- Reborn Mitsubishi Pajero flagship hints at future updates for the Triton.
- The midsize truck could benefit from modern styling and tech features.
- Both the Triton and the Pajero are expected to gain a hybrid option.
Mitsubishi has finally pulled the covers off the reborn Pajero, its new flagship SUV, and in the process dropped a few hints about a facelift for the Triton midsize pickup. The two share the same ladder-frame architecture, and they could end up sharing more styling and tech once the truck gets its mid-lifecycle update.
The current sixth-generation Triton arrived in 2023, which puts an update within reach over the next few years. A refresh after 2028 makes sense, and it would help the truck hold its ground against the recently updated Ford Ranger, the new Toyota Hilux, and the growing army of Chinese entries in the midsize truck segment.
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Expect the facelifted Triton to carry over its greenhouse and profile sheet metal, which is how these things usually go with trucks and light commercial vehicles. The changes on the outside will most likely concentrate on the front end, with new trim pieces and minor tweaks at the rear.
Triton With A Pajero Face
Our speculative rendering grafts the new Pajero’s front end onto the pickup, including the T-shaped LED headlights, the chrome-free Dynamic Shield elements, and the chunky skid plate. It replaces the split headlight setup and boxy nose of today’s Triton with something that looks more expensive.
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In order to minimize the R&D expenditure, the company might limit rear changes to modern LED graphics for the taillights and new trim on the tailgate. Furthermore, high-spec trims of the truck could gain revised fender extensions, alongside new alloy wheels and fresh color options.
Interior Upgrades
Despite the shared bits, the Pajero sits above the Triton in Mitsubishi’s lineup on both price and positioning, so the SUV’s premium cabin, improved NVH, and bespoke suspension tune aren’t coming to the pickup. Mitsubishi can still lift the truck’s interior without turning it into a Pajero with a bed, though.
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A facelifted Triton could gain a new infotainment display that will be larger from the current 9-inch unit, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and new options for the upholstery. We also expect it to benefit from more comfort and safety features, keeping up with the times.
The luxurious Terra, the tough BF MS, and the rugged Savana Sertoes special editions from South America show the potential of the Triton lineup to expand, covering the needs of different buyers. The same applies to the Australian-spec Triton Raider with chassis upgrades developed by Premcar.
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Mitsubishi has also hinted at a beefed-up Ralliart version that would square up to the Ford Ranger Raptor. That would go well beyond the Raider, adding performance, chassis, and styling upgrades in one package.
Chassis and powertrains
Under the skin, the Triton will most likely retain the existing ladder-frame architecture and available Super-Select 4WD II system with improvements. Earlier reports have hinted at the addition of rear disc brakes instead of drums, possibly combined with a retuned suspension. It’s worth remembering that the Triton shares its bones with the Australian-spec Nissan Navara, though that one gets model-specific tuning from Premcar.
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The current Triton is fitted with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel engine available in different outputs depending on the region. Thailand gets the 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) versions with a single turbocharger, while Australian buyers have access to the flagship twin-turbo mill with 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) and 470 Nm (347 lb-ft) of torque.
Notably, the new Pajero matches the highest output with an updated 2.4-liter diesel featuring a single wide-range variable geometry turbocharger that could find its way under the hood of the facelifted Triton. More importantly, Mitsubishi is working on electrified powertrain options for both models, including self-charging hybrid and plug-in hybrid setups. A fully electric Triton was also considered for the current generation but has reportedly been scrapped or pushed back.
Going by Mitsubishi’s usual model cycles, camouflaged prototypes of the updated Triton could start making their first appearances over the next year. Our spy photographers will be waiting.
