Late last year, a camouflaged pickup believed to be the next-generation Mitsubishi Strada was spotted over in Thailand. Despite the livery hiding most of the vehicle’s shape, it’s clear that the automaker is already busy testing the all-new truck before its official debut in the ASEAN region.
Months passed by and it seems the next-gen Strada has been able to elude eagle-eyed photographers. Luckily, someone was able to get new pictures of the soon-to-be-revealed pickup truck.
Like the camouflaged example seen last November, the prototype that was recently spotted appears to show much larger exterior dimensions. From the bed itself to the relatively larger cabin, as well as what looks like more defined lines, Mitsubishi appeared to have gone for the “go big or go home” mantra in designing their latest pickup.
Fans of the Strada’s signature window kink will be happy to know that Mitsubishi has carried over that design cue for the all-new truck. However, the distinct J-line appears to be no more which might disappoint fans.
We were also able to catch another glimpse of the pickup’s new face. Sure, it’s not yet fully revealed but it’s clear Mitsubishi has been busy redesigning it. We won’t be surprised if it will share some of its looks with the Xpander, particularly the T-shaped headlights and top-mounted LED daytime running lights. The grille, meanwhile, looks like it will be all-new which could indicate Mitsubishi might move away from the Dynamic Shield design that the brand has become infamously known for.
Also curious to see in this particular example is the covered-up back window. This wasn’t present in the previous sighting which leads us to believe Mitsubishi might also be testing something else. In the Australian market, the Strada is available with a power back window which allows easier access to the bed without getting out of the cab.
As far as engines are concerned, there are still no exact details as to what will power the latest Strada. In fact, it’s still a guessing game whether it will continue to be powered by the 2.4-liter 4N15 turbo-diesel MIVEC or Nissan’s tried-and-tested YD series 2.5-liter turbo-diesel motor.
With the (camouflaged) 2024 Strada supposedly already spotted going Thailand, some are wondering where the all-new Nissan Navara is, now that it will be the Strada's platform brother. Worry not, as that will follow later in 2025. With the Strada set to be the “leader” and the Navara will be a “follower” under the alliance’s strategy, it might be a while before we see prototype photos of Nissan’s new-generation pickup truck.
With the Strada set to be revealed sometime later this year in The Land of Smiles, production of the all-new Strada will most likely start in either Q3 or Q4 of 2023. Hence, it is supposed to be a 2024 vehicle model year. Fingers crossed Mitsubishi reveals new information or teaser photos of the next-generation Strada soon.
Source: MZ Crazy Cars