Honda plans to enter the mid-size ladder-frame pickup truck market by leveraging the Mitsubishi Triton platform. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper, the vehicle will be manufactured at a Mitsubishi facility in Thailand and distributed through Honda's existing dealership network. The official debut is scheduled for no earlier than 2028, with an initial focus on Southeast Asian markets.
This partnership allows Honda to bypass the high costs of developing a proprietary frame platform. While Honda currently offers the Ridgeline in North America, that model utilizes a unibody construction similar to the Pilot SUV. The upcoming truck will feature distinct front-end styling and design elements, though the extent of these modifications remains to be determined.
The new model is expected to be based on an updated version of the Triton and may incorporate a hybrid powertrain. The current Mitsubishi Triton features a 2.4-liter diesel engine with power outputs of 150, 184, or 204 horsepower, offering both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations, including the Super Select 4WD-II system.
Beyond this vehicle project, Honda and Mitsubishi are exploring broader collaboration. The companies are currently evaluating joint efforts in digital platform development, software standardization, and the shared use of electronic control units for future hybrid and electric vehicle lineups.
