Mitsubishi Pajero 2026 News

A cheaper Pajero 4WD could be on the cards in the future, according to the company’s local boss.The new Mitsubishi Pajero range starts at $68,490 (before on-road costs) for the base five-seat GLS grade and rises to $84,990 for the range-topping seven-seat GSR.This means it is one of the most expensive Mitsubishis ever sold in Australia.It is almost $10,000 more expensive than the cheapest Ford Everest, but about $5000 cheaper than the base Toyota Prado.Isuzu’s base MU-X is about $13,000 more affordable.Mitsubishi Australia boss Shunichi Kihara defended the Pajero’s price point.Kihara said he understood Mitsubishi has been seen as a slightly cheaper alternative to Toyota and Ford in the past, but was confident it would sell well.“I think when we launched the current Outlander there was a price gap from the previous generation, but we were able to attract many new customers," said Kihara.“So I think we can do the same with the new Pajero considering the product competitiveness and the price position we have."The new Pajero is a more premium proposition with rugged good looks, quality off-road tech and a plush interior that does put it a step above the competition at face value."This does leave room for a more bare-bones version at the bottom of the range. Mitsubishi has also not yet used the GLX grade designation - its name used for base grades of its rugged vehicles.“We decided the current line-up thinking that this line-up can address all the necessary type of customer in that segment,” said Kihara.“Of course, going forward depending on market change, customer demand, we are open to consider making changes to the line-up.”Mitsubishi won’t be able to make a decision on that anytime soon, with the vehicle only going on sale this December. Kihara did rule out a two-wheel drive version of the Pajero and called it inappropriate.Mitsubishi has hinted at a GLX grade in government filings.The homologation documents, needed to approve a vehicle for sale in Australia, cited four Pajero variants: GLX, GLS, Exceed and GSR. The last three are part of the new line-up, with only GLX absent.Chinese carmakers such as BYD, Chery, GAC, GWM and Geely are all entering the 4WD space, but Kihara said the Pajero has something those do not.“Pajero has name, history, heritage and that it is the flagship of Mitsubishi,” he said.“It’s reliability, durability, Japanese design and technology — including the 4x4 technology — and also the strong heritage and history and of the adventurous spirit.”Mitsubishi Australia COO Rob Nazzari pointed to the company’s extensive dealer network, 10-year/200,000km conditional warranty and after-sales servicing as big reasons buyers would choose Mitsubishi over newer brands.

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.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.Mitsubishi won’t be developing a diesel plug-in hybrid, similar to the one that will be fitted to the incoming Chery Stockman ute.Both will use a petrol engine, which will make the vehicle more attractive to the US and Middle Eastern markets, where diesel isn’t popular.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.This confirmation follows Mitsubishi Pajero Chief Product Specialist Itagaki Kunitoshi’s comments at a pre-briefing before the Pajero reveal.“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.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.

Mitsubishi means business with its new Pajero 4WD priced to thrill.Buyers will be able to choose from three grades when the Pajero arrives in Australian showrooms this December.Buyers have already been lining up to get their hands on the new rough-and-tumble machine, with Mitsubishi recording more than 3000 pre-orders from before the reveal yesterday.It’s a head-turner with butch, boxy and rugged looks and a plush interior to pamper.Prices kick off at $68,490 (before on-road costs) for the entry-level GLS with five seats, or $69,990 with seven seats.The mid-tier Exceed jumps up to $79,990 and the range-topping GSR starts at $84,990. Both variants are only available with seven seats.All come in substantially cheaper than the equivalent Toyota Prado, but just a little bit more than the Ford Everest powered by the V6 diesel.Mitsubishi’s deal is sweetened with a conditional 10-year/200,000km warranty, which requires owners to complete every logbook service at a Mitsubishi dealer or it reverts to a five year/100,000km guarantee.Mitsubishi offers up to 10 years of capped-price servicing with scheduled workshop visits required every 15,000km or 12 months.The new Pajero shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, which means it uses a rugged ladder-frame chassis that is found underneath serious off-roaders. This is a break from recent tradition with the past few Pajero generations using a car-like monocoque chassis. Mitsubishi has done some serious work to the Pajero to make it more refined and composed compared