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, this vehicle was primarily marketed in Europe, Asia, and Australia, where the demand for robust, capable, and comfortable SUVs was high. While not officially sold in the United States under the Pajero name, it’s a significant model in the history of Mitsubishi’s four-wheel-drive vehicles, known for its blend of off-road prowess and on-road refinement. The Pajero II offered a substantial upgrade over its predecessor, featuring improved comfort, safety, and performance, solidifying its position as a popular choice for families and adventurers alike.
Mitsubishi Pajero II: A Detailed Overview
The Pajero II built upon the success of the original Pajero, addressing many of the criticisms leveled at the first generation. It offered a more refined driving experience, improved interior space, and a wider range of engine options. The V2_W and V4_W designations refer to different chassis configurations, with the V4_W typically denoting a longer wheelbase version offering increased interior space and cargo capacity. The Pajero II was designed to compete with other popular SUVs of the time, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado and the Nissan Patrol, offering a compelling combination of features and capabilities.
Engine & Performance
The 3.5 i V6 24V variant of the Pajero II is powered by a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine, producing 208 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 300 Nm (221.27 lb.-ft.) of torque at 3000 rpm. This engine, with its multi-port fuel injection and double overhead camshaft (DOHC) valvetrain, provides a good balance of power and responsiveness. The engine’s longitudinal front-engine layout contributes to the vehicle’s balanced handling characteristics. Coupled with a 4-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel-drive (4×4) system, the Pajero II delivers respectable performance. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes approximately 10.5 seconds, while its top speed is rated at 185 km/h (114.95 mph). The weight-to-power ratio of 10 kg/Hp and a weight-to-torque ratio of 7 kg/Nm indicate a reasonably efficient powertrain for its time. Fuel consumption is rated at 14.5 liters per 100 kilometers (16.2 US mpg, 19.5 UK mpg).
Design & Features
The Mitsubishi Pajero II is a five-door SUV with seating for up to seven passengers. Its body-on-frame construction provides excellent durability and off-road capability. The exterior design is characterized by its boxy shape, large windows, and prominent wheel arches, typical of SUVs from the 1990s. The Pajero II’s interior is designed for practicality and comfort, with durable materials and a functional layout. Key features include hydraulic power steering, an anti-lock braking system (ABS), and a spacious interior with a versatile seating arrangement. The trunk offers a minimum of 1080 liters (38.14 cu. ft.) of cargo space, expanding to 2050 liters (72.4 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The Pajero II’s suspension system, featuring torsion bars at the front and coil springs at the rear, provides a comfortable ride both on and off-road. The vehicle rides on 15-inch wheels fitted with 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) Automatic |
| 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 | 4 |
| Type of gearbox | automatic 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 |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
