What to expect when shopping for the Mitsubishi Triton, including price, specs, interior, and driving impressions.
Mitsubishi has been producing the Triton for five generations and it has always brought a sharp formula for value. However, more than just a good bang-for-your-bucks ute, the Triton offers unique features such as full-time four-wheel drive that enhance its credentials both on and off the road.
Triton model overview
Looking at what’s on offer, there are many variants in the line-up. The entry spec has a simple equipment list, but moving up towards the GLS Premium grade we see the inclusion of larger alloy wheels, leather interior trim, LED headlights with automatic high beams, a black nudge bar, chrome door handles, a tub-liner, rear sports bar, tinted windows, electric folding mirrors, heated front seats with electric driver’s adjustment, rain-sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, and a full 360-degree camera system.
Stepping up further, there’s also the option of the GSR which brings some extra sporty parts outside and some unique elements inside.
Triton interior
Like most utes on the market today, the Triton is designed inside to look more like a passenger vehicle than a workhorse – although entry-level variants do have vinyl floors which are great for washing mud out after a long day in the bush or on the worksite. Otherwise, the interior has nice contrasting trims, some soft and hard elements, and plenty of head space.
The driver’s seat offers powered adjustment and there’s just enough movement on the steering wheel that drivers of all shapes and sizes should be able to get comfortable behind the wheel. Both the fabric upholstery and leather trims feel comfortable and look like they will hold up to a lot of use.
The dashboard is simply laid out and central to the entertainment system is a 7.0-inch screen. This is smaller than some 8.0-inch and 9.0-inch rivals, although it runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity which displays nicely and improves the useability of the system by a fair margin.
For families and those traveling with passengers, the rear seat isn’t huge for space, but kids will find it roomy enough while adults will be fine on shorter trips. Adding to comfort in the rear are roof-mounted air vents which work well to provide ventilation from the climate control system.
Triton engine
Underneath the bonnet is Mitsubishi’s familiar 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 133kW of power and 430Nm of torque through an updated six-speed automatic transmission. Important to the driveline is the available Super Select II system which gives full-time four-wheel drive – this can be used in both dry and wet conditions, which is exceptional.
Despite modest figures from the engine, there’s a good amount of torque from early in the rev range and the transmission works well at getting the most out of the engine. The engine makes a light diesel rattle, particularly when powering on, but is otherwise smooth.
What it’s like to drive
In all, the Triton’s engine feels more than energetic enough and will happily keep up with traffic with enough grunt for overtaking. And that’s largely due to the fact it weighs a touch less than two tonnes where most of its competitors are more than that.
On-the-road compliance is good for a ladder-frame ute. Mitsubishi has tweaked the Triton’s suspension over the years and softened the springs slightly for improved on- and off-road comfort, although it feels best when the tray is loaded or when towing a light load.
For those who do tow, the Triton has a braked tow capacity of 3100kg, which is a little less than the usual 3500kg rating from some rivals. However, its circa 900kg payload capacity is quite good and it will happily tow over two tonnes (braked).
Triton safety credentials
The triton was last tested in 2015 by ANCAP when it scored a full five-star ANCAP rating. The latest Triton has seen the addition of some modern active safety systems including blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning and mitigation with pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, and rear cross-traffic alert.