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Photo of a Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi Pajero

Pajero racers: 12 Dakar victories, seven in a row.1

Researched October 29, 2026 from 40 sources

Also called

  • Hero of the DesertThe Evolution's spare-tire cover bears this desert boast.2
  • Poor man's Land CruiserA comparison-test staffer's term for the 2005 Montero's luxury touring feel.3

At a glance

0150300
83–276 hpPower
07.515
9.6–10.5 s0–60 mph
0100200
171–177 km/hTop speed
0250500
192.5–480 N·mTorque

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.35615171819

Layout
Front engine; SS4-II: RWD/4WD, 33:67 F:R, center lock51516
Gearbox
5-speed manual; 4/5-speed auto; low range; 2026: 8-speed auto2517
Built at
Gen 1–2: Pajero Manufacturing, Sakahogi, Japan; revival: Thailand base56
Units built
More than 3.29 million across the first four generations5

The story

Built to make serious off-roading accessible to everyday drivers, the original Pajero paired independent front suspension with passenger-car comfort. Debuting in 1982, it later helped fuel Japan's 1990s RV boom.45

1973: First Pajero prototype at Tokyo19731982: Three-door launch, metal or canvas top19821991: Super Select unites two kinds of 4WD19911997: Evolution brings Dakar T2 to the road19971999: Monocoque and independent suspension19992001: Montero Limited's disputed tipping test20012006: Fourth generation starts a long run20062021: 800 Final Editions for Australia20212026: Flagship comeback, built in Thailand2026 Mitsubishi PX33 (PX33): 1934–1937Mitsubishi Jeep (J-series): 1953–1998J-seriesMitsubishi Pajero prototype: 1973Mitsubishi Pajero (first generation) (L040/L140): 1982–1991Mitsubishi Pajero (second generation) (V20/V30/V40): 1991–1999 (Japan)Mitsubishi Pajero (fourth generation) (NS/NT/NW/NX): 2006–2021NS/NT/NW/NXMitsubishi Pajero (fifth generation): 2026–present 194019501960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones456711122829
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1934–1937Mitsubishi PX33 (PX33)
1953–1998Mitsubishi Jeep (J-series)
1973Mitsubishi Pajero prototype
1982–1991Mitsubishi Pajero (first generation) (L040/L140)
1991–1999 (Japan)Mitsubishi Pajero (second generation) (V20/V30/V40)
2006–2021Mitsubishi Pajero (fourth generation) (NS/NT/NW/NX)
2026–presentMitsubishi Pajero (fifth generation)
1973First Pajero prototype at Tokyo
1982Three-door launch, metal or canvas top
1991Super Select unites two kinds of 4WD
1997Evolution brings Dakar T2 to the road
1999Monocoque and independent suspension
2001Montero Limited's disputed tipping test
2006Fourth generation starts a long run
2021800 Final Editions for Australia
2026Flagship comeback, built in Thailand
  1. 1973

    First Pajero prototype at Tokyo

    Mitsubishi shows its first Pajero prototype at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1973.6

  2. 1982

    Three-door launch, metal or canvas top

    Revealed at the 1981 Tokyo Motor Show, the first generation reaches buyers in May 1982 as a short-wheelbase three-door, with metal or canvas tops.6

  3. 1991

    Super Select unites two kinds of 4WD

    The second generation debuts in January, joining full- and part-time 4WD in Super Select, with mode changes possible while driving.7

  4. 1997

    Evolution brings Dakar T2 to the road

    Dakar T2 homologation spawns the road-going Evolution: a 3.5 L MIVEC V6, independent rear suspension and about 2,693 examples.8

  5. 1999

    Monocoque and independent suspension

    The third generation arrives in October 1999 with a built-in ladder frame inside its monocoque body and independent suspension at all four wheels.79

  6. 2001

    Montero Limited's disputed tipping test

    Consumer Reports rejects the 2001 Montero Limited after two-wheel tipping at about 60 km/h. Mitsubishi disputes it and says it cannot reproduce the result.10

  7. 2006

    Fourth generation starts a long run

    The NS-series fourth generation debuts; NT in 2009 upgrades the diesel and five-speed auto. The range's petrol V6 is withdrawn in 2014.11

