Mitsubishi Triton Becomes First Pickup to Win Japan Design Car of the Year Award • Professional Van

The Mitsubishi Triton has made history by becoming the first pickup truck to win the Design Car of the Year title at the 2024-2025 Japan Car of the Year awards. This recognition highlights vehicles with outstanding exterior and interior design and sees Mitsubishi joining previous winners from BMW and Mazda.

Mitsubishi Triton pickup wins Japan Design Car of the Year

The bold styling and purposeful design of the Triton — known as the L200 in the UK before Mitsubishi withdrew from the country — earned high praise from the award committee. The jury noted its rugged aesthetic for inspiring adventure and exploration. Mitsubishi’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ front-end design incorporates a three-dimensional grille, bold and robust fenders, and protective trim around the vehicle. Despite its double-cab layout, the Triton also maintains balanced proportions, with the truck having a striking road presence and a cohesive style.

Inside, the Triton offers practicality and durability without compromising on style. The horizontally themed dashboard design gives the driver cues to the vehicle’s posture and position — essential for off-road driving. Soft padding in key areas protects passengers during bumpy rides, while controls and switches are designed to be useable even when wearing gloves. Metal accents and geometric forms add a modern touch, too.

This recognition cements the Triton’s status as a key player in Mitsubishi’s lineup, tracing its lineage back to 1978 with the launch of the Forte. Over five generations, approximately 5.7 million Triton units have been sold in about 150 countries, making it a cornerstone of Mitsubishi’s global strategy.

The all-new Triton, developed under the theme “Power for Adventure,” represents a complete overhaul, from its chassis and engine to its design. It was first launched in Thailand, the location of its production plant, in mid-2023 and reached the Japanese market in early 2024. The Triton is rolling out across 100 countries worldwide, although a UK release is not in the plan.

The mechanical parts of the Triton will also form the base of the next-generation Nissan Navara — another vehicle not destined to come to UK shores.

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Phil Huff

Phil Huff, a seasoned automotive journalist since 2011, specialises in new car and van launches for national and regional newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. As the editor of light commercial vehicle publications Professional Van and Professional Pickup, Phil delivers high-quality content for a UK audience of LCV owner-operators and small business users.