New Mitsubishi Pajero hybrid and plug-in hybrid 4WDs confirmed to battle 2026 Denza B5, GWM Tank 500 and Toyota Prado

Mitsubishi’s secret hybrid one-two punch has been exposed, with plans for a hybrid Pajero revealed.

A senior Japanese executive told CarsGuide the company is advanced in developing two hybrid Pajero 4WDs.

The company is working on a conventional hybrid and a plug-in hybrid version of the rugged new off-roader.

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This would give Mitsubishi some potent weapons in its arsenal to not only take on the mighty Toyota and Nissan off-roaders, but the new breed of Chinese 4WDs.

The official also said there were concerns the displacement of the diesel engine in the Pajero would be insufficient, with big name rivals adding larger engines into their 4WDs.

Mitsubishi’s new Pajero uses a turbocharged 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder engine, which is an evolution of the motor found in the Triton ute, and makes 150kW and 480Nm.

Adding hybrid or plug-in hybrid grunt would boost outputs and add more shove off the mark aiding acceleration and around town performance.

Towing would likely be compromised due to the extra weight of the petrol-electric set-up, which would reduce the load-lugging capacity from the diesel version’s 3500kg limit.

It is also expected this hybrid set-up would find its way into the Triton ute.

This would give Mitsubishi a rival to new Chinese machines such as the BYD Shark 6 ute and Denza B5 4WD.

“Future electrification including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, we will consider in line with market conditions, customer needs, infrastructure and regulations of each country,” said Itagaki.

“The all new Pajero is being launched with ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) only.

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

But it appears from the high-ranking official’s comments the dual hybrid assault plans are more advanced.

Itagaki stated any electrified Pajero would be just as capable as customers have come to expect from the brand.

“To meet Mitsubishi Motors standards future electrified models must not only deliver strong  on-road performance but also off-road capability, towing performance, durability or reliability expected of authentic Mitsubishi Motors vehicles.

"Ensuring the electrified models can maintain these characteristics while delivering the distinct Mitsubishi Motors driving experience requires further development," said Itagaki.

New hybrid to be built in Thailand

Mitsubishi announced earlier this year it would spend almost half a billion dollars to upgrade its Thailand factory to build electrified vehicles.

This is the same factory that produces the Triton and Pajero.

The plan is to have the factory churning out electrified vehicles by the end of the decade, but expect a hybrid and plug-in hybrid Pajero sooner than that.