Mitsubishi Pajero, Triton hybrids coming – but not for a while

Mitsubishi has confirmed ladder-frame models like the Triton and the related Pajero will eventually offer hybrid powertrains, but says it'll take its time to ensure they are competitive.

The Triton ute is currently available with only a 2.4-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine producing 150kW of power and 470Nm of torque. The all-new fifth-generation Pajero is based on the Triton but uses an updated version of its engine with just one turbocharger, increasing torque to 480Nm.

While the introduction of a new model such as the new Pajero flagship SUV seemed like an opportune time to futureproof its powertrain portfolio, Mitsubishi Motors chief product specialist Kunitoshi Itagaki says the brand didn't want to compromise on its proven formula.

"The all-new Pajero is being launched with [an internal combustion] powertrain only," he told media including CarExpert.

"However, Mitsubishi Motors is pursuing research and development in electrified ladder-frame vehicles, including hybrid vehicle and plug-in hybrid vehicle technologies for products such as Pajero and Triton in the future.

"To meet Mitsubishi Motors' standards, future electrified models must deliver not only strong on-road performance, but also off-road capability, towing performance, durability and reliability expected to be core strengths of Mitsubishi Motors vehicles.

"We're ensuring that electrified models can maintain these characteristics while delivering the distinct Mitsubishi Motors driving experience... market introduction will therefore take additional time."

Itagaki-san's comments come after reports of Mitsubishi securing additional investment for its production facilities in Thailand to focus on electrified vehicles, in particular its ladder-frame vehicles. Crucially, the diesel Pajero will be built in Thailand alongside the Triton.

Those reports, published in July 2026, state that Mitsubishi is "studying the possibility of producing and exporting electric pickup trucks, including the Pajero, using Thailand as a production base".

But Itagaki-san stopped short of providing any hints about initial specifications or timelines, asserting that Mitsubishi "cannot say anything about future plans" for the Pajero in particular.

"But of course, when we are developing a global model, we study a wide range of powertrains that are based on market needs, regulations, performance, fuel economy... but this time, we selected the 2.4-litre engine," he said.

"We will continue to study the best future options, including maybe electrification around market needs and regulations as technology evolves."

For now, Mitsubishi will continue to offer just the 2.4-ltre single-turbo diesel engine for the Pajero. That's despite key Australian rivals fitting beefier powerplants to their cars – namely Ford, which fits a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 to the Everest with 184kW and 600Nm.

Speculation also suggests Mitsubishi could have borrowed an engine from its three-way Alliance with Nissan and Renault.

A notable option is the 3.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol V6 available for the 'Y63' Patrol overseas, which produces 233kW and 386Nm.

"[The 2.4L] engine is the same as Triton, but now we adapt the next-generation diesel engine for the all-new Pajero. Power and torque is 150kW and 480Nm; it is slightly improved from Triton with torque, so this is one difference," Itagaki-san said.

"We have no additional powertrain plans at this moment, including the turbocharged V6 gasoline engine or some other engines, to announce at this time."

Mitsubishi Motors chief vehicle engineer Takaaki Matsumoto added that the updated 2.4-litre diesel that'll power the Pajero offers improved response and controllability over the engine in the Triton.

He said the brand also considers the Pajero's engine performance to be "sufficient for normal customers".

The fifth-generation Pajero will arrive in Australian showrooms in December 2026. It'll be available in three model grades, with prices ranging from $68,490 to $84,990 before on-road costs.

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