Mitsubishi Pajero: Rise And Fall Of An Off-Roader’s Icon

For years, the Mitsubishi Pajero was a nameplate that brought to mind images of rugged off-road ability, reliability, and rally-winning heritage. Whether pounding the dunes of the Dakar Rally or creeping up and down mountain roads, the Pajero was a go-to SUV for serious off-roaders. But despite its storied history, Mitsubishi axed this legendary nameplate in 2021, bringing an era to a close.

So why did off-roaders love the Pajero so much? And why did it ultimately disappear from dealerships? Let’s get intimate.

Champion’s DNA

Mitsubishi launched the first-generation Pajero in 1982 as a rugged, ladder-frame SUV designed to tackle extreme off-road conditions. It wasn’t long before the Pajero left its mark on motorsport—by 1985, it had taken its first Dakar Rally victory, a race that pushes the most rugged off-road vehicles to their limits. Mitsubishi went on to win Dakar a record 12 times, more than any other carmaker.

This rally-bred engineering filtered down to the production models, providing the Pajero with better off-road hardware:

• Super Select 4WD system, which enables drivers to change between 2WD and 4WD on the move.
• Differentials locks, which delivered enhanced traction over smooth or bumpy ground.
• Independent suspension monocoque chassis (in subsequent models), enhancing ride quality without compromising toughness.

These improvements turned the Pajero into a credible challenger to off-road icons such as the Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rover Defender.

Practical Workhorse

Beyond its Dakar achievement, the Pajero also became the crowd favorite of hobbyists, armies, and adventure teams everywhere. In contrast with some rugged hard-core off-roads that are all about functionality, the Pajero paired capability with luxury.

• The five-door models gained popularity as family SUVs, with roomy interiors, smooth diesel engines, and acceptable highway behaviour.
• The three-door models were preferred by off-road enthusiasts who required a reduced wheelbase for narrow trails and rock crawling.
• In countries such as India, the Pajero SFX achieved cult status due to its iconic two-tone colouring and bulletproof reliability.

Death Of Pajero

1. The Emergence of More Comfortable SUVs
   • Contemporary purchasers desired SUVs that were aesthetically rugged but sedane-like to drive. Crossovers such as the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Endeavour, and even the Outlander by Mitsubishi provided an improved ride with enhanced fuel economy without losing too much off-road capability. The Pajero’s body-on-frame structure, although wonderful off-road, came across as retro in urban driving.

2. Emission Norms and Fuel Efficiency Concerns.
   • As global emission regulations became stricter, diesel-powered off-roaders like the Pajero faced mounting challenges. Mitsubishi struggled to update its engines to meet newer environmental standards while maintaining performance and affordability. In key markets like Europe, India, and Japan, governments pushed for cleaner, more fuel-efficient vehicles, making bulky, diesel-powered SUVs less viable.

3. Mitsubishi’s Declining Global Strategy
   • Unlike competitors like Toyota and Ford, Mitsubishi did not update the Pajero or launch a next-generation model in time. The brand slowly transitioned its emphasis to smaller crossovers like the Outlander and Eclipse Cross, focusing on fuel efficiency and urban-friendly designs over extreme off-roading.

4. Competition from Toyota and Others
   • The Toyota Prado and Land Cruiser, and SUVs such as the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, kept refining and remaining competitive in the off-road market. Mitsubishi, though, allowed the Pajero to stagnate. By the late 2010s, it was evident that the SUV had lagged behind in technology, safety, and refinement.

End Of Road And Final Thoughts

In 2021, Mitsubishi brought the curtain down on the Pajero officially, closing nearly 40 years of off-road heritage. The company cited declining sales and shifting consumer trends. The last production Pajeros were sold in Australia as a special “Final Edition” and were a nostalgic goodbye for enthusiasts.

Even though it’s gone, the Pajero is still a much-loved name in off-road history. Its rally domination, toughness, and utilitarian appearance made it a trusted mate for explorers across the globe.

Today, the second-hand car market continues to experience a strong demand for good-condition Pajeros, especially the diesel models with manual transmissions. Off-road enthusiasts continue to tune and restore vintage Pajeros for off-road escapades, keeping the Pajero spirit alive.

Mitsubishi has hinted at bringing the Pajero name back in electric form, perhaps as a new hybrid or electric off-roader in the future. But whether it can recapture the rough-around-the-edges charm of the original remains to be seen.
The Mitsubishi Pajero was more than an SUV—it was an icon of adventure, toughness, and off-road capability. Its passing is a testament to the shifting consumer desires for newer, tech-heavy SUVs that are more engineered with comfort in mind than raw performance. Even though its loss is lamented among off-road enthusiasts, the Pajero’s reputation as one of the greatest off-road vehicles ever built is unlikely to disappear anytime soon.

Would you still ride a Pajero over newer SUVs, or is it time to leave it behind? Share your thoughts.