In 2022, it’s all about the race to mild, partial or full hybridisation and electrification.

Going into the second half of the year, Japanese and Australian media are a-fizz with reports that the next Triton will include a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version.

Expected in 2023, the coming Triton will apparently launch the brand’s first ever plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time, potentially beating Australian ute heavyweights like the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max and the Nissan Navara to electrification in Australia. That should also mean New Zealand gets that model and thus finally a proper four-wheel drive ute with some electric drive.

The new PHEV will use a 20.0kWh lithium-ion battery pack, up from 13.8kWh in the old model, and 85kW front and 100kW rear axle-mounted electric motors. The system will be mated to a revised version of Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine, ensuring a total system output of 185kW of power and 450Nm of torque.
It has an electric driving range of 84km on the NEDC cycle and a combined fuel economy figure of 1.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

The new Triton is being co-developed with Nissan, thanks to the Alliance that takes in Nissan, Mitsubishi and Renault, with development led by Mitsubishi.

While a PHEV powertrain is expected to be among the offerings a traditional diesel engine will remain available.