While not the sleekest of vehicles, modern pickup trucks are rather handsome looking these days. That said, some people don’t really expect them to win style and design awards because of their utilitarian nature.
But the Japan Car of the Year panel of 2024–2025 thinks otherwise. So much so that it has chosen the all-new Mitsubishi Triton as its design award winner for this year.
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It’s a bit of a surprise given 2024’s strong contenders. Some of this year’s finalists included models such as the Mazda CX-80, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and Mini Cooper. Some will argue that those are far more stylish vehicles, but it’s the Mitsubishi Triton that won the hearts of the judges.
The reason? The JCOTY committee called the Triton ‘a pickup truck with global strategic appeal.’ They added that it plays to Mitsubishi’s specialty (and strength) of making four-wheel drive vehicles and ‘a design that at first glance appears rugged, but which nonetheless evokes a new lifestyle.’ Mitsubishi’s latest iteration of its ‘Dynamic Shield’ design language also drew praises.
With the Triton’s win, it marks the second year in a row where Mitsubishi won the design award. Last year’s winner was the Delica Mini thanks to its rugged appeal in a kei car package. The Delica Mini was also a pretty popular car among our followers despite not being available locally.
So for those having doubts about the design of the Triton, perhaps the JCOTY panel’s top pick might change their opinion. As for those who own one now, the award is something they can flex to their pickup-owning buddies.
