The Mitsubishi Triton has only been in its sixth generation for two years, having debuted in 2023, yet change is already in the air. Mitsubishi’s recent introduction of a fresh design language on the Destinator SUV has sparked curiosity about how this style might suit a facelifted Triton. Digital artist Theophilus Chin decided to explore the idea through a set of unofficial renderings.

Subtle But Effective Styling Updates

The results show how a few well-judged tweaks can noticeably alter a vehicle’s personality. The redesigned Triton differs from the current model only in its lighting units, front bumper, and tailgate. Even so, these subtle revisions give the midsize truck a more modern, upmarket presence while keeping its tough, utilitarian appeal intact.

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The most significant visual change comes at the front, where the controversial split LED headlights have been replaced with a cleaner, more cohesive design framed by aluminum accents in Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield motif. A semi-covered grille and skid plate complete the refreshed look. The sculpted fenders remain unchanged, as is typical for mid-cycle updates in pickups and light commercial vehicles.

At the back, the Triton received a modern makeover thanks to the fresh graphics on the taillights, now connected through an LED bar on the tailgate. The latter has also been altered with new dynamic lines, while the rear bumper didn’t need to change at all.

Renderings: Theottle

Mitsubishi appears ready to spread the Destinator’s styling cues beyond a single model. The three-row SUV, aimed at Southeast Asian markets, could be joined by a rugged off-roader that, if rumors turn out to be true, will revive the Pajero nameplate. Similar updates might also appear on the future replacement for the Pajero Sport, the Triton’s three-row SUV counterpart.

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While Chin’s renderings remain speculative, they could be close to what Mitsubishi has planned for the Triton’s mid-cycle refresh, potentially arriving in 2027 or 2028. Any exterior redesign is likely to be paired with cabin technology upgrades and the addition of electrified options, ranging from mild-hybrid to plug-in hybrid, and possibly a fully electric variant.

This would help the Triton remain competitive against upcoming rivals such as the next-generation Toyota Hilux, expected in 2026.

Facing tough competition

The Triton will also underpin the next-generation Nissan Navara, giving the platform wider reach. Its competition in the midsize pickup segment is fierce, with rivals including the Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, Kia Tasman, and a growing number of entries from Chinese manufacturers.

Mitsubishi’s European return is starting to take shape in unexpected yet practical ways. After announcing its retreat from the region in 2020 due to mounting losses, the brand has quietly shifted gears. Now, five years later, Mitsubishi is expanding its presence across Europe by tapping into its alliance with Renault, opting for strategic efficiency over in-house development.

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That partnership began with the Mitsubishi Colt and ASX, which are essentially Renault Clio and Captur models with new badges. The next phase arrives in September with a fully electric successor to the Eclipse Cross, sharing its platform with the Renault Megane E-Tech crossover.

Following that, Mitsubishi plans to launch a more family-focused model called the Grandis, based on the Renault Symbioz, before the end of the year.

Building Identity in a Shared Platform World

There’s understandable skepticism around badge engineering, but Mitsubishi isn’t ignoring the criticism. Frank Krol, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors Europe, addressed this in a conversation with Auto News. He said the upcoming Eclipse Cross EV will be “much more Mitsubishi” than previous rebadged efforts.

He also emphasized the brand’s intention to bring more own-developed models to Europe. At the moment, the Outlander PHEV is the only vehicle that fits that description.

Still, Krol hinted at another stage of Mitsubishi’s collaboration with Renault for the near future. While he didn’t get into details, this could be a new model based on the next generation of the Renault Clio that is expected to debut before the end of 2025.

Mitsubishi’s target is to grow annual European sales to between 75,000 and 80,000 units, up from 60,879 in 2024. That figure already represented a 44 percent increase over 2023, largely driven by the strong performance of the Renault-derived Colt and ASX.

The Problem And A Possible Answer

Despite some encouraging progress, Mitsubishi’s Renault-based models haven’t been able to offset recent losses. Between January and May 2025, the brand saw a 29 percent drop in European sales. Much of that decline stems from the discontinuation of the Space Star (Mirage) and Eclipse Cross, both of which were pulled from the market after falling short of updated safety regulations.

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The departure of the Space Star is especially significant. In 2024, it made up 39 percent of Mitsubishi’s European sales, occupying the crucial entry-level spot in the lineup. Without a replacement in the city car segment, the brand faces a clear gap in its offering.

Kei Cars in Europe? Not So Simple

One potential fix could lie in a European take on Japan’s kei car segment, an idea floated by Stellantis Chairman John Elkann and former Renault CEO Luca de Meo. For Mitsubishi, this approach would tap into its deep kei car know-how without requiring heavy investment in Europe-only models.

As Krol put it, “That would be a good tool to ramp up this industry in terms of electrification.” Still, he was quick to add that bringing kei cars to Europe “sounds easier than it is,” hinting at the regulatory and market hurdles involved.

Mitsubishi is currently active in 20 European markets, with two more under review. That’s a notable drop from the 32 markets it covered in 2019, a decline largely tied to the withdrawal of the L200 pickup from the region. According to Krol, reintroducing the midsize truck in Europe would require an electrified powertrain, which isn’t a commercially viable option given the segment’s limited sales potential.

Earlier this year, Mitsubishi cancelled plans to develop two in-house electric vehicles, choosing instead to focus on hybrids and plug-in hybrids. During a May earnings call, global CEO Takao Kato acknowledged the need for EVs in Europe, but said the company would meet that demand by leveraging products from partner OEMs rather than going it alone.