Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The Pajero's Comeback Already Has a Rally VersionThe Mitsubishi Pajero has officially returned. After years away from Mitsubishi's lineup, the flagship SUV made its global debut in Japan with its official preliminary specifications and design finally out in the open.But Mitsubishi didn't just roll out the standard Pajero. Off to the side, they dropped a surprise for the off-road crowd: a Pajero decked out in full Ralliart livery, looking more ready to tear up a rally stage than sit pretty in a dealership. Mitsubishi exclusively sent these photos to Autoblog.AdvertisementAdvertisementThere's a reason for all the rally gear: Mitsubishi already has its sights set on the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR). This isn't your average Sunday drive – it's a 1,300-mile gauntlet through Thailand's jungles, rivers, rocks, and dirt at full tilt.Of note, Team Mitsubishi Ralliart just captured overall victory at the 2026 AXCR with its rally-ready Triton truck, giving Mitsubishi the momentum it wanted heading into the Pajero's return. It also marked the first overall AXCR win by a Japanese driver and co-driver pairing in the rally's 31-year history.AutoblogOn the AXCR Starting GridThis rally Pajero isn't just for show. It's got the full Ralliart graphics, chunky all-terrain tires, off-road wheels, recovery hooks, a snorkel, and a more aggressive stance. The best part is, Mitsubishi brass are already talking about racing it before a single customer gets their hands on one.During Team Mitsubishi Ralliart's AXCR victory press conference, team director Hiroshi Masuoka revealed that he's already thinking about campaigning the new Pajero in next year's rally, even though he admitted the plan hasn't been officially approved yet.AdvertisementAdvertisement"This is not yet officially decided, but in my mind, I'm thinking about a new Pajero next year. I'm really looking forward to creating a new car. It's like a sibling car to the Triton, so if we can utilize the know-how we've gained so far in the Pajero and make it a highly competitive car, I think next year will be exciting," Masuoka told the MotorFan.Masuoka didn't stop there – he's already gunning for a three-peat at AXCR with the Pajero next season.That kind of confidence isn't just talk. Under the skin, the new Pajero rides on the same bones as the latest Mitsubishi Triton – the pickup that Ralliart has already turned into an AXCR champ. The 2026 rally Triton packs tweaked suspension, better weight balance, and a beefed-up 2.4-liter turbo-diesel, so the Pajero's got a solid head start.AutoblogView the 2 images of this gallery on the original articleThe Pajero Has Plenty of Rally History to Live Up ToOf course, the Pajero isn't some rookie in the rally world. Way before it was hauling families, it was busy earning its stripes in the nastiest off-road races out there.AdvertisementAdvertisementBack in the '80s, '90s, and early 2000s, the Pajero was basically the face of the Dakar Rally, racking up wins and cementing its legend status. That rally DNA is a big part of why the Pajero became a global icon – right up there with its bulletproof toughness and go-anywhere attitude.Now, the new Pajero gets its shot at writing a fresh chapter. If Mitsubishi pulls the trigger on Masuoka's plan, we could see the Pajero back in rally action almost as soon as it hits the streets, flying the same Ralliart flag that just brought home another AXCR trophy.For die-hard fans, that's about as perfect a comeback as you could ask for. And if the production Pajero – known in the US as the Montero – can borrow some of that Triton rally magic, don't be surprised if it's out there hunting for glory all over again.MitsubishiView the 7 images of this gallery on the original articleAdvertisementAdvertisementThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Sep 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.