The Triton concept provided a glimpse of what buyers could expect from the updated F-150 in 1997. According to Motor Trend, then-design director for Ford, Gary Hass, mentioned, “There are many styling cues and functional options on the Triton that you’re likely to see in Ford’s pickup trucks of the future.”

While still featuring a pickup bed, the front end of the vehicle, particularly its softened grille, represented a significant departure from Ford’s traditional trucks. However, the 1997 F-150 didn’t turn out to be that different from the Triton concept. The “soft” look didn’t resonate with customers seeking a more rugged truck. Jalopnik pointed out that in 2004, Ford reverted to its more angular design.

Even though the vehicle quickly faded into obscurity, Triton became the name for Ford’s 4.6-liter and 5.4-liter V8 engines.