Can Mitsubishi’s plug-in Pajero take down the LandCruiser Prado and Ford Everest? Reborn icon would ditch the diesel and embrace electrification

February 24, 2024February 28, 2024 Andrew Chesterton 3109 Views Mitsubishi Pajero

Mitsubishi says work has begun on a new large SUV that would likely ditch diesel and lean on the company’s plug-in hybrid know-how, which could also mean the triumphant return of one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates.

The Mitsubishi Pajero — which sat above the Triton-based Pajero Sport, which is still available — was axed globally in 2021, but the brand in Australia has made no secret of its desire to resurrect the Pajero nameplate in the future.

And now Mitsubishi Australia has confirmed work has begun on a new large SUV, though it won’t yet be drawn on exactly what it will be called.

“Mitsubishi Motor Corporation announced its line up for the next couple of years… and under the shroud there’s a large SUV in there. So the reality is yes, we have publicly announced, effectively, that we are studying a vehicle in that space,” said Mitsubishi Australia CEO, Shaun Westcott.

“I cannot tell you what it is, what it looks like, what the powertrain is, whether there’s a ladder frame, whether there’s monocoque. I cannot give you any of that information other than to say that Mitsubishi has announced that we are working on a large SUV.

“I have put up my hand and said we would love to have one because it’s a very valuable nameplate, because it is a fantastic product, because it’s a halo product.”

But while we don’t yet know what the model will be called, we almost certainly know what will be powering it. Mitsubishi has noted the global shift away from diesel, and the pending introduction of New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) in Australia, as reasons why electrification will almost certainly feature on its new 4WD.

We know already that Mitsubishi has ruled out developing a plug-in diesel powertrain due to its cost and complexity, and that the brand is hard at work developing petrol PHEV tech for its next-generation Triton, so all signs point to a similar approach being taken with its newest large SUV.

“Let me say multiple powertrains are under study,” Mr Westcott said.

“Now obviously we are experts in the PHEV space, but the reality is that at some point we need to transition beyond that, and that would include other options, which is BEV.

“But that is a continuum. It’s not a specific point in time. So there may be an evolution of mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and even BEV in that mix.”

Andrew Chesterton

Andrew began his career as a journalist at Sydney’s The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph, before he was lured into the fast-paced world of supercars at TopGear Australia. He has also held senior roles at The Daily Mail, which involved spending time at HQ in London, and on the other side of the automotive divide with FCA Australia. As one of Australia's best-read freelance writers, Andrew now contributes to Robb Report, Wish in The Australian, Domain in The Australian Financial Review, CarsGuide, Wheels, The West Australian, GQ, Men's Health and more. His love for writing has carried him around the world and back again, writing for clients in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA. He secretly enjoys it so much he’d probably do it for free, but he hopes his editors never find out that bit...