Mitsubishi Pajero NZ: $79,990 VRX and December arrival

Mitsubishi’s returning Pajero now has New Zealand prices. MMNZ’s 1 October announcement lists the seven-seat VRX at $79,990 plus on-road costs and the Exceed at $86,990 plus on-road costs, with both due in local dealerships in December 2026.

That changes the decision from whether the Pajero is coming to which version belongs on a shortlist. The two grades are $7,000 apart before on-road costs and accessories. The September world reveal remains useful background, but buyers can now work from a local range announcement rather than borrowing an overseas specification.

The $7,000 choice is between two local grades

VRX is the entry point, while Exceed is the higher specification. Both quoted figures are recommended selling prices excluding on-road costs. Ask for the complete vehicle price and the grade’s equipment list together; a dealer accessory package, premium paint, tow equipment, or delivery charge can change the final comparison.

An announced December dealership arrival does not allocate a particular vehicle to a customer. A buyer replacing a car before summer needs to distinguish the dealer’s expected demonstration vehicle, landed stock, and an individual order. Put the proposed handover date and the deposit conditions on the written order, especially if selling the current car depends on that date.

The price gap is also a useful limit on the comparison. Work out which Exceed features will actually be used, rather than assuming the top grade is necessary because the vehicle will tow or travel off the sealed road. Conversely, fitting accessories later may cost more than choosing the equipment at purchase. The dealer should identify that difference item by item.

Diesel and low range define the Pajero’s job

MMNZ specifies a 2.4-litre Gen2 turbo-diesel producing 150kW and 480Nm. The local announcement pairs it with an eight-speed automatic and describes Super All-Wheel Control alongside Super Select 4WD-II. Its four drivetrain settings include 2H, 4H, 4HLc, and low-range 4LLc.

That is a different brief from a compact urban hybrid. Low-range gearing and a rear differential lock can be relevant to a farm track, a work site, or slow off-road travel. They do not make an unsuitable track safe or establish the legal mass of a loaded trailer. Confirm towing, payload, axle limits, and the approved tow equipment against the exact New Zealand vehicle before building a touring or work setup.

A family buyer should test the same hardware in ordinary use. Include parking, tight turns, access to the third row, loading the boot with all seats occupied, and entry for children or older passengers. Capability that is useful twice a year still has to fit the other fifty weeks.

Measure the garage before choosing the grade

The announced vehicle is 4,920mm long and 1,925mm wide, with a 2,870mm wheelbase and three seating rows. Those dimensions deserve an actual tape measure, including room to open doors, reach child restraints, and unload in a garage. Accessories can require more clearance than the bare vehicle dimensions suggest.

The published launch material is a starting point for checking safety equipment and ownership support, rather than a substitute for the local specification attached to the order. Ask which assistance systems are standard on VRX and Exceed, what safety assessment applies, and which servicing, fuel, and emissions requirements apply to the vehicle being supplied.

Before paying a deposit, request matched VRX and Exceed quotes with the same paint, accessories, tow equipment, on-road costs, and delivery assumptions. Keep the $7,000 grade difference visible. Choose the equipment that resolves the family or work brief, then confirm the December allocation in writing.

Sources

• All-new Pajero pricing announced — Mitsubishi Motors New Zealand, 1 October 2026.