Will this give the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton the edge against the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Toyota HiLux?

Mitsubishi's upcoming Triton ute will feature a strong Australian influence as the new Ford Ranger rival boasts a locally tuned suspension and steering set-up.

Leading development was Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) Product Strategy Project Manager, Tony Dorrington, who also worked on fine-tuning the 380 sedan from the mid-2000s, and said the ultimate goal was to make the new Triton feel less agricultural.

"With new-gen Triton we targeted a similar drive experience to a good SUV, with improved agility, responsiveness and ride comfort, but retaining Triton's traditional off-road and workhorse capabilities," he said.

Read More About Mitsubishi Triton

How the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton was made for Australia: Bespoke suspension and handling, big towing upgrade, and significant local testing program for one of Mitsubishi's most important markets This is it! 2024 Mitsubishi Triton gets bigger, better and more powerful than before, but does it have what it takes to rattle the HiLux, Ranger and D-Max? Mitsubishi's top-secret Triton mission! Why all-new ute's towing and off-road capability will be tailor-made for Australia

"We've improved all dynamic elements of the vehicle to ensure new-gen Triton's performance is a match for Australia's tough conditions and customer expectations."

The new-generation Triton was revealed earlier this year with advancements across the board to chassis, technology, safety, styling and the engine.

Key amongst the raft of changes is the 2024 Triton's larger dimensions, stiffer ladder-frame chassis, boosted (and now class competitive) 3500kg towing capacity and a twin-turbo 150kW/470Nm 2.4-litre diesel engine.

The on-paper changes already make the new Triton much more attractive against segment-leading rivals like the Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max and Toyota HiLux, but Mitsubishi is clearly banking on the Australianising of its new ute to get it on the list of more customers.

The new-generation Triton was revealed earlier this year with advancements across the board to chassis, technology, safety, styling and the engine.

Mitsubishi claims there were over 100 suspension combinations tested locally, and the Triton was benchmarked against competitors aw well as the outgoing model to deliver what Dorrington describes as "a significant reduction in impact harshness, improved body control, enhanced on-centre feel and more linear steering with good feedback".

The Triton's electronic power steering (EPS) was also honed locally, with lighter steering for low-speed parking and manoeuvres, and increased feedback at higher speeds. This testing then fed into the global steering tune of the new Mitsubishi model.

Testing was conducted on public roads, as well as the ex-Holden Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria.

Australia's work was also recognised by Mitsubishi Japan, with the Triton Chief Engineer, Tetsuya Tobe, praising the local team for keeping the new ute competitive.

Testing was conducted on public roads, as well as the ex-Holden Lang Lang Proving Ground in Victoria.

"Australia is a very important market for us, particularly in the light commercial segment, so from our initial discussions we created a plan to test the Triton in Australian conditions," he said.

"We also tested extensively in other markets and at Tokachi and Okazaki Japanese R&D centres, but for Australia's unique road conditions we were able to call on the MMAL team's local expertise and support to ensure the Triton's dynamics would compare favourably to the segment benchmarks."

Mitsubishi's new Triton is scheduled to land in public showrooms in January next year.