Honda is reportedly preparing a new ladder-frame pickup based on the Mitsubishi Triton, with production planned in Thailand. The unnamed model is expected to arrive in 2028 or later, creating the first OEM partnership between Honda and Mitsubishi.
According to Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, Mitsubishi will manufacture the truck in Thailand, while Honda will sell it through its own dealer network. Southeast Asia is expected to be the first market because midsize pickups are among the region’s most popular body styles, although additional export markets are being considered.
Honda currently sells the Ridgeline in North America, but that pickup uses the unibody architecture of the Pilot SUV. Obtaining a ladder-frame platform from Mitsubishi would let Honda compete in the rugged utility segment without the substantial capital and research and development costs of creating one internally.
Alongside its Mitsubishi Triton counterpart, the new Honda will face the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara and numerous recently launched pickups from Chinese automakers across ASEAN markets.
Nissan already sells a Triton-based Navara in Australia, distinguished by its own exterior styling and suspension setup. Adding a third model to the Laem Chabang factory’s production line in Thailand would allow Mitsubishi to extract greater economies of scale.
The extent of Honda’s planned changes remains unknown, but the rebadged pickup will likely receive the automaker’s own design language over the shared mechanical foundation. Digital artist Theophilus Chin has already produced renderings of a Mitsubishi-based truck featuring front-end styling inspired by the Honda Elevate.
Because of the expected launch timing, the Honda pickup will most likely use the facelifted Mitsubishi Triton as its basis. That update could bring a hybrid powertrain option shared with the mechanically related Mitsubishi Pajero.
The current Triton uses a 2.4-liter diesel engine offered with outputs of 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) in single-turbo form, or 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) with twin turbochargers. Depending on specification, drive is sent to the rear wheels or all four wheels, while top versions use the more capable Super Select 4WD-II system.
Beyond the planned pickup, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi are discussing shared ECUs for their hybrid and electric vehicles, along with software standardization. Honda and Mitsubishi are also examining further model-sharing opportunities and joint digital-cockpit development. Nissan could additionally build US-bound pickups for Honda and Mitsubishi at its Canton plant in Mississippi.
Honda is reportedly developing its first ladder-frame pickup through a partnership with Mitsubishi. Built and supplied from Thailand, the Triton-based truck could reach Southeast Asian markets from 2028, with other destinations under review. The project would give Honda access to the midsize utility segment while the automakers continue exploring shared hybrid, EV, software, cockpit and production initiatives.
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