Honda is preparing to enter the traditional pickup truck market through a new partnership with Mitsubishi, with a body-on-frame model based on the Mitsubishi Triton expected to arrive in Southeast Asia in 2028.
The two Japanese manufacturers have signed a memorandum of understanding outlining plans to develop the vehicle, potentially giving Honda a more rugged alternative to its existing Ridgeline pickup.
Unlike the Ridgeline, which uses a car-derived unibody construction, the Mitsubishi Triton features a separate ladder-frame chassis.
This design is commonly used in work-focused pickups, where durability, load-carrying ability and off-road capability are important considerations.
The proposed Honda pickup would be aimed at markets including Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam, where pickups are widely used for both commercial and private transport.
Although the Mitsubishi Triton will provide the foundation, the extent of Honda’s involvement in the vehicle’s design and engineering has not been confirmed.
It could receive distinctive exterior styling and interior features, although a simpler rebadged version of the Triton remains another possibility.
The current Triton is offered with a range of engines depending on the market, including a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel producing up to 201bhp and 347lb ft of torque. Whether Honda will retain Mitsubishi’s existing powertrains or introduce an alternative engine has yet to be announced.
Honda already has a strong presence across Southeast Asia through its motorcycle and scooter operations, providing an established customer base as it considers expanding into the pickup segment.
The agreement could also open the door to further cooperation between the manufacturers, potentially involving Mitsubishi-badged versions of Honda vehicles.
For now, the proposed pickup is intended exclusively for Southeast Asian markets. There are no announced plans to introduce it in Europe or North America, where Honda already sells the Ridgeline.
With a targeted 2028 introduction, further details about the truck’s styling, specifications and production arrangements are expected as the partnership develops.
