New Mitsubishi Pajero Surpasses Annual Sales Target Within First Month of Preorders

The revival of the Mitsubishi Pajero is already proving successful for the Japanese automaker ahead of its official domestic market launch. Since preorders opened in Japan on October 1, Mitsubishi had collected roughly 5,500 orders by October 28. This early figure already exceeds the manufacturer's sales goal for the entire fiscal year ending in March 2027.

According to data from Mitsubishi cited by Automotive News, nearly 80 percent of early Pajero buyers are switching from competing brands, giving the company a strong conquest rate in the SUV segment. At the same time, the model is drawing back former Mitsubishi owners who had moved to rival automakers in recent years, as well as buyers whose families previously owned a Pajero. The model is attracting customers from rugged off-roaders, conventional SUVs, and large minivans. Among current Mitsubishi drivers upgrading to the new model, the most frequent trade-ins are the Delica D:5, the Outlander, and older Pajero generations.

Demand is heavily skewed toward the top of the range. Around 70 percent of orders are for the range-topping Super Exceed grade, priced at 7,950,800 yen (approximately $51,400). The four-trim lineup also includes the Exceed, GSR, and GLS versions, with entry-level pricing starting at 6,193,000 yen (about $40,000). To compete with rivals like the Toyota Land Cruiser, the Super Exceed pairs off-road hardware with upscale equipment, featuring semi-aniline leather upholstery, 20-inch alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Yamaha audio system, ventilated front seats, and heated seats across the first two rows.

Set to officially go on sale in Japan on December 17, the new Pajero is built on the ladder-frame platform shared with the Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck rather than being a badge-engineered model from partner brands Renault or Nissan. While a potential United States launch under the Montero name remains unconfirmed, Mitsubishi plans to expand the Pajero nameplate into a broader SUV family with at least two smaller models in development. Meanwhile, company president Keisuke Kishiura noted that although heritage nameplates like the Lancer Evolution, Galant, and Diamante are viewed as company treasures, there are currently no active plans to develop a new Lancer Evolution until Mitsubishi strengthens its financial position with high-volume models.