to the more workman-like Triton.The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to make it more composed on the road.The engine is a 2.4-litre diesel four-cylinder with a single variable geometry turbocharger, which is an evolution of the bi-turbo unit found in the Triton. Mitsubishi has been able to squeeze a little more torque to boost outputs to 150kW and 480Nm.Mitsubishi has ditched the six-speed automatic transmission and installed a new eight-speed unit, which will smooth out the drive experience and lower fuel consumption.It also uses AdBlue to help lower emissions and improve efficiency.The Pajero can play with the big boys with it rated to tow up to 3500kg.It comes with Trailer Load Assist that enhances stability while towing by detecting if the trailer is swaying and can adjust power and braking to each wheel to get the rig back under control.Owners can load up to 300kg of static load, or 100kg dynamic, on the roof, which further boosts its adventure credentials.It is ready to rumble off-road thanks to the company’s Super Select 4WD-II tech.It delivers part-time four-wheel drive for on-road driving, full-time four-wheel drive for all conditions and a rear differential lock and a low range transfer case for heading off the beaten track.There are seven selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.Rally-bred tech such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) is standard. AYC helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering. It is paired with active stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes to help the Pajero manage slippery surfaces.Mitsubishi has put a lot of thought into the third row, with it designed for adults.The third row is able to slide up to 150mm and has a tumble mechanism for easy access to the last pew.Mitsubishi has thought about people actually using the last row, with what it claims is plenty of headroom and room for feet under the seats in front.With the third row folded down the boot can hold 519 litres, which is well below that found in the Prado and EverestThis is the most modern-looking Mitsubishi interior by far.Dual 14.3-inch screens - one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments - dominate the dash.The central screen also houses what the brand calls a Multi Meter, which is a modern, digital version of the old triple meters from previous generations.The new digital readouts will show altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles and left and right torque distribution.GLS grade come with:18-inch dark grey alloy wheelsWaterproof black fabric seat trimManual driver and front passenger seat adjustment (slide, recline, height)Electric seat lumbar support adjustment (driver and front passenger)Dual 12.3-inch displaysSix-speaker stereoWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoSteering wheel heater and paddle shiftersTyre pressure monitoring systemAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorDusk-sensing headlamps and rain-sensing wipersKeyless entry and startElectric tailgatePrivacy glassFront dual-zone automatic air conditioningRear automatic air conditioning system12.3-inch full digital meter clusterPhone wireless chargerTwo USB-C ports in every row Exceed grade adds:20-inch alloy wheelsBlack leather seat trimElectric adjustment for driver and front passenger seatsFront and rear seat heating functionDual 14.3-inch screens12-speaker Yamaha stereoRefrigerated console boxGSR grade adds:20-inch black alloy wheelsTwo-tone camel and black leather seat trimFront-seat ventilation functionFront-seat adjustment memory functionSteering wheel and door mirrors adjustment memory functionPanoramic front sun visors with LED lampsBlack headliningIlluminated front scuff platesFront grille LED lightFront and rear light animation patternFront and rear dark bumpersDark grey side stepsBlack door mirrorsBlack wheel-arch mouldingsBlack panoramic roof with sunroofAdaptive Driving Beam systemDigital rear-view mirrorAir conditioner with nanoe X air purifier

Mitsubishi has put itself back in the game, with its new Pajero 4WD.The Japanese brand whipped off the covers of the new rugged off-roader before it heads to Australia later this year.The company has claimed this Pajero will be the most capable and comfortable Pajero to date.Mitsubishi has prioritised Australia which will be the third market to get the new SUV, following Thailand and Japan.After five years in the wilderness the Pajero returns, but it is a lot different from what some might remember.This version is built on a rugged ladder frame, which underpins most off-road focused 4WDs and utes, instead of the car-like monocoque platform of the most recent generations.It shares its underpinnings with the current Triton ute, but Mitsubishi has done a lot of work to make the Pajero a more refined and accomplished daily driver.The chassis is stiffer with greater use of high-quality steel, which increases its stability