Mitsubishi’s New Rugged Pickup Truck Proves the Brand Still Knows How to Make Cool Off-Roaders

While it’s been some time since Mitsubishi made anything exciting or enthusiast-worthy in the United States (looking at you, Lancer Evo and Montero), that’s not to say the Tokyo-based automaker has completely resigned itself to making pedestrian compacts and bland crossovers.

Quite the contrary, as Mitsubishi continues to offer the rugged Triton pickup in many parts of the world, going head to head with the likes of rivals in the Toyota Hilux and the Nissan Navara.

Mitsubishi

Between its body-on-frame design and its robust four-wheel-drive system, the truck makes for a capable off-roader. Even still, Mitsubishi just took the model to the next level with the announcement of a new limited-edition version for the Brazilian market that it’s calling the Savana.

A Brazilian savanna

Now, as Mitsubishi doesn’t sell the Triton stateside, this one isn’t destined for U.S. shores. Still, it’s a cool pickup, and it comes ahead of the automaker’s plans to field some new options for American buyers.

Mitsubishi

Being based on the sixth-generation Triton (specifically the Katana trim), the Savana comes with a torquey twin-turbo diesel engine under the hood and a 2,425-pound payload capacity. However, to make the midsize pickup even more capable off-road, Mitsubishi has added a variety of accessories.

For instance, in addition to a factory-fitted snorkel, the Triton also benefits from a raised breather on the rear differential. Together, such changes allow for a wading depth of 31.5 inches — a 30-percent improvement over the stock truck.

Mitsubishi

That’s not all. Elsewhere, Mitsubishi has fitted the Triton with an anti-scratch X-Liner roof rack, a recovery board and shovel, along with a tow hitch and rear strap for hauling other vehicles and cargo.

Riding on some 18” pinwheel-shaped wheels fitted with GoodYear Wrangler Duratrac RT tires, it’s made only tougher thanks to the addition of both front and rear skid plates as well as a set of rock sliders, all once again coated in anti-scratch X-Liner.

Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi has more on the way

If you’re outside of Brazil, the Triton Savana is forbidden fruit — especially as Mitsubishi is building just 80 examples in total. Moreover, it’s to be priced at roughly $65,000, so it’s pricey in addition to being exclusive.

Nevertheless, if you’re a Stateside Mitsubishi fan, this truck is something to be excited about. Previously, the brand hinted at its off-road intentions by way of a rugged appearance package, and the Savana is proof that it still knows how to deliver vehicles that bring functional upgrades, too.

Mitsubishi

What’s more, between futuristic concepts and announced 4Runner competitors, Mitsubishi has subsequently continued to double down on its efforts to revive its enthusiast associations.

As such, even though the Triton (or its limited-run up-spec treatment) is unlikely to make its way to the United States anytime soon, some of these features may very well trickle over to future Mitsubishi models.

In any case, hopefully the automaker’s American division is taking notes, because this Savana pickup has all the makings of a winner.

Besides, what’s not to like about a truck that’s rugged, yellow and fitted with a snorkel from the factory?

Mitsubishi

2026 Mitsubishi Triton Savana

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