Pajero won't get Everest-slaying V6 engine

Mitsubishi has slammed the door shut on a V6 Pajero, confirming there are no plans to slot a six-cylinder engine into its returning off-road flagship. That’s despite the previous-generation car offering one and arch-rival Ford selling V6 Everests by the boatload.

It's the question that has lit up our comments section on the carsales YouTube channel since the covers came off the fresh-faced Pajero 4WD SUV in Japan – wheres the six-cylinder engine?

Asked directly whether a V6 was considered for the range-topper, Mitsubishi product strategy division chief Kunitoshi Itagaki was polite but unambiguous.

"For this moment, we can't say anything about the future, but when developing a global model, we study a wide range of powertrains that are based on market needs, regulation, performance, fuel economy, and driving range," he explained. 

"But this time we select the 2.4-litre [diesel] engine and actually, we have no additional powertrain plans at this moment, including a turbocharged V6 gasoline engine or some other engines to announce at this time.”

There were rumours that Mitsubishi would leverage the Y63 Nissan Patrol’s twin-turbo petrol V6 that’s replacing the much-loved Y62’s petrol V8, but that appears to have been scotched as Nissan keeps all things Patrol to itself for now.

"So we will continue to study the best future options, including maybe electrification and market needs, regulation, and our technology," concluded the senior Mitsubishi executive.

The fourth-generation Pajero sold here with a 3.8-litre petrol V6 was good for 184kW alongside the 3.2-litre turbo-diesel four, and it was rated to tow 3000kg braked.

The new Pajero tows 3.5 tonnes and does it with 2.4-litres and four cylinders of diesel power. This 4N16 engine gets a variable-geometry turbocharger, water-cooled intercooler and dual-loop EGR for 150kW and 480Nm, and it's the first Mitsubishi engine to meet Euro 6d thanks to AdBlue and auto stop-start.

It drives through an updated eight-speed automatic with a wider ratio spread, backed by the Super Select II 4x4 system with seven drive modes, low range plus centre and rear diff lockers.

The Pajero concedes a fair chunk of grunt to the Ford Everest's V6 diesel, though it does hold a torque advantage over the four-cylinder Everest and matches the segment-standard 3500kg braked tow rating.

Don't expect the cavalry any time soon. Mitsubishi has already told us electrification and hybridisation is a question of when, not if, but Itagaki was equally clear that any electrified Pajero has to deliver the towing, off-road ability and durability expected of the badge – and that "market introduction will therefore take like additional time".

Add it up: no six-cylinder, no imminent hybrid and a brand-new diesel that's only just entered production. The 2.4-litre looks set to soldier on as the Pajero's only engine for the next two or three years at least.

How much does the 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero cost?
GLS (5 seat) – $68,490
GLS (7 seat) – $69,990
EXCEED – $79,990
GSR – $84,990
*Prices exclude on-road costs

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