Mitsubishi Pajero 2027: 3.5L petrol V6 and hybrid powertrains possible for reborn off-roader

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Mitsubishi Motors Corporation has confirmed it is considering alternative powertrains for the new generation Pajero, to be sold alongside the re-engineered turbo-diesel four-cylinder that it is currently fitted with.

Speaking to international motoring media at the new generation Pajero‘s Japanese unveiling, Mitsubishi said both a series-parallel hybrid and a plug-in hybrid are “under discussion”. It is more than likely that these powertrains are already being developed, and the Pajero will need powertrains like this going forward, however Mitsubishi has not officially confirmed this at this stage.

We also spoke to a very senior executive outside of the press conference who asked us if we thought that a 2.4-litre diesel was big enough for the new Pajero’s prestige aspirations, and admitted himself that he didn’t think it was.

He also confirmed regular hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains are in some form of development or at least consideration, knowing that these powertrains will be required for the Pajero to have an entry into markets like Europe. 

He also admitted that his ideal powertrain would be something like a 3.5 litre petrol V6, which he said would be really good for markets like the Middle East, as well as the US, though Mitsubishi product heads said there are currently no plans for the new Pajero to be sold in the United States, only in Mexico at present in turbo-diesel form.

Should Mitsubishi decide to explore the idea of a large petrol V6 engine, there is potential to try and source one from its Nissan alliance partner. However, it would probably need further development to suit the Pajero application, and that would need to be amortised by potential volume in the US.

There’s also a chance that Mitsubishi could partner with Nissan in developing a V6 series-parallel hybrid, given that the powertrain in the new generation Patrol is simply a twin-turbo petrol V6, and that engine, while suitable for the Middle East and the US, is not entirely ideal for most other markets.

As for what powertrains could suit these hybrid and plug-in hybrid aspirations, there is the PHEV powertrain in the Outlander, which has been updated for MY26 and has a 221kW combined output and a quoted 86km WLTP range. It’s uncertain, though, whether this powertrain would be suitable for the Pajero’s ladder-frame architecture.

Mitsubishi has already put quite a bit of work into refining the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine, fitting a new, variable-vane single turbocharger and incorporating AdBlue exhaust treatment to make it meet Euro 6D emissions regulations. 

This cleaner and more refined powertrain will make its way into the Triton into the future, and has been tweaked to not only improve fuel efficiency, but also drivability.

Chasing Cars expects that engine to be introduced into the Triton as an MY27 upgrade, and also expects that further information about the Pajero’s alternative powertrains will come to light in the new year

For now, the fifth-generation Pajero will launch in Australia solely with a 2.4-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder engine and a new eight-speed automatic transmission.