All-New Mitsubishi Pajero's Engine and Off-Road Performance: What UAE Buyers Can Expect

Dubai: Mitsubishi has now revealed exactly what powers the all-new Pajero, and for UAE buyers who love serious off-roading, this is the part worth paying attention to. The fifth-generation Pajero pairs a reworked diesel engine with genuine 4x4 hardware, built to handle everything from Dubai highways to Liwa's dunes. 

We already covered what's new about the reveal, so here we're focusing purely on how it performs.

What's Under the Hood

The all-new Pajero runs a specially developed 2.4-litre clean diesel engine fitted with a wide-range single variable geometry turbocharger. Mitsubishi confirms it produces up to 480 Nm of torque (470 Nm on select specifications), paired with a newly developed 8-speed automatic transmission that includes a sport mode for sharper gear changes.

Spec	Detail
Engine	2.4L clean diesel, single VGT turbo
Max torque	480 Nm (470 Nm on select specs)
Transmission	New 8-speed automatic, sport mode
Character	Strong acceleration from standstill through highway speed

How Does It Handle Rough Terrain

This is where the Pajero earns its off-road credentials. It uses Super Select 4WD-II alongside Mitsubishi's S-AWC system, which controls acceleration, cornering and braking together for more precise handling both on road and off it. The ladder frame uses more high-tensile steel for extra rigidity without piling on weight.

• Super Select 4WD-II: 2H, 4H, 4HLc, and 4LLc modes
• S-AWC integrates Active Yaw Control, Active Stability and Traction Control, and ABS
• 7 selectable drive modes: Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock
• Independent double-wishbone front suspension with a new 5-link rigid rear axle
• 18-inch brake rotors with an electric brake booster

What Makes the Ride Feel So Capable Off-Road

Mitsubishi built the new Pajero around genuine ground clearance and approach angles, not just marketing numbers. The 52:48 front-rear weight distribution and long-travel suspension are tuned to keep the tyres planted on uneven ground, which matters a lot once you're off tarmac. For more on how this ties into the bigger picture, our earlier reveal coverage goes into the design side of the story.

Metric	Figure
Ground clearance	230 mm
Approach angle	30.4°
Ramp breakover angle	22.6°
Departure angle	25.8°
Wheelbase	2,870 mm

When Could UAE Buyers Get Behind the Wheel

Mitsubishi is launching the Pajero in Thailand first, followed by Japan and Australia within fiscal 2026. From fiscal 2027 onward, the rollout expands to roughly 100 countries, including markets across the Middle East. No confirmed UAE launch date or local pricing yet, but the Middle East is officially on Mitsubishi's list.

Our Take

As an automobile expert, what stands out here is that Mitsubishi hasn't just brought back a nameplate, it has genuinely upgraded the engineering underneath it. The 480 Nm diesel, the reworked 8AT, and a proper set of 4WD drive modes give the Pajero real substance for UAE terrain, from long desert stretches to steep, rocky trails. 

If Mitsubishi keeps this level of off-road focus intact once it reaches local showrooms, the Pajero could genuinely challenge the Land Cruiser Prado and Nissan Patrol for buyers who actually take their SUV off the beaten path.

Also Read: All-New Mitsubishi Pajero Revealed: Rugged New 4x4 SUV and What It Means for UAE Buyers