Puffed Performance and Prickly Plush: 2026 Mitsubishi Fugu GT Review

First impressions: the pufferfish paradox

There is something delightfully absurd about a car that puffs up when things get serious. The 2026 Mitsubishi Fugu GT—yes, they leaned into the pufferfish shtick—arrives wearing a cosmetic flared-arch kit, clever inflatable side sills for pedestrian safety, and a grille pattern that looks like an armored fish mouth. It's theatrical, but the show doesn't stop at styling. This car wants to be noticed, and it wants to be driven hard.

Powertrain and performance

Under the hood sits a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-four married to a 120 kW electric motor and a 1.9 kWh buffer battery. Combined output is 420 hp and 480 Nm of torque delivered through a 7-speed dual-clutch to an adaptive AWD system. Mitsubishi claims a 0–60 mph run in 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 168 mph. On the tarmac those numbers feel honest—launch control is crisp, torque fill from the motor sharpens low-end response, and the DCT shifts with the kind of urgency you only usually get in cars with fewer fish puns.

The hybrid system isn't focused on maximizing EV range; it's there to give punch, silence the turbos during tip-in, and manage energy recovery during braking. Expect short silent glides at city speeds and a mild electric snicker when you feather the throttle. Real-world fuel economy is better than a pure gas GT but not Prius-awesome: low 30s mpg on steady highway runs, high teens during spirited canyon laps.

Handling, chassis and dynamics

The Fugu GT is built on a stiffened chassis with adaptive dampers and rear-wheel torque vectoring. Turn-in is eager, the nose is communicative, and the balance shifts predictably under throttle. There’s a playful looseness to the rear when asked, but the limited-slip differential and vectoring plug the gap before it gets nervous. The steering weighs up nicely at speed, though it stays a touch artificially weighted in Comfort mode.

Ride quality is impressive for a car wearing aggressive aerodynamic appendages. The adaptive dampers smooth out mid-corner bumps and only show stiffness when you select Sport+ or engage the “Inflate” mode—yes, the car uses subtle pressure changes in the side sills and fender flares to alter airflow and, surprisingly, lateral stability. It’s gimmicky, but it works enough that you forget to scoff.

Smell test: does it smell like fish?

Before you ask: no. Mitsubishi did not perfume the cabin with brine. The interior has a faint scent of new leather and hot carbon fiber, which I found preferable to eau de aquarium. That said, the special edition Fugu leather has a textured pattern inspired by puffer scales, and after a week of hot-weather driving the microtexture traps dust and a hint of seaside salt if you live near the ocean. Not fishy, just character.

Interior, tech and livability

Inside, the cabin mixes Alcantara, soft leather, and hard-wearing plastics in a layout that is driver-focused without being claustrophobic. The bolsters are firm and supportive for track days, yet long-distance comfort is decent. The infotainment runs a revised 12.3-inch system with wireless Apple CarPlay and over-the-air updates. The screen responds quickly, though the menus are still arranged in that modern half-baked way where you occasionally dig through three layers to change a simple setting.

Practical touches include a modest 350-liter trunk, split-folding rear seats, and an underfloor storage tray that cleverly hides the charge cables. Rear legroom is adequate for most adults; don't expect miracle space in the back if you buy this to ferry a volleyball team. HVAC is rapid and the heated/ventilated seats do a fine job of keeping temp tantrums to a minimum.

Numbers that matter

Practicality and ownership

Mitsubishi positioned the Fugu GT as a limited-run halo model with full factory warranty and service packages available through dealers. The hybrid components are modular, allowing less expensive repairs in the event of a drivetrain hiccup. Parts availability is reasonable in major markets, though expect boutique trim pieces—those inflatable sills, for example—to be pricier than a bumper sticker.

Insurance on a 420-hp limited-run GT is predictably sulky; get quotes before signing. Maintenance is in line with other performance hybrids: brake pad wear is reduced thanks to regen, but high-performance tires and track use will eat through rubber rapidly.

On the road: real-world impressions

My week with the Fugu GT included commuting, mountain roads, and a wet-autobahn blast. In traffic it behaves like a civilized heavy grand tourer—smooth starts, polite stop-start behavior, and a suspension that isolates potholes nicely. On twisty roads it flips into a more mischievous character: quick, roll-free, and communicative. In the wet, the electronic aids are unobtrusive; they allow you to feel the limits, then gently reel you back. The engine note is a synthetic symphony—turbo whooshes and an electronically enhanced burble at higher revs. It sounds the part without ever becoming theater-school obnoxious.

"The Fugu GT is both a wonderful overachiever and a charming show-off — the sort of car that makes sense on paper and then surprises you by being excellent in practice."

Verdict

The 2026 Mitsubishi Fugu GT is an oddball with an engineer's soul. It packages serious performance in a body that flirts with gimmickry but ultimately uses those quirks to enhance driving dynamics. If you want a car that is fast, engaging, and just a little bit theatrical—without smelling like your last sushi dinner—this is a compelling choice. It’s not the most efficient hybrid, nor the cheapest halo car, but it strikes a fine balance between daily usability and weekend excess.

Pros and cons

1. Pros: Infectious performance, innovative aerodynamic features, comfortable for daily use.
2. Cons: Limited cargo space, run-flat tires on the standard package, higher upkeep for trim-specific components.
3. Who should buy: Enthusiasts who want a practical daily with serious track chops and a taste for quirk.