Mitsubishi Finally Returns to the U.S. Pickup Game—But It’s a Nissan-Badged Truck

Mitsubishi has officially confirmed its return to the U.S. pickup segment, but the new truck won’t wear the brand’s badge. Instead, the yet-to-be-named model is being co-developed with Nissan as part of the automaker’s expanded U.S. strategy, dubbed Momentum 2030. The announcement came during a dealer meeting in Tennessee, where Mitsubishi outlined its roadmap through 2027, including a lineup expansion from four to six vehicles by early 2027. The new pickup is a cornerstone of this plan, leveraging alliance synergies with Nissan to re-enter a segment the brand hasn’t occupied in North America for decades. The truck’s design was teased in a dark image, featuring boxy slip LED headlights and a dual-cab silhouette reminiscent of the Nissan Frontier. While Mitsubishi hasn’t disclosed any technical specifications, the model is expected to ride on a ladder frame chassis with options for internal combustion or hybrid powertrains. The teaser also hinted at a rugged, adventure-focused direction for the brand, aligning with its broader push into “rugged and versatile products.” The U.S. division also addressed the global revival of the Pajero nameplate (sold in the U.S. as the Montero), which will debut globally on September 2 on a ladder frame chassis, though a North American release remains undecided. In the near term, Mitsubishi is doubling down on electrification with the upcoming Eclipse Sportback EV, a rebadged Nissan Leaf-based electric crossover arriving this fall. It will be followed in Q1 2027 by a rugged variant of the Outlander, though its specific model name hasn’t been revealed. These additions will join the existing U.S. lineup—Outlander Sport, Eclipse Cross, Outlander, and Outlander PHEV—to complete a six-vehicle roster by 2027. Mitsubishi’s Momentum 2030 plan is built on four pillars: electrification, a refreshed and expanded lineup, a modernized retail sales model, and network expansion to drive sustainable sales growth. The strategy is designed to boost the brand’s market share in the U.S. and capitalize on the rising demand for rugged, versatile vehicles.