Mitsubishi hasn’t offered a pickup in the United States since the Dodge Dakota-based Raider was dropped in 2009.
The Raider wasn’t particularly successful – as sales peaked at 8,262 units in 2007 – but it appears the company wants to return to the segment nonetheless.
Speaking with Wards Auto, Mitsubishi Motors North America COO Mark Chaffin confirmed the company would like to offer a new pickup in the United States. However, he said it would have to be the “right fit for Mitsubishi, for our demographic, and something that’s really competitive in the market.”
Mitsubishi is a relatively small player in the United States, but it’s now part of a larger alliance with Renault and Nissan. This could pave the way for an all-new pickup as Nissan has already confirmed it’s working on a new Frontier.
Nothing is official, but reports have suggested Mitsubishi has been tasked with leading the development of next-generation pickups for the alliance. The new body-on-frame platform is slated to underpin an assortment of different models including the next-generation Nissan Frontier and Navara as well as the Renault Alaskan and Mercedes X-Class. Rumors have also suggested Mitsubishi will receive an all-new Triton, but it might not arrive until 2024.
Little is known about Mitsubishi’s truck, but reports have suggested the next-generation Frontier will be introduced next year as a 2021 model. It will be the first redesign in over a decade and it could be powered a new V6 engine that develops approximately 300 hp (224 kW / 304 PS). There have also been rumors about an entry-level four-cylinder engine and a new seven-speed automatic transmission which could replace the current five-speed gearbox.
Note: Mitsubishi L200 pictured
