It’s no secret that people love trucks, big and small, including the Mitsubishi Triton. You may be surprised that Mistubishi has a truck to sell, but it’s actually been around for years. The Mitsubishi Triton is banned in the United States, but that might not be the case for much longer. 

The Mitsubishi Triton might come to America 

The Mitsubishi Triton could be right around the corner. A representative from Mitshubishi North America COO shared that they’ve had their eye on returning to the compact truck market in the United States. 

But Mitsubishi would have to have the perfect fit for their demographic in a super competitive market. New compact rivals include the popular Ford Maverick and the Hyundai Santa Cruz. 

The most requested model in Mitsubishi’s United States dealership meetings is a pickup truck. So, the demand may be enough to compete with rivals. Plus, sales have been increasing here, so a Mitsubishi truck could keep that momentum going. 

Is the Triton a good truck? 

Yes, the Mitsubishi Triton is an excellent option with an affordable price and stout off-roading capabilities. However, it won’t be the first Mitsubishi truck in America. You may recall the Mitsubishi Mighty Max and Raider. 

The Mitsubishi Raider was basically a rebadged Dodge Ram Dakota. It was a product of the Daimler-Chrysler alliance with Mitsubishi. After struggling for four years with low sales, it was pulled from the market in 2009. 

But as the Mitusbishi L200 and Strada, the truck continues to perform well in 150 different markets overseas. As part of the Renault-Nissan alliance, Mitsubishi is leading the charge with the group’s next body-on-frame platform. 

The chassis will underpin the next-generation Triton, Renault Alaskan, and Nissan Navara. As hybrid powertrains enter the mix, the Triton could easily reach America’s higher emission standards. 

What’s new for the 2023 Triton? 

The upcoming 2023 Mitsubishi Triton and Pajero SUV are expected to feature the latest plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 2021 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV has a 2.4-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with two electric motors. 

This setup provides 221 hp and an estimated 24 miles of electric range. But rumors suggest that Mitsubishi is working on increasing the range. Either way, the new Triton will benefit from an improved fuel economy and more towing power. 

The Ford Maverick Hybrid features 191 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. It also doesn’t plug in. So, the Triton could serve as a more robust and efficient rival. The Santa Cruz currently doesn’t have a hybrid option. 

Other updates to the Triton may include a larger infotainment screen with faster software and updated graphics. To do well in America, we will need to see standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 

The interior is expected to gain luxurious upgrades. It’s safe to expect higher quality materials to improve comfort while the seating configuration remains the same. More standard equipment may be included. 

We will have to wait to learn more. The 2022 Triton with a single cab begins at about $23,000, but the top-of-the-line off-roading model increases the price to about $50,000.