"We are working on a large SUV": All-new plug-in hybrid Mitsubishi Pajero powers into frame as Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Lexus GX gear up for hybrids of their own

Mitsubishi is currently working on a new large SUV that could at last form an all-new Pajero, breathing new life into one of its most iconic nameplates.

The Pajero was axed back in 2021, leaving just the Triton-based Pajero Sport to do the brand's heavy off-road lifting. But that is set to change, with the Mitsubishi confirming a new large SUV will follow the facelifted Pajero Sport.

And with plug-in hybrid power firming for the Pajero, it could turn Australia's off-road spaces into a battle of the hybrids, with Lexus and Toyota both studying hybrid powertrains for their 4WDs – the GX and Prado.

Read More About Toyota

The NEW Toyota FJ Cruisers and eight more zombie cars, SUVs and 4WDs registered in Australia during 2023 Proper Ford Everest rival inbound! What you need to know about the next-gen 2025 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 4x4 SUV We ask the CEO: Will the 2024 Nissan Patrol Y63 yield a Mitsubishi Pajero version, and what would that even look like? Could a new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series 4x4 rival be taking shape?

Mitsubishi in Australia won't be drawn on exactly what the model will be called yet, but has made no secret of its requests to head office to revive the Pajero moniker.

"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," says 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.

Mitsubishi in Australia won't be drawn on exactly what the model will be called yet, but has made no secret of its requests to head office to revive the Pajero moniker.

"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.

"For all of the above reasons, we would love to have one here."

Which leads to the obvious question of what would be powering it. The Lexus GX, for example, nabs a twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine, while the Toyota LandCruiser Prado utilises a carryover 2.8-litre turbo diesel with 48-volt technology added.

But both brands won't be offering those engines for long. Toyota has already said it is studying the four-cylinder iForce Max hybrid for Australia, while Lexus will almost certainly have to fit the electrified petrol in its GX by 2030 to meet its own electrification promises.

The Pajero, then, would most likely arrive as a flagship plug-in hybrid, given Mitsubishi's expertise in the powertrain technology, with a BEV to follow.

The Pajero was axed back in 2021, leaving just the Triton-based Pajero Sport to do the brand's heavy off-road lifting.

"Let me say multiple powertrains are under study," Mr Westcott says.

"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."

Whatever the powertrain, Mr Westcott is confident it will be a quality vehicle able to take the fight to cars like the Prado or GX.

In fact, he paraphrased his own global CEO in saying "If we were to build one, it would have to be a very good vehicle. So a very good vehicle would be very good as a halo."