Honda Is Finally Getting A Ladder-Frame Pickup Thanks To Mitsubishi

Honda will reportedly introduce a new ladder-frame pickup based on the Mitsubishi Triton with production taking place in Thailand. The yet unnamed model is expected to debut in 2028 or later, marking the first OEM partnership between Honda and Mitsubishi.

As reported by Japanese newspaper Yomiuri Shimbun, the new truck will be manufactured by Mitsubishi in Thailand, and sold through Honda’s own dealer network. Its availability will start from Southeast Asia, where midsize pickups represent one of the most popular body styles, but other export markets are also under consideration.

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Honda is selling the Ridgeline in North America, but this is based on the unibody architecture of the Pilot SUV. Sourcing a ladder-frame chassis from Mitsubishi allows Honda to enter the rugged utility segment without the massive capital and R&D expenditure required to build it in-house.

Besides the Mitsubishi Triton twin, rivals of the new Honda across ASEAN nations will include the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Nissan Navara, and a bunch of newly introduced models from Chinese automakers.

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It’s worth nothing that Nissan is also selling a Triton-based Navara in Australia, with unique exterior design and suspension setup. Adding a third model in the production line of the Laem Chabang factory in Thailand allows Mitsubishi to benefit even more from the economies of scale.

While we don’t know the extent of the modifications planned by Honda for its own rebadged pickup, chances are it will adopt the automaker’s own styling language on top of shared underpinnings. Digital artist Theophilus Chin has created renderings of a Mitsubishi-based truck, infusing the front-end design of the Honda Elevate.

Given the timing of its launch, the Honda pickup will most likely be based on the facelifted Mitsubishi Triton. This could introduce an hybrid powertrain option, shared with the mechanically-related Mitsubishi Pajero.

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The current Triton is fitted with a 2.4-liter diesel engine producing 148 hp (110 kW / 150 PS) and 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) with a single turbocharger, or 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS) with twin turbochargers. Depending on the configuration, power is transmitted to the rear or to all four wheels, with flagship trims featuring the more capable Super Select 4WD-II system.

Besides the upcoming pickup, Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi are discussing about using shared ECUs in their hybrids and EVs, and standardizing software. Honda and Mitsubishi are exploring additional model-sharing opportunities and joint development of digital cockpits. Finally, Nissan could potentially produce US-bound pickups for Honda and Mitsubishi at its Canton plant in Mississippi.