Honda is reportedly preparing a new midsize pickup based on the Mitsubishi Triton, with production expected to take place in Thailand from 2028 or later. The unnamed truck would be sold through Honda’s dealer network and could give the automaker a ladder-frame model for markets where rugged utility pickups are especially popular.

The report, published by Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, says Mitsubishi would manufacture the Honda pickup at its Thai facilities. Southeast Asia is expected to be the model’s initial market, although additional export destinations are also being considered.

A ladder-frame alternative to the Ridgeline

Honda currently sells the Ridgeline in North America, but that truck uses the unibody architecture shared with the Pilot SUV. A Triton-based model would provide Honda with access to a conventional ladder-frame platform without requiring the company to fund the full development of a new chassis and related engineering programs.

In Southeast Asia and other ASEAN markets, the Honda would face established competitors including the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, and Nissan Navara. It would also compete with an expanding group of pickups from Chinese automakers.

Mitsubishi already supplies the foundation for another related truck. Nissan sells a Triton-based Navara in Australia, where the model features Nissan-specific exterior styling and a different suspension setup. Adding a Honda version to Mitsubishi’s production operations at the Laem Chabang factory could further increase production scale.

Honda styling on shared hardware

The extent of Honda’s changes has not been reported. However, the truck could use Honda-specific exterior design while retaining the Mitsubishi platform and mechanical components. Digital artist Theophilus Chin has illustrated one possible interpretation by applying front-end cues inspired by the Honda Elevate to a Mitsubishi-based pickup.

Because the Honda model is not expected before 2028, it could be based on a facelifted version of the Triton rather than the current truck. The updated Mitsubishi pickup may also introduce a hybrid powertrain option shared with the mechanically related Mitsubishi Pajero, although that possibility remains unconfirmed for the Honda model.

Current Triton platform details

The current Mitsubishi Triton is offered with a 2.4-liter diesel engine in outputs of 148 horsepower (110 kW/150 PS) and 181 horsepower (135 kW/184 PS) with a single turbocharger. A twin-turbocharged version produces 201 horsepower (150 kW/204 PS).

Depending on specification, the engine drives either the rear wheels or all four wheels. Higher-grade versions can be equipped with Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system.

The prospective pickup is part of broader cooperation discussions involving Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi. The companies are also considering shared electronic control units for hybrid and electric vehicles, software standardization, joint development of digital cockpits, and further opportunities to share models. Nissan could additionally produce pickups for Honda and Mitsubishi at its Canton, Mississippi, plant for the U.S. market, although that possibility has not been confirmed.