during cornering but also improves its durability and reliability to better handle the rough stuff.The rear suspension from the Triton has been replaced with a sophisticated five-link set-up to smooth out bumps and lumps.It uses an evolution of the engine found in the Triton, a 2.4-litre four-cylinder with a variable geometry single turbocharger diesel unit, instead of the bi-turbo set-up of the Triton, which makes 150kW and 480Nm, a jump of 10Nm compared to the Triton.Mitsubishi has also ditched the six-speed auto from the Triton for an eight-ratio gearbox. This will improve performance and help lower fuel use by giving the vehicle more control over the rev range.The new Pajero has a braked towing capacity of 3500kg.It is ready to rumble off-road with the company’s Super Select 4WD-II tech, which delivers part time four-wheel drive for on-road driving, full-time four-wheel drive for all conditions and a rear differential lock and a low-range transfer case for heading off the beaten track.There are seven selectable drive modes including Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock.Rally-bred tech such as Active Yaw Control (AYC) is standard. AYC helps manage the torque delivery to left and right wheels to increase stability when cornering. It is paired with active stability and traction control and anti-lock brakes to help the Pajero manage slippery surfaces.It has chunky proportions with square, muscular haunches and a blocky rear-end. T-shaped headlights linked by a light bar across the bonnet and similar shape tail-lights give it the look of a classic 4WD for the modern age.Mitsubishi has added a throwback to Pajeroes of old with the hexagonal rear design feature to pay homage to the externally rear-mounted spare tyre of previous models. The spare is located under the car now.The Pajero pampers just as much as it can handle punishment.This is the most modern looking Mitsubishi interior by far.Dual 14.3-inch screens - one for the multimedia and the other for the driver’s instruments - dominate the dash.The central screen also houses what the brand calls a Multi Meter, which is a modern, digital version of the old triple meters from previous generations.The new digital readouts will show altitude, compass heading, ambient temperature, vehicle pitch and roll angles and left and right torque distribution.But the dashboard in front of the driver is lathered in soft-touch materials and designed to give the feeling of space with its swept-back design. And the built-in grab handle is a throwback to the past.It is built to seat seven, with the third row able to slide up to 150mm and a tumble mechanism for easy access to the last pew.Mitsubishi has thought about people actually using the last row, with what it claims is plenty of headroom and room for feet under the seats in front.Refinement was top of mind during development with increased sound insulation and acoustic glass making it quieter than any Pajero.Other headlining features include three-zone air-conditioning, panoramic sunroof and a 12-speaker Yamaha stereo.Full Australian details and price will be revealed ahead of the cars arrival before the end of the year.

Buyers will get their first official look at the much-anticipated Pajero 4WD next week. Mitsubishi has confirmed it will reveal the Pajero on the 2nd of September 2026. It comes after Japanese magazine BestCar exposed the reveal date late last month via a dealer source.Mitsubishi is expected to release more details about the Pajero at the reveal, including potentially initial pricing for the car.  The returning Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser competitor is scheduled to arrive in Australia later this year. Next week’s announcement will give buyers more information about what to expect. The Pajero will be primarily based on Mitsubishi’s Triton ute, riding on a sturdy ladder frame chassis.It is thought to also employ a 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 150kW and 470Nm in the Triton.This could be matched with a six-speed automatic transmission and will be supported by a rugged 'S-AWC' four-wheel drive system. The off-road ready S-AWC system also found on the Outlander PHEV includes four-wheel braking and torque vectoring.The Pajero will be offered in the same four trim levels as the Triton, which are the GLX, GLS, Exceed and GSR. Mitsubishi has further revealed a digital revision of its iconic triple analogue instrument meters found on previous generations of the Pajero.CarsGuide spied the Pajero undergoing testing in December last year, with the prototype showing off a blocky exterior and horizontal front grille design. Mitsubishi has not locked in an official launch date for the Pajero in Australia, but next week’s reveal will provide more clues. The new Pajero was approved for sale in Australia earlier this year, and is expected to arrive Down Under by November. Buyers can expect firm launch information in the next few weeks. 

