The Mitsubishi Pajero II (V2_W, V4_W) is a mid-size SUV produced by Mitsubishi Motors from 1994 to 2000. Representing the second generation of the Pajero lineage, it built upon the success of its predecessor, offering increased refinement, capability, and a wider range of engine options. While not initially a major player in the North American market, the Pajero II was a significant vehicle in Europe, Australia, and Asia, known for its robust four-wheel-drive system and comfortable ride. The 3.5 i V6 24V variant, producing 208 horsepower, was a popular choice for those seeking a balance of performance and fuel efficiency in a capable SUV.
Mitsubishi Pajero II: A Detailed Overview
The Pajero II marked a substantial evolution in Mitsubishi’s SUV offerings. It moved away from the more utilitarian focus of the first generation towards a vehicle that could comfortably serve as a family transport while still possessing genuine off-road prowess. The V2_W and V4_W designations refer to differences in chassis and body configurations, with the V4_W typically denoting a longer wheelbase version. This generation saw increased use of independent suspension components, improving both on-road handling and off-road articulation. The Pajero II competed with vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Nissan Patrol, and Jeep Grand Cherokee, offering a compelling alternative with its unique blend of features and capabilities.
Engine & Performance
The 3.5 i V6 24V engine is the heart of this particular Pajero II variant. This naturally aspirated 3.5-liter (213.4 cubic inches) V6 engine produces 208 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 300 Nm (221.27 lb-ft) of torque at 3000 rpm. The engine features a multi-port fuel injection system and a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. This configuration delivers a respectable power-to-weight ratio of 10 kg/Hp and a torque output of 7 kg/Nm. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 10.5 seconds, while the vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 185 km/h (114.95 mph). Fuel consumption is rated at 14.5 liters per 100 kilometers (16.2 US mpg, 19.5 UK mpg, 6.9 km/l), which was typical for a vehicle of this size and capability during the 1990s. The engine is longitudinally mounted in the front of the vehicle, driving all four wheels through a 5-speed manual transmission.
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Pajero II is a five-door SUV with seating for up to seven passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides a robust platform for both on-road and off-road driving. The exterior design is characterized by its boxy shape, large windows, and relatively high ground clearance. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4725 mm (186.02 inches) in length, 1785 mm (70.28 inches) in width, and 1895 mm (74.61 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2725 mm (107.28 inches).
Inside, the Pajero II offers a practical and comfortable cabin. The interior features durable materials and a functional layout. Key features include hydraulic power steering and an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo space, which ranges from a minimum of 1080 liters (38.14 cubic feet) to a maximum of 2050 liters (72.4 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded. The fuel tank capacity is 92 liters (24.3 US gallons, 20.24 UK gallons), providing a reasonable driving range. The Pajero II’s suspension system consists of torsion bars at the front and coil springs at the rear, providing a comfortable ride and good off-road capability. It rides on 265/70 R15 H tires.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Pajero |
| Generation | Pajero II (V2_W, V4_W) |
| Type (Engine) | 3.5 i V6 24V (208 Hp) |
| Start of production | 1994 |
| End of production | 2000 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 14.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 16.2 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 19.5 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 6.9 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed | 185 km/h |
| Maximum speed (mph) | 114.95 mph |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 208 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 59.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 3000 rpm |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 221.27 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 3497 cm3 |
| Engine displacement (cu. in.) | 213.4 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 93 mm |
| Cylinder Bore (in.) | 3.66 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 85.8 mm |
| Piston Stroke (in.) | 3.38 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Kerb Weight | 2085 kg |
| Kerb Weight (lbs) | 4596.64 lbs |
| Max. weight | 2720 kg |
| Max. weight (lbs) | 5996.57 lbs |
| Max load | 635 kg |
| Max load (lbs) | 1399.94 lbs |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 1080 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum (cu. ft.) | 38.14 cu. ft. |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2050 l |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum (cu. ft.) | 72.4 cu. ft. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 92 l |
| Fuel tank capacity (US gal) | 24.3 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity (UK gal) | 20.24 UK gal |
| Length | 4725 mm |
| Length (in.) | 186.02 in. |
| Width | 1785 mm |
| Width (in.) | 70.28 in. |
| Height | 1895 mm |
| Height (in.) | 74.61 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2725 mm |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 107.28 in. |
| Front track | 1465 mm |
| Front track (in.) | 57.68 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1480 mm |
| Rear (Back) track (in.) | 58.27 in. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Type of gearbox | manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Torsion |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 265/70 R15 H |
