Mitsubishi’s Next-Gen Off-Roader Keeps with Tradition in One of the Coolest Ways

One of the original Pajero’s signature (and quirky) dashboard features will return.

Mitsubishi Motors

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Published 3 hours ago

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There are many reasons to get excited when a beloved vehicle like the Mitsubishi Pajero makes a grand return. But sometimes, there’s more to it than the car itself.

In the Pajero’s case, it’s a unique and quirky standout interior addition. Mitsubishi is leaning on this feature’s return, which further represents one of the ways the iconic off-roader is sticking with its heritage.

The return of the Pajero’s triple dash gauge pod, sort of

Three circular digital gauges showing altitude 254m, roll 6°, and pitch 17°, with a warm yellow-orange background. — Mitsubishi’s reviving the Pajero’s iconic triple-gauge off-roading display for the next-gen model.

If you’ve ever spent time behind the wheel of an old-school Pajero/Montero/Shogun, you’re likely familiar with its bespoke tri-gauge pod. It’s always been a part of the model’s driving experience, sitting atop the SUV’s center console.

Within said pod were gauges typically reading out pitch angle, roll angle and altitude from sea level.

Three round vehicle dashboard gauges with oil pressure, artificial horizon, and battery voltage indicators lit in dim light. — The unique gauge cluster has always been a staple feature for the Pajero.

Some variations included a compass, exterior temperature display, and other instruments, depending on the truck’s trim level and equipment specification. But they ultimately existed to inform the driver of pertinent information, especially when it came to off-roading.

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The gauges read out such data to inform the driver of the vehicle’s body motions and direction. It helps keep one’s bearings, and it lets drivers know if they’re getting in over their heads.

Now, Mitsubishi is promising to bring back this quirky yet very informative feature for the Pajero’s revival. It’s a good thing, too, because it wouldn’t be a Pajero without it.

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To tease the car’s triple gauge revival, the Japanese automaker gave a preview of the display in action on its social media and teaser pages. Sadly, because it’s 2026 and we’re in the era of relentless digital screens, the three-pod gauge display is integrated into the car’s digital driver display.

But the fact that it will exist in the upcoming Pajero is a tasteful nod to the model’s heritage.

Another four-wheeling king to be resurrected

Silver Mitsubishi SUV driving through deep muddy water on an off-road trail with a bird flying nearby. — The return of the Pajero is arguably Mitsubishi’s biggest comeback in years.

The teaser of the tri-gauge display is just one of the many Mitsubishi is trickling out. It’s expected, especially for what’s turning out to be its biggest new model of the decade thus far.

The automaker’s next-gen four-by-four will once again go head-to-head with the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Nissan Patrol. Both rival SUVs recently got overhauled for its new generation, leaving Mitsubishi the only one sitting out.

Two Mitsubishi Pajero SUVs, one silver older model in the foreground and one black newer model in the background, parked on dry dirt with greenery behind. — We can’t wait to see how the new Pajero stacks up against Toyota’s newest Land Cruiser and Nissan’s Patrol.

Once the Pajero arrives, it’ll complete one of automotive history’s greatest rivalries. Or, what I like to call the Japanese off-roader trifecta.

About the Author: Chris Chin is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, trucks and anything else with four wheels. He has over a decade of experience writing news and reviews but considers himself an enthusiast first, with a passion for classics and European cars. His daily driver is a 1987 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL with nearly 250,000 miles (87,000 are his).

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