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Mitsubishi Ends its U.S. Pickup Hiatus With Nissan-sourced Truck Aimed at Toyota Tacoma & Chevy Colorado

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Mitsubishi is getting ready for a major comeback in the United States. After years of sitting on the sidelines in key vehicle segments, the Japanese automaker has confirmed plans that could reshape its North American lineup. The company is preparing to launch a new midsize pickup truck while also bringing back one of its most recognizable SUV names.

For Mitsubishi fans, this marks a turning point. The brand has spent years focusing on crossovers and value-oriented vehicles. Now it is looking to expand its reach with products designed for buyers who want capability, adventure, and utility.

The headline grabber is undoubtedly the new pickup truck. Mitsubishi has been absent from the U.S. truck market since the Raider disappeared after the 2009 model year. That long absence is finally coming to an end, and this time the company appears to have a much stronger plan in place.

Mitsubishi Returns to the Pickup Truck Battle

Mitsubishi / IG / The midsize truck market has become one of the hottest segments in America. Buyers continue to flock to trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Honda Ridgeline.

Mitsubishi wants a seat at that table, and it plans to get there with help from a familiar partner.

The upcoming truck will be developed alongside Nissan. Both companies are part of the Renault Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance, making collaboration a logical move. Instead of developing a truck from scratch, Mitsubishi will use Nissan’s next-generation body-on-frame truck architecture as the foundation for its new model.

This strategy gives Mitsubishi a huge advantage. Developing a truck platform requires billions of dollars and years of engineering work. By sharing resources with Nissan, Mitsubishi can enter the market faster while keeping development costs under control.

The truck is expected to share key underpinnings with the next-generation Nissan Frontier. That means buyers can expect a rugged body-on-frame design, strong towing capability, and the durability that truck shoppers demand. While Mitsubishi has not revealed final specifications, the platform itself suggests serious intentions.

This will not be a lifestyle truck built purely for appearance. Everything points toward a vehicle designed to compete directly with established midsize pickups. Mitsubishi understands that truck buyers expect real capability, and anything less would struggle to gain attention in such a competitive market.

Built in America for American Buyers

Mitsubishi / IG / Production is expected to take place at Nissan’s manufacturing plant in Canton, Mississippi. That decision carries significant benefits for Mitsubishi.

Building the truck in the United States helps the company avoid the costly “chicken tax” imposed on imported pickups. That tax has long complicated truck imports and made local production far more attractive. Manufacturing in Mississippi also helps Mitsubishi keep pricing competitive.

Local production offers another advantage. Buyers often feel more confident when a vehicle is built closer to home. Dealers benefit as well because supply chains become more efficient and inventory management becomes easier.

The Canton facility already has experience building trucks and SUVs. That expertise should help ensure a smoother launch when production eventually begins. It also reinforces Mitsubishi’s commitment to the North American market.

Although the company has not announced an official launch date, industry expectations point toward a debut around the 2028 or 2029 model year. That timing aligns closely with Nissan’s next-generation truck plans.

The pickup is only half of Mitsubishi’s expansion strategy. The company is also bringing back the legendary Pajero, known to many American buyers as the Montero.

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