The End of Production: What Happened?

In August 2021, Mitsubishi Motors officially ceased production of the Pajero at its Kurashiki plant in Japan, bringing to a close one of the most storied nameplates in four-wheel drive history. The decision was driven by shifting global demand toward smaller crossovers and the brand's strategic restructuring under the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

The final Gen 4 Pajero had been in production — with periodic updates — since 2006, making it one of the longest-running body-on-frame SUV generations in the segment. Its discontinuation marked the end of nearly four decades of continuous production.

A Brief History of the Pajero Nameplate

  • 1982 – Gen 1: The original Pajero launched as a rugged, utilitarian off-roader. It quickly built a reputation through the Paris-Dakar Rally.
  • 1991 – Gen 2: A major evolution with improved comfort, a longer wheelbase, and wider engine choices.
  • 1999 – Gen 3: The monocoque revolution. Mitsubishi moved to a unibody construction — controversial at the time, but it dramatically improved on-road manners.
  • 2006 – Gen 4: Refined, more powerful, and more luxurious. The 3.2 DiD diesel became the benchmark powertrain for the lineup.

What It Means for the Used Market

With no new Pajeros being produced, demand for well-maintained used examples — particularly late-model Gen 4s — has remained strong in many markets. Buyers who previously held off now recognise that a clean, low-mileage Gen 4 Pajero represents a compelling long-term ownership proposition, especially for those who genuinely need serious off-road capability paired with seven-seat practicality.

Parts supply remains healthy through Mitsubishi's global dealer network and an active aftermarket, so ownership costs are not expected to spike significantly in the near term.

The Dakar Legacy

It would be impossible to discuss the Pajero without mentioning the Paris-Dakar Rally — one of the world's most gruelling motorsport events. Mitsubishi Pajero-based vehicles won the rally an extraordinary number of times across multiple decades, cementing the nameplate's reputation for durability and capability in the harshest conditions on earth.

Is There a Successor?

Mitsubishi has not announced a direct replacement for the Pajero. The Mitsubishi Outlander and the Eclipse Cross represent the brand's current SUV lineup, but neither matches the Pajero's off-road pedigree or body-on-frame credentials. Enthusiast communities continue to call for a spiritual successor, though no formal announcement has been made as of the time of writing.

The Community Carries It Forward

Despite the end of production, the Pajero community worldwide remains vibrant. Clubs, forums, and social media groups continue to grow, with enthusiasts sharing restoration projects, off-road adventures, and technical knowledge. In many respects, the cessation of production has only strengthened the sense of community around the nameplate.