  8. 2021

    800 Final Editions for Australia

    Global production ends in March 2021. Australia gets 800 Final Editions across the range, designated MY2022 despite being built that March.71213

  9. 2026

    Flagship comeback, built in Thailand

    Thailand leads a rollout planned for Japan and Australia in fiscal 2026 and about 100 countries from fiscal 2027.514

Every generation

  • Mitsubishi PX33
    PX331934–1937
  • Mitsubishi Jeep
    J-series1953–1998
  • Mitsubishi Pajero (first generation)
    L040/L1401982–1991
  • Mitsubishi Pajero (second generation)
    V20/V30/V401991–1999 (Japan)
  • Mitsubishi Pajero (fourth generation)
    NS/NT/NW/NX2006–2021
  • Mitsubishi Pajero (fifth generation)
    Mitsubishi Pajero (fifth generation)2026–present

Power over the years

From 83 hp to 276 hp in 9 years.

0100200300 19901995200020052010201520202025 hp 1988 · 83 hp · 2.5 turbo-diesel, no intercooler1988 · 141 hp · NF Superwagon 3.0 V61993 · 123 hp · NJ GLX/GLS 2.8 turbo-diesel1993 · 205 hp · NJ Exceed 3.5 V61997 · 276 hp · Evolution 3.5 MIVEC V62001 · 200 hp · Montero 3.5 V62002 · 162 hp · 4M41 3.2 turbo-diesel2003 · 215 hp · Montero 3.8 V62006 · 168 hp · NS 3.2 turbo-diesel automatic2006 · 247 hp · NS 3.8 MIVEC V62009 · 197 hp · NT 3.2 turbo-diesel2027 · 201 hp · 2027 Pajero 2.4 turbo-diesel 276 hp Evolution 3.5 MIVEC V6 83 hp 2.5 turbo-diesel, no intercooler
6121417182021
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1988832.5 turbo-diesel, no intercooler
1988141NF Superwagon 3.0 V6
1993123NJ GLX/GLS 2.8 turbo-diesel
1993205NJ Exceed 3.5 V6
1997276Evolution 3.5 MIVEC V6
2001200Montero 3.5 V6
20021624M41 3.2 turbo-diesel
2003215Montero 3.8 V6
2006168NS 3.2 turbo-diesel automatic
2006247NS 3.8 MIVEC V6
2009197NT 3.2 turbo-diesel
20272012027 Pajero 2.4 turbo-diesel

Versions

9 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Short and long bodies (second generation)

    Standard

    Short and long bodies (second generation)

    1991–1999

  • Standard

    GL / GLX / GLS (NH)

    1991

  • Standard

    GLX / GLS / Exceed (2015 range)

    2015

  • Standard

    Montero LS

    1995

    177 hp

  • Standard

    Montero XLS / Limited

    2001

    200 hp

  • Standard

    Exceed / JDM Super Exceed (first generation)

  • Wide / Field Master / Montero Dakar

    Standard

    Wide / Field Master / Montero Dakar

  • Limited

    Final Edition (Australia, MY2022)

    2022

    189 hp
  • Final Edition (Japan)

    Limited

    Final Edition (Japan)

    2019

How to spot one

Look for

  • Montero and Shogun are regional Pajero badges; the 1987–1989 Dodge Raider is a rebadged Pajero.6
  • Second-generation higher trims join lower cladding, bumpers and wheel arches in two-tone paint.27
  • Early monocoque Pajeros have a distinctive molding over the front fenders.9
  • The 2001 Montero has a right-hinged rear cargo door that swings sideways.21
  • 2026 revival: T-shaped headlights, with horizontal-bar or honeycomb grille designs.5

Year by year

  1. 1991

    The original boxy body gives way to a slightly rounder shape.20

  2. 1997 Japan / 1998 export

    Japan's Wide gains flared arches in May 1997; export and Gulf models receive the blister-fender facelift in 1998.18

  3. 2002–2003 (Montero)

    For 2002, XLS gains chrome grille accents and Limited gets body-color trim; 2003 brings revised cladding and a grille with the Mitsubishi logo.21

