NEW Pajero Takes Aim At Land Cruiser Prado In ASEAN

All-New Mitsubishi Pajero Takes Aim at the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250 in ASEAN

The rugged 4×4 landscape in Southeast Asia is entering a high-stakes era. Mitsubishi has officially resurrected its flagship off-roader, unleashing the fifth-generation Mitsubishi Pajero. Built on an updated ladder-frame platform and engineered specifically for tough tropical terrains, the new Pajero sets its sights directly on the market’s benchmark: the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250.

For ASEAN buyers, this showdown revives a legendary rivalry, offering off-road capability, modern turbodiesel powertrains, and high-end cabin technology.

Both SUVs embrace utilitarian, boxy silhouettes with modern design twists.

Mitsubishi Pajero: Incorporates Mitsubishi’s latest Dynamic Shield front end, characterized by sharp T-shaped LED headlights, broad muscular haunches, and heritage cues like a flared C-pillar paying homage to classic Dakar rally racers. With a 2,870 mm wheelbase and a high ground clearance of 230 mm, it offers aggressive approach (30.4°) and departure angles designed for river crossings and steep trail climbs.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250: Leans into pure retro-functionalism. Built on Toyota’s rigid GA-F platform, the Prado 250 utilizes flat body panels, high-mounted headlights, and clean lines engineered for easy repairability in remote regions.

Performance & Powertrain: Battle of the Turbodiesels

Under the hood, both manufacturers rely on proven high-torque four-cylinder turbodiesels engineered for long-haul durability and low-end pulling power.

The Pajero’s updated 2.4L VGT unit produces 480 Nm of torque through a slick 8-speed transmission. Mitsubishi leverages its Dakar rally heritage with Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II) and Super-All Wheel Control (S-AWC). Drivers can shift between 2H (RWD efficiency), 4H (full-time 4WD for rain and paved roads), 4HLc (locked center diff), and 4LLc (low-range rock crawling). Brake-based Active Yaw Control (AYC) regulates left-right torque distribution, enhancing high-speed stability on mud, gravel, and wet tarmac.

The Toyota Prado 250 counters with its proven 2.8L 1GD-FTV engine delivering 500 Nm of torque. Coupled with a Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) that increases front wheel articulation at the push of a button, the Prado retains a slight edge in heavy-duty towing capacity and raw crawling traction.

Interior, Tech & Practicality

Inside, both SUVs step away from Spartan commercial roots, offering high-tech cabins that cater to families and luxury adventure travelers.

Mitsubishi Pajero: Features a horizontal dash dominated by dual 14.3-inch displays (infotainment and digital driver cluster). A digital tribute to the classic Pajero multi-meter displays vehicle pitch, roll, compass bearings, and AYC status. The 3-row layout includes a 150 mm sliding middle row for easier third-row access, along with a premium 12-speaker Yamaha audio setup and Mi-Pilot driver assistance.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250: Focuses on tactical ergonomics. Physical toggle switches line the center console for easy blind operation on rough trails, complemented by a 12.3-inch infotainment display, Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, and Multi-Terrain Monitor 3D cameras.

The Verdict for ASEAN Markets

Manufactured in Thailand for regional distribution across ASEAN nations, the new Mitsubishi Pajero enters the market as a technologically rich alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado 250 and only its selling price will determine its sales success when it arrives in the very price sensitive market.