Mitsubishi Announces New Truck For American Shoppers

Mitsubishi may not generate the same headlines in North America as some of its Japanese rivals, but that isn't stopping the automaker from planning to enter one of the most competitive segments.

The automaker has outlined its product plans through the early 2030s, confirming 13 new vehicles over the next six years. For those of us in North America, the most important news is that Mitsubishi is working on a midsize pickup with Nissan.

Mitsubishi's truck will be developed alongside Nissan's next-generation Frontier. The truck would effectively serve as a spiritual successor to the Mitsubishi Raider, the Dakota-based pickup that disappeared from the U.S. market after the 2009 model year.

Exactly how closely the Nissan and Mitsubishi trucks will be related isn't known at this time. Mitsubishi may develop its own version using the Frontier's underlying bones with brand-unique sheetmetal, technology, and powertrains. A less ambitious scenario would see the truck emerge as a badge-engineered Frontier wearing Mitsubishi diamonds.

Whatever ends up happening, both trucks could potentially be built at Nissan's assembly plant in Canton, Mississippi, giving Mitsubishi a much easier path into the U.S. market, avoiding import tariffs and the dreaded Chicken Tax. The truck's arrival should line up with Nissan's redesigned Frontier, expected around 2028.

The midsize pickup market has become one of the industry's most competitive segments, with the Toyota Tacoma, Ford Ranger, Chevrolet Colorado, and GMC Canyon all posting strong sales. Additional players from Ram, Hyundai, and Kia are also expected later this decade.

Today, Mitsubishi's U.S. lineup consists of the Outlander, Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, Eclipse Cross, and Outlander Sport. While the Outlander received updates for 2026, much of the lineup is showing its age compared with competitors that have undergone multiple redesigns in recent years.

Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.