Mitsubishi teased a new Triton for overseas markets but it would behoove Mitsubishi to consider bringing it here for us Americans.
Although Mitsubishi stopped rebadging Dodge Dakotas as Mitsubishi Rairders somtime back in 2006, that doesn’t mean Mitsubishi hasn’t stopped making trucks for overseas markets. As per Mitsubishi in a teaser photo they dropped earlier today (Sept. 17,2018) it looks like a successor to the successful Triton mid-size pickup is dropping next year. Check out the new face of the Triton, cloaked in shadows, below.
When the Raider finally ended its sales run in America in 2009, Mitsubishi managed to sell just 1,944 Raiders. Its best year in 2006 saw 7,595 Raiders sold. It’s safe to say but if you see one on the streets, it’s worthy of a photo since it’s so uncommon.
The real successor to the Mighty Max, a true Japanese made pickup from Mitsubishi, stopped coming to the United States in 1994 under Dodge Ram 50 but soldiered on worldwide under different names like the Triton, Cyclone, Colt, and most notably, the L200. But, with a new Triton on the way, one that will probably carry over most of its powertrains including a 2.4L NA Gas engine and two turbo diesel options, perhaps Mitsubishi should bring these over to the United States, chicken-tax be damned.
Consider that Ford is resurrecting the Ford Ranger by bringing over its Global Ford Ranger by first putting it through United States-spec homologation (i.e. reworking the bumpers, lights, emissions etc.) This is in response to a resurgence in sales for mid-size pickup trucks AKA trucks just the right size for people who want a truck, but not an F-150.
Mitsubishi already makes the Triton, has a lineup in the United States bereft of cars and full of crossovers and SUVs, and has a sales formula thanks to a lineup that seems to be working.
Just for reference, the current Triton with Mitsubishi’s 2.5T Diesel makes a generous 180 HP and 317 lb-ft. With an MSRP that hovers around $25,666 when converted to USD, these Tritons are pretty inexpensive.
