Uncovering the Enduring Legacy and Popularity of the Mitsubishi Pajero in the UAE

When exploring the towering dunes of the UAE, certain vehicles are an absolute constant on any desert excursion, notably the Toyota LandCruiser, Nissan Patrol, Jeep Wrangler, and Mitsubishi Pajero. The enduring all-terrainer from the tri-diamond marque boasts a rich history in the region, tracing back to the debut of the first-generation model in the early 1980s. It immediately captured the attention of buyers searching for a robust, reliable, and go-anywhere vehicle.

Built on a rugged body-on-frame construction and driven by a dependable 2.6-litre four-cylinder engine, the SUV's versatility and durability drove its regional success. Key selling points included independent front suspension that softened rough desert tracks, alongside strong on-road handling and manoeuvrability.

Originally introduced as a three-door, short-wheelbase model featuring metal or canvas tops, Mitsubishi expanded its market reach in 1983 with a five-door, long-wheelbase variant. Accommodating up to seven passengers, this version quickly became a favourite for UAE families, seamlessly transitioning from daily school runs to challenging cross-country trips beyond tarmac roads.

Although smaller than its contemporaries like the Toyota LandCruiser and Nissan Patrol, the Pajero offered more accessible pricing that carved out a unique domestic market niche. Continuous updates kept the vehicle competitive, including the 1988 introduction of a V6 engine that enhanced both power and refinement.

Ahmad Pervez, founder and chief of Dubai Offroaders—a licensed premier desert-driving institute established in 2007—offers deeper insight into the vehicle's regional triumph. He notes that features like the Super Select 4WD system, capable V6 engines, compliant suspension, sensible weight, and decent ground clearance cemented its status as a desert legend without needing to be the most powerful 4x4.

With the third-generation Pajero in 1999, Mitsubishi shifted from body-on-frame to a car-like monocoque chassis. Pervez explains that this structure suited UAE-style off-roading, delivering low weight, good power delivery, and stable, predictable handling, which paired effectively with the Super Select II 4WD system.

Beyond serving families daily, the Pajero secured a formidable motorsport legacy. In 1985, French drivers Patrick Zaniroli and Jean da Silva piloted a specially prepared Pajero to victory in the Paris-Dakar Rally, marking the first of 12 triumphs for the vehicle in the grueling event, including seven consecutive wins from 2001 to 2007 that earned a Guinness World Record.

After ending a four-decade production run in 2021, the nameplate returns with the fifth-generation model, which Pervez notes has correctly adopted a proper ladder-frame architecture with a rigid rear axle rather than becoming a premium crossover. Positioned as a flagship cross-country SUV, the new model aims to recapture the traditional off-road capability, reliability, and comfort valued by its loyal UAE audience.