Mitsubishi Triton Absolute Concept Could Preview Off-Road Performance Pickup

Mitsubishi doesn’t want to get left out of the ever-growing market for performance off-road pickups, and the Triton Absolute concept offers pretty strong clues about what’s in the pipeline.

Unveiled at the Bangkok Auto Show in Thailand, the Triton Absolute is said to embody “the rugged, solid, and uncompromising nature” of the pickup Europeans know as the L200.

Mitsubishi’s press blurb couldn’t be less specific so we don’t know whether the Triton Absolute will materialize into a rival for the Ford Ranger Raptor or not. However, looking at the vehicle it’s pretty clear that it looks pretty much ready to roll off the assembly line.

Of course, the automaker is calling it a concept vehicle for now, and it’ll probably gauge public reaction before announcing a production version. Judging by the looks of it, we anticipate the Triton Absolute will get a warm reception.

It looks much more rugged than the regular model thanks to the 50mm (1.97in) lift kit with increased suspension travel, beadlock wheels shod with Falken Wildpeak off-road tires, and carbon fiber fender flares that accommodate the wider tracks. Not very common on pickups, carbon fiber is also used for the bumper applications, protective body paneling, and tailgate.

Other distinctive details include prominent front and rear skid plates with red accents and grey outlines, red grab handles above each door, tonneau cover with an additional four grab handles, roof-mounted LED light bar and black grille.

There’s no information on the engine so we have to assume Mitsubishi made no changes in that department compared to the standard Triton pickup. The automaker will parade the Triton Absolute at various events over the coming year to get feedback which means a production version isn’t likely to arrive earlier than 2020 — assuming the public will love this pre-production concept.