Rumours were already floating around that the next-gen Nissan Navara could be a rebadged version of the all-new 2024 Mitsubishi Triton. During the sixth-generation Triton’s global unveiling, the Malaysian media asked Chief Product Specialist, Mr Yoshiki Masuda if its platform will be shared with Nissan.

He responded, “The all-new Triton is built on a brand-new platform developed solely by Mitsubishi Motors.”

When further asked if there are any joint ventures made with Nissan in developing the next-gen Navara, Masuda-san replied, “No. Aside from small parts which are carried over with other (Renault Nissan Mitsubishi) Alliance models, the all-new body frame, platform, and engine are exclusively developed for Mitsubishi.”

Basically, if the next-gen Nissan Navara were to make an appearance sometime in the future, it will essentially be a rebadged version of the all-new Triton - not the other way around. Think of it as the equivalent of the Isuzu D-Max-Mazda BT-50 or the Ford Ranger-Volkswagen Amarok pairs with the latter of the two examples being badge-engineered versions of the former.

Also read: Report: Next-gen, all-new Nissan Navara to debut in 2025, based on Mitsubishi Triton

Though the Navara was updated in 2021, the D23 Navara was first introduced back in 2014 and next year the generation would be a decade old.

Also read: Nissan Navara, Mitsubishi Triton are leaving Europe, here's why trucks are dying there

Sales of the Navara have been slipping in Malaysia with rivals from Toyota, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, and Ford outselling it. Still, there are a few markets around the world where the Navara is the preferred choice like Mexico.

Also read: Toyota Hilux is always No.1? Here are countries where it's not

While the Navara seems to continue soldiering on in its current generation for now, the all-new Mitsubishi Triton has a beast-inspired styling and only offers one engine option with 3 different power outputs. If you’re wondering why Mitsubishi made that decision, click on the blue link below.

Also read: Ranger has 3, Hilux has 2, why does the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton come with only 1 engine?