TL;DR
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Mitsubishi is set to introduce its first truck to the US market in over ten years, but the vehicle will be a rebadged Nissan model. This move signals a strategic partnership and addresses Mitsubishi’s absence in the US truck segment.
Mitsubishi will re-enter the US truck market with its first new model in over ten years, but the vehicle will be a Nissan design, according to industry sources. This partnership marks a significant shift for Mitsubishi, which has not sold a pickup in the US since the early 2010s, and underscores strategic collaboration between the two Japanese automakers. For a comparison of different models, see Slate Truck Vs. Chevy Bolt Vs. Nissan Leaf. The launch is expected to occur late in 2024 or early 2025, making it a notable development for the US pickup segment.
Sources familiar with the matter confirm that Mitsubishi’s upcoming truck for the US market will be a rebadged Nissan model, likely based on Nissan’s Frontier or Titan platform. Mitsubishi has not sold a pickup in the US since discontinuing its Triton model around 2012, making this a major return for the brand. The vehicle will be marketed under the Mitsubishi badge but will share design, chassis, and powertrain components with Nissan, similar to previous collaborations seen in other markets. The decision to use Nissan’s platform is seen as a strategic move to reduce development costs and accelerate entry into the competitive US truck segment. Mitsubishi has not officially announced the model or specifications, but insiders suggest the truck will target mid-size or full-size pickup buyers, with modern features and a comparable price point to Nissan’s offerings. The move also aligns with Mitsubishi’s broader strategy to focus on SUVs and electric vehicles, while leveraging existing platforms for traditional models. Learn more about vehicle options and comparisons in our buying guide.Industry analysts note that this partnership could set a precedent for future collaborations between Japanese automakers, especially as the US market remains highly competitive with established players like Ford, Chevrolet, and Toyota. For more insights, see the comparison guide. Mitsubishi’s US operations have been limited in recent years, with the brand primarily focusing on Asian markets and select segments elsewhere. The upcoming launch aims to restore Mitsubishi’s presence in the US pickup segment and expand its overall market share.
Why This Partnership Changes the US Truck Market
This development is significant because it marks Mitsubishi’s return to the US pickup segment after more than a decade, leveraging Nissan’s existing platform and technology. For Mitsubishi, it offers a quicker, less costly way to re-enter a highly competitive market without developing a new truck from scratch. For Nissan, it provides an opportunity to increase the utilization of its vehicle platforms and expand its global footprint through shared models. For consumers, this could mean more choices and potentially more competitive pricing in the mid-size and full-size pickup segments. The collaboration also signals a possible trend toward cross-brand platform sharing among Japanese automakers, which could reshape how new models are developed and marketed in the US.
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Background of Mitsubishi’s US Market Absence and Nissan’s Pickup Lineup
Mitsubishi has not sold a pickup truck in the US since the discontinuation of its Triton model around 2012, citing limited demand and strategic shifts toward SUVs and electric vehicles. During this period, Mitsubishi’s US presence has been primarily focused on SUVs like the Outlander and Eclipse Cross, as well as electric models such as the Outlander PHEV. Meanwhile, Nissan has maintained a steady presence in the US pickup market with its Frontier and Titan models, which have been refreshed periodically to stay competitive. Nissan’s Frontier, in particular, has been a staple in the mid-size segment, with a reputation for durability and value. The collaboration with Mitsubishi appears to be a strategic move to leverage Nissan’s established platform to reintroduce a Mitsubishi-branded truck, filling a gap in Mitsubishi’s US portfolio and capitalizing on Nissan’s existing manufacturing and engineering resources.
“We are exploring new opportunities to expand our presence in the US, and this collaboration with Nissan is a key part of that strategy.”
— a Mitsubishi spokesperson
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Details of the Model, Specifications, and Market Position
It is not yet confirmed which Nissan model the Mitsubishi truck will be based on, nor the exact specifications, pricing, or launch date. Details about engine options, features, and target customers remain under wraps, and official announcements are expected later in 2024.As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Expected Timeline and Future Announcements
Further details about the Mitsubishi truck, including official specifications, pricing, and marketing plans, are anticipated to be announced by Mitsubishi and Nissan later in 2024. The vehicle is expected to launch in late 2024 or early 2025, with industry insiders suggesting that testing and pre-production phases are already underway. Both companies are likely to promote the model at upcoming auto shows and through dealership networks, with a focus on highlighting the shared platform and Mitsubishi’s brand positioning.
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Key Questions
Will Mitsubishi develop a completely new truck for the US?
No, according to industry sources, Mitsubishi’s upcoming US truck will be based on a Nissan platform, not a completely new design.
When is the Mitsubishi truck expected to be available in the US?
The launch is anticipated in late 2024 or early 2025, with official details to be announced closer to the release date.
What Nissan model will the Mitsubishi truck be based on?
It is not yet confirmed which Nissan model will serve as the base, but sources suggest it could be related to the Nissan Frontier or Titan platform.
Will Mitsubishi sell this truck under the Mitsubishi badge only?
Yes, the vehicle will be marketed as a Mitsubishi model, despite sharing components and design with Nissan.
Does this mean Mitsubishi will stop developing its own trucks?
There is no indication that Mitsubishi plans to cease developing its own trucks entirely, but this collaboration is a strategic move to re-enter the US market efficiently.
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