Mitsubishi will soon reveal its new Pajero off-road SUV, but there is a whole family of Pajero models coming.The Japanese carmaker first announced this intention as part of its ‘Mid-Long Term Vision’ presentation in May 2026. All three Pajero models were teased with their boxy, upright silhouettes revealed.Broadening the Pajero nameplate follows a similar ethos to what Toyota is currently doing with the LandCruiser. There is the full-size LandCruiser 300 Series, the iconic LandCruiser 70 Series, the LandCruiser Prado and now the smaller LandCruiser FJ. Even more LandCruisers are planned in the future, including an electric one.Mitsubishi has historically offered many versions of the Pajero to supplement the full-size version.Up until recently it offered the Pajero Sport/Challenger as a Thai-produced SUV counterpart to the Triton ute. There has also been the Pajero Mini kei car, as well as the Pajero Junior and Pajero iO small SUVs.As reported by Nikkei Asia, the second Pajero model will be a mid-size model to rival the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, or possibly the new FJ LandCruiser.Sales are reportedly due to begin in Japan around late 2028 or early 2029. It’s unclear if it will be exported to other countries yet, but mid-size SUVs are incredibly popular in Australia.This mid-size Pajero will reportedly be manufactured in Japan and be built on a dedicated platform, while sharing componentry with the Outlander. It’s unclear if this means it’ll be built on a more rugged ladder-frame or road-going monocoque platform.It will reportedly be differentiated from its rivals by offering electronically controlled four-wheel drive. There will also reportedly be a hybrid powertrain.Tougher exterior styling is expected to differentiate it from the Outlander.Mitsubishi has teased a third Pajero model is in the pipeline and it will reportedly be a compact version that may slot into kei car regulations in Japan.If this is the case, this means the compact Pajero will need to be no longer than 3400mm, no wider than 1480mm and no taller than 2000mm. It must also have an engine no larger than 660cc that can produce up to 47kW.This compact Pajero will reportedly be produced in Japan and be a key rival to the likes of the Suzuki Jimny, among others.It won’t be the first Mitsubishi model to also spawn a kei-car version. The Japanese carmaker currently offers the Delica Mini as a smaller companion to the Delica D:5, plus it historically offered the Pajero Mini from 1994 to 2012.It’s unlikely this compact Pajero will be offered in other markets outside of Japan. Mitsubishi has previously explored introducing kei car-sized vehicles in Australia but found the required engineering work to pass local design and safety regulations would make them too costly.The new, full-size Mitsubishi Pajero is reportedly set to be unveiled on September 2 and will be on sale in Australia before the end of 2026. This comes roughly five years after the previous model was discontinued locally.Unlike previous Pajeros, this new model will be produced in Thailand and adopt its ladder-frame chassis from the Triton ute. This is more like the previous Pajero Sport/Challenger as the Pajero has historically been its own model.It’s expected the new Pajero will share a version of the 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine with the current Triton.However, recent investment in Mitsubishi’s Thai manufacturing facility hinted that a hybrid version of both could be fast-tracked.

Mitsubishi has at last confirmed a critical chassis detail for its incoming next-generation Pajero, with the off-road icon readying for its return to take on the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Y63 Nissan Patrol.The brand has revealed the new Pajero will ride on a ute-like ladder-frame chassis – rather than adopt a monocoque platform like its third- and fourth-generation predecessors – seemingly confirming the Triton's chassis as the underpinnings for the reborn icon.In a post to its dedicated Pajero page in Japan, the brand wrote that the model will "lead you to your destination in any environment" courtesy of the "addition of S-AWC to the strong ladder-frame structure".S-AWC is Mitsubishi's Super All Wheel Control – its name for its AWD system which combines torque vectoring, torque distribution and four-wheel braking. In vehicles like the Outlander PHEV, the system also deploys electric motors at each axle to control the functionality.It is not to be confused with the Triton's Super Select II 4WD system, which will presumably also feature.September 2 firms as the reveal date for the new Pajero, suggesting we're getting very close to the final mysteries being solved.One remaining question is what will be powering it. Given its ute-based chassis the likelihood of Triton power seems likely, meaning it will deploy the same 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, producing around 150kW and 470Nm."In the development of the new Pajero, we aimed to inherit and evolve the (capability) and comfort that successive Pajeros have been about," Takaaki Matsumoto, the new Pajero's Chief Vehicle Engineer, has said about the project."This is the embodiment of Pajero, which developed the 4WD, which was for working cars until now, as an all-round 4WD that anyone can run comfortably on any road. On top of that, we worked together to make a big jump in how to make this Mitsubishi Motors' flagship."Stay tuned as more information comes to light about Mitsubishi's highly anticipated new 4WD.

