Honda to Sell Rebadged Mitsubishi Triton from 2028

Yomiuri Shimbun reports that Honda is in talks to sell a rebadged Mitsubishi Triton, also known as the L200 in Europe, with production reportedly handled at Mitsubishi's Thai factory. Sources familiar with the discussions say the arrangement is not yet finalized, but if agreed the Honda-badged, body-on-frame mid-size pickup would begin appearing in showrooms from 2028.

The report does not specify which markets Honda intends to target, nor whether the model would receive more than modest styling changes beyond a new badge. Mitsubishi's Thai plant already has capacity to increase output, making it a logical supplier if Honda proceeds without developing a dedicated ladder-frame truck of its own.

What Mitsubishi's Triton/L200 brings

The current Triton/L200 was redesigned from the ground up for the 2023 model year. Mitsubishi developed a new chassis, updated suspension and a revised turbocharged inline-four diesel that the company says reduces friction and raises output. The front suspension uses double wishbones while the rear relies on work-oriented leaf springs, a conventional setup for a ladder-frame utility truck.

Nissan already sells a badge-engineered version of the platform as the D27-generation Navara. In Australia the Navara engineered by Mitsubishi is offered only with a twin-turbo inline-four diesel paired to a six-speed automatic. The diesel Navara should not be confused with the Navara Pro PHEV, which is a Chinese-market truck derived from the Dongfeng Z9.

If confirmed, the rebadged Triton would be Honda's first body-on-frame mid-size pickup. For Honda, sourcing an OEM partner makes financial sense: it avoids the cost and lead time of developing a new ladder-frame platform, validating it and setting up production for a segment the company has not historically prioritized.

Under the proposed arrangement Honda would sell the truck through its own dealer network rather than Mitsubishi's, freeing R and D funds for the automaker's next-generation hybrid powertrains and other priority programmes. Honda has not previously offered a ladder-frame mid-size model, so the partnership would also serve as a low-risk way to learn what it takes to build and sell such a workhorse before committing to its own development.

At press time the most affordable Triton listed on Mitsubishi Australia's configurator is the single-cab GLX with automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive, fitted with an unpaired steel tray and a drive-away price of AUD 41,990.