Mitsubishi to Launch Nissan-Based Pickup in US
Mitsubishi's Momentum 2030 Plan: What It Means for Malaysian SUV Buyers
Mitsubishi Motors has updated its 'Momentum 2030' business plan specifically for the United States, confirming a new Nissan-based pick-up truck, the Eclipse Sportback EV, and a rugged Outlander variant. The entity is a product-lineup expansion strategy by Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, a Japanese automaker with a significant official presence in Malaysia via Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM). This plan addresses Mitsubishi's need to revitalise its US portfolio through electrification and model expansion, which indicates the brand's direction for future global models that may eventually inform the Malaysian market's line-up, although the confirmed vehicles are currently slated for North America only.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
| Plan Name | Momentum 2030 (US-specific update) |
| Confirmed New US Models | Nissan-based pick-up truck, Eclipse Sportback EV, Rugged Outlander variant |
| Confirmed Launch Timeline | Eclipse Sportback EV (Fall 2026), Rugged Outlander (Q1 2027) |
| US Line-up Expansion | From 4 vehicles (current) to 6 vehicles in 2027 |
| Collaboration Partner | Nissan (for pick-up truck, based on the Nissan Frontier) |
| Other Model Mentioned | Next-generation Montero/Pajero (global debut on September 2) |
| Malaysian Availability | Not confirmed; plan is specific to the United States |
| Official Malaysian Distributor | Malaysia Mitsubishi Motors (MMM) |
As of the latest update, no pricing in RM has been confirmed for any of these vehicles, and their availability in Malaysia is yet to be announced.
Is Mitsubishi Launching a Nissan-Based Pick-up Truck in the US?
Yes, Mitsubishi has confirmed its intention to re-enter the North American pick-up truck segment in collaboration with Nissan, which currently sells the Frontier model in that market. This marks a significant move, as the last pick-up truck Mitsubishi sold in North America was the Raider, based on the Dodge Dakota, approximately 15 years ago. The company has released a teaser image showing a shadowy vehicle with prominent daytime running lights, but specific technical details are currently limited.
This will be done in collaboration with Nissan, which currently has the Frontier on sale there, although details are limited for now.
Mitsubishi Motors official release, as reported by Paul Tan's Automotive News
The pick-up truck's introduction is a key pillar of Mitsubishi's strategy to expand its US product line-up from four to six vehicles.
What is the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV?
The Eclipse Sportback EV is a rebadged version of the third-generation Nissan Leaf, representing a clear example of synergy between the two automakers. It is confirmed for a launch in the upcoming fall, and it will be the first of the newly announced models to arrive. The model name revives the famous Eclipse moniker but applies it to a modern, all-electric sportback body style, marking Mitsubishi's commitment to electrification in the US market.
This rebadging strategy leverages Nissan's established EV technology to reduce development costs while expanding the Mitsubishi product portfolio.
What is the Rugged Outlander Variant?
The rugged Outlander variant is a new, off-road-focused version of the existing Outlander model, positioned to appeal to consumers seeking more adventure-oriented capability from their SUV.
According to the company's plan, this model is scheduled for release in the first quarter of 2027. While the official model name has not yet been revealed, it will be part of the expanded six-vehicle line-up, alongside the standard Outlander and the Outlander Plug-in Hybrid.
The line-up will include the Outlander Sport, Eclipse Cross, the all-new Eclipse Sportback EV, Outlander, Outlander Plug-in Hybrid, and a new rugged Outlander variant.
Mitsubishi Motors official statement
The rugged Outlander is specifically designed to offer a more durable and aggressive aesthetic, likely appealing to Malaysian consumers interested in the Outlander's SUV versatility but with a stronger focus on off-road capability.
Who Is This For in Malaysia?
For Malaysian consumers, this US-focused plan signals the future direction of Mitsubishi's global model design, but the specific vehicles are not currently confirmed for local release by Malaysia Mitsubishi Motors. The primary relevance for Malaysian users lies in anticipating the next-generation Montero/Pajero, which is due to debut globally and has a strong following in Malaysia for its off-road capabilities.
The Malaysian Mitsubishi line-up is different, with models like the Xpander and Triton currently being popular. The rugged Outlander trend suggests a growing demand for outdoor-oriented SUVs, which could influence future CKD (Completely Knocked Down) or CBU (Completely Built Up) import decisions for the Malaysian market.
While this is a US strategy, the confirmed collaboration with Nissan on EV technology (the Eclipse Sportback EV) signals a global shift that could eventually reach Southeast Asia, a region where Mitsubishi has significant manufacturing and sales networks.
Common Questions
Will the Mitsubishi Eclipse Sportback EV be sold in Malaysia?
No, as of the current announcement, this model is exclusively planned for the United States. Malaysian buyers will need to rely on the local models available through Malaysia Mitsubishi Motors, and there has been no official indication of its arrival here.
Does the Nissan-based pick-up truck have any relevance to Malaysian Mitsubishi consumers?
It directly highlights the growing Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance, which may affect future model development globally. However, Mitsubishi's pick-up truck in Malaysia is the Triton, and no plan has been announced to replace it with the Nissan-based US truck model.
What is the upcoming Pajero/Montero model's relevance for Malaysia?
The next-generation Montero is scheduled for a global debut on September 2, and while its US availability is not yet confirmed, the global reveal is significant. The Pajero has a strong heritage in Malaysia as a premium off-roader, and any new model launch would be highly relevant for Malaysian enthusiasts, even if it does not come to Malaysia immediately.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on a report published by Paul Tan's Automotive News (paultan.org) on August 26, 2026, titled "Mitsubishi to launch Nissan-based pick-up truck in the US – Eclipse Sportback EV, rugged Outlander confirmed." The report drew from an official release from Mitsubishi Motors (North America) regarding its Momentum 2030 plan.
The information has been adapted for a Malaysian audience to focus on the implications for a market where Mitsubishi has a strong existing presence. The conversion of USD to RM was not performed as no pricing figures were provided in the source material. The information regarding Malaysian models (e.g., Triton, Xpander) is provided for context based on the entity's existing local line-up, not solely on the US plan.
This article was last updated on . Specific information regarding the Malaysian distributorship was verified against general knowledge of Malaysia Mitsubishi Motors (MMM) and the evolving Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance.