Unlike the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries, pickups aren't exactly a huge market in Japan. You might be shocked to learn that some of the best-selling pickups in the country aren't even available there.
For years, the only Japanese pickup that has been offered in Japan is the Toyota Hilux. It's practically had a monopoly of that segment for nearly a decade. But now, Mitsubishi is fighting back.
OTHER STORIES YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED:
The Suzuki Jimny has some pretty cool versions in Brazil
MMDA rolls out Oplan Undas 2023
After skipping a whole generation, the Mitsubishi Triton returns to its home market with a vengance. Its main goal: To steal sales away from the Hilux. So, what's the Japan-spec Triton like? Read on.
If there's one thing you should know about the JDM Triton, it's not actually made in Japan. Instead, it's imported from Thailand just like most Tritons in Asia. We're not complaining though, as the Thai-built Mitsus have proven themselves over the years.
From the outside, it's pretty much identical to the one that will be sold here soon. From that bolder Dynamic Shield grille, its long body, and the larger bed, it's nearly indistinguishable from the Thai-spec model. That said, the top-spec model for Japan will be called the GSR.
This is the first time we're seeing (and feeling) the interior of the all-new Triton in person. So far, we can tell you that it feels more premium than the outgoing model, and it adapts a more angular design. We can expect the Philippine-spec model to feel similar as it all comes from one factory. From what we can see, it's looks very similar to the Thai-spec model.
As for features, it packs advanced driver assist systems, a must in Japan. That means it gets adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert, to name a few.
Lastly, the engines. Japan gets the 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel that's internally known as the 4N16. Again, it's the same as the Southeast Asian version, so it produces
All in all, it seems that there's not much between the Japan model and the one we'll be getting in the Philippines soon. For those looking for a bit of distinction might be disappointed, but we think the similarities are a good thing. It means we're as close to the Japan spec, something that might please the JDM fans.
