear suspension arrangement, with long-travel suspension, wider tracks and high-response shock absorbers. Electric power steering is also standard.
For touring setups, Mitsubishi quotes a 100kg dynamic roof-load capacity, increasing to 300kg when the vehicle is stationary.
Five or seven seats
The entry-level GLS will be offered with either five or seven seats, while EXCEED and GSR models are seven-seaters. The second row can slide through a 150mm range, allowing legroom to be adjusted between second and third-row passengers.
With the third row folded, Mitsubishi quotes 519 litres of VDA luggage capacity, with another 10 litres available in a storage compartment beneath the cargo floor. There are plenty of touring-friendly touches throughout the cabin, too. Depending on grade, equipment includes USB-C charging, a 220V AC outlet, a refrigerated centre console, wireless phone charging, a Multi Around View Monitor and a ‘Bonnet see-through’ camera.
How much will the new Mitsubishi Pajero cost?
The Australian range will launch with four variants.
The five-seat Pajero GLS starts at $68,490 plus on-road costs, while the seven-seat GLS costs $69,990. The seven-seat Pajero EXCEED is priced from $79,990, with the flagship Pajero GSR starting at $84,990, both before on-road costs.
All grades receive the same 150kW/480Nm turbo-diesel engine, eight-speed automatic, Super Select II 4WD, rear differential lock and 3500kg braked towing capacity. The GLS runs on 18-inch wheels with 255/65R18 mud and snow tyres, while EXCEED and GSR step up to 20-inch wheels with 255/55R20 tyres.
Is the new Pajero shaping up as a good caravan tow vehicle?
On paper, there’s plenty here to interest caravanners. A 3500kg braked towing capacity, 480Nm turbo-diesel, eight-speed automatic, ladder-frame construction and dedicated trailer stability technology give the Pajero the basic ingredients expected of a serious touring and towing vehicle.
Its standard low-range transfer case and rear differential lock also make it an interesting proposition for travellers who want their tow vehicle to double as a capable 4WD once the caravan has been left at camp.
The all-new Mitsubishi Pajero is due to arrive in Australian dealerships in December 2026, with Mitsubishi saying it has already received more than 3000 pre-registrations.
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