The new Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun) returns with rugged styling, twin‑turbo diesel and plug‑in hybrid powertrains. Discover its 2024 debut. Read now!
After a three‑year hiatus, Mitsubishi is gearing up to re‑introduce its iconic full‑size SUV under the historic name Shogun in the United Kingdom. European test drives have already confirmed the model’s road‑ready status, signalling that the long‑awaited revival is just around the corner.
European Test Runs Hint at Imminent Return
Carscoops reports that the new Pajero, currently being evaluated on public roads across the UK, Germany, and France, shows a confident, blocky silhouette that immediately sets it apart from the current Outlander lineup. The test phases are part of Mitsubishi’s final validation before a global rollout slated for mid‑2024.
Design Language Borrowing from the Big‑Game Hunters
The upcoming model adopts a square‑jawed, muscular front end—large upright headlights, a bold vertical grille, and a pronounced bumper that screams off‑road capability. Wheel arches are sharply defined, and the vehicle rides on fixed‑height side steps reminiscent of classic Land Cruiser and Lexus GX styling.
At the rear, a high‑set roof spoiler and a vertical tailgate glass panel suggest a two‑tone design approach, echoing the visual language of the Toyota Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX.
A New Platform, Not a Shared One
Contrary to early rumors of a shared Nissan Patrol underpinnings, the new Pajero is built on Mitsubishi’s own ladder‑frame chassis derived from the latest Triton pickup. This independent platform is paired with an updated 4WD system offering seven selectable terrain modes: Normal, Eco, Rock, Snow, Mud, Sand, and Rock‑Crawl.
Powertrain Options: Twin‑Turbo Diesel and Plug‑in Hybrid
Two powertrains are expected:
- 2.4‑litre twin‑turbo diesel delivering 201 hp and a robust 470 Nm of torque, mirroring the output of the current Triton.
- Plug‑in hybrid variant that combines the same 2.4‑litre gasoline engine with two electric motors and a lithium‑ion battery pack, producing up to 248 hp and 450 Nm of torque—similar to the Outlander PHEV architecture.
Given the vehicle’s larger size and weight, Mitsubishi may need to fine‑tune the hybrid system to ensure competitive performance in demanding off‑road conditions.
Launch Timeline and Market Strategy
The global debut is planned for the middle of 2024, with market‑specific rollouts beginning in early 2027. In the UK, Mitsubishi has already confirmed a comeback with the Outlander PHEV and L200 pickup; the re‑introduction of the Pajero (as Shogun) will be its flagship move to reclaim a position in the premium large‑SUV segment.
Enthusiasts and prospective buyers should keep an eye on official Mitsubishi channels for the exact launch dates, pricing, and reservation details.