Return of a Legend: The 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero

The Mitsubishi Pajero is officially making its return for the 2027 model year, but the legendary body-on-frame off-roader will no longer be the affordable alternative it once was. Newly announced Australian pricing places the revived SUV squarely in the territory of premium competitors, which could carry significant implications if Mitsubishi decides to bring the nameplate to the United States.

In Australia, pricing reported by Drive begins at $68,490 AUD before on-road costs for the entry-level five-seat GLS trim. Opting for the seven-seat configuration increases the price to $69,990 AUD. Further up the lineup, the Exceed is priced at $79,990 AUD, while the flagship GSR model tops the range at $84,990 AUD. This represents a major price hike over the outgoing Pajero Sport, with the top-spec GSR commanding an approximate $20,000 AUD premium over its predecessor.

This pricing structure positions the 2027 Pajero right in the mix with well-established rivals. The base Pajero GLS is notably more expensive than the entry-level Ford Everest ($58,990 AUD) and surpasses even the Everest V6 ($66,990 AUD). However, it slots just under the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which starts at $73,200 AUD. At the higher end, the $79,990 AUD Pajero Exceed rivals high-spec Everests, while the $84,990 AUD GSR reaches into even pricier territory.

Backing up its elevated market position is a dedicated off-road setup. Power comes from a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine producing 204 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SUV also features Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II four-wheel-drive system, low-range gearing, and a rear differential lock.

Mitsubishi has not yet confirmed whether the new Pajero—historically badged as the Montero in the US—will arrive in the American market, stating that it is still evaluating the vehicle's place in its global lineup. However, a straight currency conversion puts the base GLS at around $49,300 USD and the top GSR at roughly $61,100 USD. Factoring in logistics, tariffs, and dealer margins, a US-spec model would likely start around $50,000, placing it against the four-door Ford Bronco Badlands ($50,885), Jeep Wrangler Rubicon ($51,735), Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road ($52,285), and Toyota Land Cruiser ($59,580).