2027 Mitsubishi Pajero to return as luxury hybrid SUV: report
Mitsubishi’s rugged tow-friendly 4x4 off-roader set to morph into flagship plug-in hybrid SUV based on OutlanderFresh reports out of Japan suggest the all-new 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero will trade some of the previous 4x4 off-roader’s ruggedness for luxury as the famous nameplate returns as a flagship plug-in hybrid SUV.
According to Japan’s Bestcarweb.jp, the reborn Pajero will not share underpinnings with alliance partner Nissan’s next-generation Y63 Nissan Patrol but instead will be based on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-CD platform that underpins the current fourth-generation Outlander.
Keeping the Pajero on a car-like monocoque chassis rather than move to the Y63 Patrol’s ladder frame would allow it to adopt Mitsubishi’s latest plug-in hybrid technology and should also provide benefits when it comes to the on-road drive.
It’s expected to feature an upgraded version of the Outlander’s 2.4-litre PHEV powertrain that will include at least two electric motors driving the rear axle.
Total output of more than 280kW is anticipated, while a large battery should provide a pure-electric driving range of at least 100km.
Enhancing its abilities off-road, the 2027 Pajero should feature locking e-differentials and advanced torque vectoring, but a sizeable weight increase over the last model might see its towing capacity lowered from the previous 3000kg maximum.
Inside, a big increase in wheelbase and all-round dimensions compared to the Outlander should see the Pajero offer excellent cabin space and a third row of seats.
The large family SUV is also set to come with a far more luxurious and higher-tech interior, with a leather-wrapped dash, large infotainment system and fully digital instrument cluster.
It’s thought the Pajero could also be among the first vehicles in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi empire to offer Level 3 autonomous driving capability that will allow it to operate without driver input in some geofenced areas, like highways, although this is a long way from being approved in Australia.
When it comes to its exterior design, if you thought the current Outlander was striking enough, the next-generation Pajero is expected to get an even more futuristic take on the ‘Bold Stride’ design language.
Expect a pair of slim horizontal LED daytime running lamps to be combined with an updated version of the brand’s prominent Dynamic Shield that will be accompanied by lots of geometric shapes to ensure the Pajero makes an impression. Subtle it won’t be.
The Pajero was killed off in 2021 after four generations dating back to 1982. Before its expected return in 2027, a new-generation Triton ute-based Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is scheduled to launch in 2025.
Mitsubishi Australia has already expressed a desire to import both new Pajero models here as soon as they become available.
* Digital images generated by AI
Related: Official: Y63 Nissan Patrol is coming to Australia – soon
Related: Born-again 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero odds on for Oz
Related: Momentum builds for reborn Mitsubishi Pajero
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