Is Mitsubishi cooking up one of the great automotive surprises with the launch of its new Pajero? Reports make that a distinct possibility, with news the brand is rushing a hybrid powertrain to market for its Triton ute.The brand has kept tight-lipped on the specifics of the Pajero's powertrain, but solid reporting has long pointed to the reborn icon sharing its engine and gearbox with the Triton ute.That would mean hybrid power is coming to the Pajero, too. The only question is when. And with the new Pajero set for its global unveiling as soon as next month, we'll soon find out whether it is to be equipped with the current Triton's 150kW, 470Nm four-cylinder diesel engine, or with something a little more spicy.The plan was announced by Mitsubishi Motors chairman and CEO, Takao Kato, who told the Thai prime minister the brand would be investing the equivalent of $681m in turning its manufacturing facilities into electrified vehicle hubs, with a core focus on the Triton and Pajero Sport.Ostensibly the investment will focus on upcoming Triton models, with the brand already producing some hybrids there, like the XForce and Xpander, both pair a 1.6-litre petrol engine with a small electric motor – a powertrain solution that's no chance of making it into a Pajero anytime soon.Will the new Pajero launch with a hybrid option, or introduce one down the track. Unless the brand has a real surprise coming up, the latter is still far more likely. But that would see the new halo vehicle launch with a smaller diesel engine that wouldn't match the outputs of LC300 Hybrid (341kW/790Nm), the Nissan Patrol Y63 (317kW/700Nm), or the Denza B8 (425kW/760Nm). That would suggest a new hybrid powertrain would be a matter of urgency for both the Triton and the Pajero.A matter of when, not if. The only question is exactly when.

Buyers still love 4WDs in Australia. It remains a big-selling segment, but some of its biggest hitters are suffering losses.China is starting to get a foothold in the market with budget offerings posing a serious threat to established regulars.Emissions-heavy vehicles such as 4WDs are also coming under fire from increasingly stringent rules in Australia.Here is the rundown of the best-selling 4WDs up to June 2026. The Ford Everest large SUV is up front with more than 11,000 sales in 2026 so far, despite a near 10 per cent year-on-year drop. It is based on the Ford Ranger, which is the best-selling ute in Australia.The Toyota Prado takes second place with more than 9000 sales so far this year, but it has experienced an even sharper drop of nearly 42 per cent year-on-year.The Prado is a scaled down version of the LandCruiser 300 Series, using a 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, as opposed to the more powerful V6. Isuzu’s MU-X is third, making 7564 sales up to June, but it too experienced a more minor slump of 3.2 per cent. The LandCruiser 300 Series is currently fourth on the standings, and is the only car in the top five to have experienced a substantial growth in sales. Its 6451 sales constitutes a 26.3 per cent rise compared to first six months of 2025.Toyota also released a performance petrol hybrid V6 variant earlier this year.The Suzuki Jimny rounds out the top five as a much smaller and cheaper competitor to those above it. Priced from $31,990, before on-road costs, the Jimny is down 11.1 per cent compared to this time last year, while still amassing 3882 sales. The Nissan Patrol is down nearly 25 per cent compared to its sales result up to June 2025, with 2843 sales so far in 2026. The current Y62 petrol V8 Patrol will cease production next month, and order books for a new twin-turbo V6 will open later. GWM’s Tank 300 mid-size SUV off-roader has continued to surge up the sales charts in 2026, with 2759 sales so far.The Tank 300 is available in petrol, diesel, plug-less hybrid and plug-in hybrid set-ups - more varied than any of its competitors. BYD’s Denza sub-brand is another Chinese rival experiencing a solid sales return in Australia.Its B5 plug-in hybrid SUV has already accumulated 1445 sales this year, having only gone on sale in December 2025.Its bigger sibling the B8 is also approaching the 1000-unit mark midway through this year. The ultra-luxury GMC Yukon Denali from the United States is starting to pick up momentum in Australia. The V8-powered eight-seater Yukon Denali went on sale in the middle of last year, but 2026 has seen sales explode by nearly 190 per cent. It remains a low-volume model with only 202 sales, as it carries a $174,990 price tag. The 4WD segment is about undergo some serious changes in the next few months, including an influx of new models.The Mitsubishi Pajero will return to Australia, along with several new Chinese competitors likely to join it over the next 18 months.The anticipated Geely Galaxy Cruiser is slated for a UK launch, meaning Australia could its next step, while the GAC Yue 7 also seems to be on the way. 

