I love the Mitsubishi Pajero. I’ve been a fan ever since I first saw one in 1987. I had eyed this one I own for five years before I finally got my hands on it.

The Pajero was big here because it was aspirational. It offered something new. Safe to say that it kick-started the modern SUV craze.

But perhaps why we’re so crazy about this SUV is because of its success story at the Dakar Rally—the Pajero securing a total of 12 overall victories between 1985 and 2007, including seven consecutive wins.

You sit behind the wheel knowing the Pajero was built through actual use—expeditions, harsh environments, and said motorsport success. That’s credibility accumulated over the years.

When Mitsubishi announced the discontinuation of the Pajero in 2019 for the Japanese market, and then globally by 2021, it felt premature. Those discontinuation milestones were quickly followed by speculation of a return in 2026.

Can Mitsubishi really continue offering SUVs without its OG SUV? That’s like a pizza joint offering everything else but the cheese.

So here we are with the fifth-generation model. Looks-wise, it bears the T-shaped LED head- and taillights, consistent with the Destinator, the Xforce, and the Xpander. Actually, the Destinator was a preview of what was to come: Both have an unmistakable resemblance. The size difference, however, has yet to be seen in the metal.

Inside, it’s the look of modern tech. There are display screens on the dashboard, with the three recognizable dials incorporated into the display. Of course, there’s the updated Super Select 4WD-II via a knob by the gear lever.

Underneath is a high-tensile steel ladder frame. Propelling the new Pajero is a 2.4-liter diesel mated to an eight-speed automatic.

But there’s more to just the nameplate returning. It’s continuing the desire for the Pajero.

A car tends to gain attention in absence. Some of us here at VISOR fondly discussed the SUV, especially with speculation of a return.

Am I happy it’s back? Absolutely! With so many unfamiliar offerings out there now coming with promises rather than proof, you can rest on the fact that the Pajero’s reputation was earned the hard way.

How this latest one fares remains to be seen. But a 22-year track record of victories at the Dakar should give plenty of confidence.