Mitsubishi has redesigned the fifth-generation Pajero, moving the spare wheel from the tailgate to the underside of the vehicle. According to chief product specialist Kunitoshi Itagaki, the previous external mounting created practical issues, including excessive weight on the rear door and interference with towing equipment.
The new design replaces the traditional side-hinged door with a conventional tailgate. This change aims to improve daily usability and allows the tailgate to function as part of a camping tent setup. To maintain a visual connection to the model's history, the company added a hexagonal design element to the rear.
The decision follows research into global customer feedback, which indicated that owners use the vehicle for daily tasks rather than exclusively for off-road conditions. Mitsubishi intends to expand the Pajero nameplate, with plans to introduce smaller models to join the flagship SUV in the future.