  4. 2005 (Montero)

    Standard wheels grow from 16 to 17 inches.21

  5. 2007 NS

    The NS restyle removes the distinctive front-fender molding and brings back three-door models.20

  6. 2015 NX

    NX brings a new chrome grille, front bumper and spare-wheel cover; GLX gains LED daytime running lights.912

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mitsubishi Pajero
    Pajero
    Photo of a Pajero Sport / Montero Sport
    Pajero Sport / Montero Sport

    Pajero Sport / Montero Sport

    The smaller Pajero Sport is separate; the original Montero Sport has a lower stance and no tailgate-mounted spare.67

  • Photo of a Mitsubishi Pajero
    Pajero
    Photo of a Pajero Mini / Junior / iO
    Pajero Mini / Junior / iO

    Pajero Mini / Junior / iO

    Much smaller bodies are the clue: Mini is a kei car, while Junior and iO are mini SUVs with separate mechanicals.6

  • Photo of a Mitsubishi Pajero
    Pajero
    Photo of a Hyundai Galloper
    Hyundai Galloper

    Hyundai Galloper

    Early Gallopers nearly duplicate the first-generation Pajero; the 1997 restyle resembles the second generation on first-generation mechanicals.6

Against its rivals

  • Pajero vs Ford Explorer XLT V-8 (2005)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Pajero$36,874
    Ford Explorer XLT V-8 (2005)$39,765
    3

  • Pajero vs Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition (2005)

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    Pajero9.6 s
    Toyota 4Runner Sport Edition (2005)7.2 s
    3
  • Volkswagen Touareg V-6 (2005)

    Pajero vs Volkswagen Touareg V-6 (2005)

    Price as tested lower is better

    Pajero$36,874
    Volkswagen Touareg V-6 (2005)$46,595
    3
  • Nissan Pathfinder (2005)

    Pajero vs Nissan Pathfinder (2005)

    0–96.6 km/h lower is better

    Pajero9.6 s
    Nissan Pathfinder (2005)7.5 s
    3

Prices

Value today $7.5K–$13.5K18

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$10K$20K$30K$40K 1995200020052010201520202025 Value today: $7,500–$13,500 1995 · $35,322 · US base, Montero SR1995 · $39,796 · US as tested, Montero SR 2024 · $7,905 · 1994 Montero SR, 177k miles, BaT2024 · $16,000 · 1998 Montero, 18k miles, BaT2026 · $13,500 · 1995 Montero LS, 109k miles, BaT2026 · $15,000 · 2004 Montero Limited, 88k miles, BaT2026 · $20,000 · 1998 Evolution, 87k miles, Canadian import, BaT2026 · $19,500 · 1998 Evolution, 147k miles, modified/bonded title, BaT2026 · $5,200 · 1987 Montero 5-Speed, 149k miles, BaT2026 · $12,750 · 1991 Pajero Turbodiesel 5-Speed, 96k km, BaT2026 · $11,750 · 2004 Montero Limited, 80k miles, BaT2026 · $33,500 · 1997 Pajero Evolution, 144k km, BaT2026 · $6,500 · 1989 Montero LS V6, 190k miles, BaT $33.5K BaT, 2026
15181922323334353637383940
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1995Price when new$35,322US base, Montero SR
1995Price when new$39,796US as tested, Montero SR
2024Auction sale$7,9051994 Montero SR, 177k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$16,0001998 Montero, 18k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,5001995 Montero LS, 109k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$15,0002004 Montero Limited, 88k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$20,0001998 Evolution, 87k miles, Canadian import, BaT
2026Auction sale$19,5001998 Evolution, 147k miles, modified/bonded title, BaT
2026Auction sale$5,2001987 Montero 5-Speed, 149k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$12,7501991 Pajero Turbodiesel 5-Speed, 96k km, BaT
2026Auction sale$11,7502004 Montero Limited, 80k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$33,5001997 Pajero Evolution, 144k km, BaT
2026Auction sale$6,5001989 Montero LS V6, 190k miles, BaT
2026Value today$7,500–$13,500

