Equipment
3.5/276hp V6, automatic, 2-speed transfer case, locking center differential, skid plates, an Evolution-specific body kit, a trailer hitch, Recaro front sport seats, an information display on the dashboard, and air conditioning. Modifications reported by the selling dealer include 16-inch OZ Racing wheels, mudflaps, a rear-mounted ladder, and an Eclipse touchscreen.
Market commentary
Like all the homologation greats, the PajEvo is a significant departure from its vanilla source material. The styling-by-steroids is likely the first thing you’ll notice, and make sure you get a real close look; focus on the rear potion of the roofline, specifically on those aerodynamic wing extensions large enough to cast shade on the rear window. Wider track and wider tires mean that ridiculously swollen bodywork ain’t just for show, either. Gone is the Pajero’s standard front torsion bar and rear stick-axle layout, replaced with the Evo’s full independent suspension, including revised springs and shocks controlling the motion of double wishbones in the front and a multi-link setup in the back. 276 hp and 257 lb-ft from the familiar 6G74 3.5-liter V-6 routes through triple differentials, with Torsens in the front and back along with a standard selectable center diff. Rounding out this package is a charcuterie of cool goodies like beefy under-chassis armor and some slick bespoke Recaro seats to keep you snug during extended silt drifts. As for the market, we realistically just need to give it time. 2022 was the first year in which you could legally import a PajEvo thanks to the 25-year import law, so American enthusiasts are still figuring out how much these insane little trucks are worth. Especially given the increased popularity of collector SUVs, we don’t expect it to remain at the $50,000 waterline for long. We’ll be surprised if we don’t see the cleanest PajEvos creep up toward—but maybe not across—the six-figure barrier. Until then, we’ll keep an eye on this developing market.