Mitsubishi could be planning an all-out hybrid assault with its new Pajero 4WD and Triton ute.The Japanese brand is reportedly planning to make its Thai manufacturing facility a production and export hub for electrified vehicles. Mitsubishi builds the Triton ute in Thailand and will produce the coming Pajero there, too.Mitsubishi Motors Chairman and CEO Takao Kato made the announcement on a recent visit with the Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, according to Nikkei Asia.The Japanese carmaker’s Thai production facility will reportedly be focusing on producing electrified versions of the Triton ute, as well as the forthcoming Pajero SUV.This indicates that Mitsubishi could be fast-tracking electrified versions of both the Triton and Pajero. The former vehicle is currently only available with diesel engines and the latter hasn’t been revealed yet, but it’s expected to share componentry.Around the reveal of the current, sixth-generation Triton ute in 2023, Mitsubishi had claimed it was developing an electric version.In October 2025, Mitsubishi Engineering Fellow Kaoru Sawase told CarsGuide the Japanese carmaker is still looking to make an electrified version of the Triton, but it’ll now more likely have a hybrid powertrain.“Of course there’s a need to reduce CO2 emissions,” said Sawase.“So along with the flow of the times, there is a need to develop Triton HEV, so we are working on that.”“So first we have to work on hybrid, not the way of plug-in hybrid.“In the past, we have announced to launch the battery electric vehicle Triton. But now the reaction has shifted a little bit.“We are now trying to quickly launch the electrified vehicle.”It’s worth noting that Mitsubishi already makes electrified vehicles at its Thai manufacturing plant. These include the Xforce Hybrid, Xpander Hybrid and Xpander Cross Hybrid.There are currently no Mitsubishi plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) or electric vehicles (EVs) made in Thailand.Globally the Japanese carmaker has already committed to introducing 13 new models, including five hybrid and PHEV models, over the next five years.It’s unclear how many of these new electrified models will be produced in Thailand.Although diesel-powered vehicles are still incredibly popular in Thailand, the local government is looking to boost and incentivise the production of electric vehicles (EVs).This has already caught the attention of many Chinese carmakers who have set up Thai production hubs for export markets. Examples include BYD, Chery, GWM and MG.This pressure from the Thai government and the investment from Mitsubishi to introduce more Thai-made electrified vehicles may benefit its Australian arm if the vehicles produced launch locally.Mitsubishi did receive credits last year from the recently instated New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) in Australia for beating its fleet CO2 targets, however these targets are tightening every year.One of the few ways of reducing the company’s fleet CO2 emissions, besides buying credits from other carmakers, is by introducing more low-emissions vehicles, like hybrids and EVs.Mitsubishi already offers the Outlander PHEV and has remaining stock of the discontinued Eclipse Cross PHEV in Australia.The Japanese carmaker has also confirmed it will be launching an EV that has been co-developed with Taiwanese carmaker Foxtron in Australia before the end of 2026.At this stage Mitsubishi hasn’t confirmed any other electrified vehicle launches in Australia yet.