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 9 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Twelve Dakar wins, seven in succession”
    • “1985: Japan's first overall Dakar win”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 7 generations

  • Market

    • 4 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 40 sources
  1. 2007 | Dakar Rally | MOTOR SPORTS | brand | MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  2. 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution Review: A Rally Car, Except It's a Truck thedrive.com
  3. Tested: 2005 Off-Road SUV Comparo caranddriver.com
  4. “No Matter the Road, You’ll Always Make It Back” The Development Philosophy Behind the Engineers Who Shaped the Pajero mitsubishi-motors.com
  5. Mitsubishi Motors Unveils the All-New Pajero Cross-Country SUV mitsubishi-motors.com
  6. Mitsubishi Pajero - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. PAJERO HISTORY | ALL NEW PAJERO Special Website | PAJERO | MITSUBISHI MOTORS JAPAN mitsubishi-motors.co.jp
  8. Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  9. Mitsubishi Pajero 4WD wagon outbacktravelaustralia.com.au
  10. Mitsubishi SUV Gets An 'F' - CBS News cbsnews.com
  11. Mitsubishi Pajero used car review | RACV racv.com.au
  12. Used Mitsubishi Pajero review - ReDriven redriven.com
  13. 2022 Mitsubishi Pajero Final Edition price and specs | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  14. 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero review: Quick drive | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  15. Tested: 1995 Mitsubishi Montero SR Is One for Gadget Freaks caranddriver.com
  16. GENERAL INFORMATION jdmfsm.info
  17. First Drive: 2001 Mitsubishi Montero caranddriver.com
  18. Mitsubishi Pajero / Montero (Second Generation) — BoxyTrucks boxytrucks.com
  19. No Reserve: 1987 Mitsubishi Montero 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $5,200 on October 28, 2026 (Lot #270,923) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  20. Buying a used Mitsubishi Pajero (1987-2010) - carsales.com.au redbook.com.au
  21. 2001-06 Mitsubishi Montero | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  22. No Reserve: 1995 Mitsubishi Montero LS for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,500 on March 29, 2026 (Lot #235,475) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  23. Mitsubishi Shogun Black Edition review | | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  24. Mitsubishi Shogun Barbarian launched | Carbuyer carbuyer.co.uk
  25. 1998 | Dakar Rally | MOTOR SPORTS | brand | MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  26. オールラウンドSUV『パジェロ』の特別仕様車「FINAL EDITION」を発売（ニュースリリース）- 三菱自動車 mitsubishi-motors.com
  27. Pajero 2nd (1991) | Mitsubishi Car Design Trails | Mitsubishi Car Design Trails mit-cardesign-t.com
  28. Mitsubishi PX33 - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  29. Jeep CJ - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  30. 1985 | Dakar Rally | MOTOR SPORTS | brand | MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  31. 2001 | Dakar Rally | MOTOR SPORTS | brand | MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  32. 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Limited for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,000 on August 25, 2026 (Lot #259,670) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $20,000 on October 5, 2026 (Lot #266,639) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 1998 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $19,500 on October 15, 2026 (Lot #268,703) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 1989 Mitsubishi Montero LS V6 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,500 on January 19, 2026 (Lot #227,048) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. 1997 Mitsubishi Pajero Evolution for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $33,500 on January 23, 2026 (Lot #227,491) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 1991 Mitsubishi Pajero Turbodiesel 4×4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $12,750 on March 28, 2026 (Lot #235,374) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 2004 Mitsubishi Montero Limited for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,750 on March 23, 2026 (Lot #234,669) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  39. No Reserve: 1994 Mitsubishi Montero SR for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,905 on October 9, 2024 (Lot #166,043) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  40. 18k-Mile 1998 Mitsubishi Montero for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $16,000 on March 3, 2024 (Lot #138,310) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • mitsubishi-motors.com
  • thedrive.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • mitsubishi-motors.co.jp
  • outbacktravelaustralia.com.au
  • cbsnews.com
  • racv.com.au
  • redriven.com
  • carexpert.com.au
  • jdmfsm.info
  • boxytrucks.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • redbook.com.au

Photo credits

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