The Mitsubishi Triton has long been a favourite for working families and the new-generation model features changes to the body, engine and styling.
Will it still come out on top?
Hybrid and electric Mitsubishi models promised in Australia as brand teases next Mitsubishi ASX, Outlander SUV update, Delica off-road van and Pajero replacement
Double trouble: All-new Y63 Nissan Patrol and reborn Mitsubishi Pajero to team up to take down Toyota LandCruiser - reports
"Extremely difficult" for a Mitsubishi-sized carmaker to go it alone: CEO Takao Kato confirms plans to team up with Nissan on new electric car and next-gen Navara/Frontier ute replacement with Triton know-how - report
I'm family-testing the flagship GSR variant to find out it handles everyday life with my family of three and if it’s competitors, the Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger have anything to worry about.
Mitsubishi Triton 2024: GSR (4X4)
| Engine Type | Diesel Turbo 4, 2.4L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Fuel Efficiency | 7.7L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $63,840 |
| Safety Rating |
|
Price and features – Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with? 8/10
There are four variants for the Triton with the base model offering a choice of 2WD and 4WD with a diesel engine. Our test example is the flagship GSR variant and it’s priced from $63,840, before on-road costs.
It's fitted with a tow kit for $1450 and an electric brake controller with harness for $850. Combined they up the price to $66,140 MSRP overall but even with those add-ons, the GSR still comes in as the most affordable compared to its rivals.
The second most affordable option is the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain for $70,500 MSRP, then the Toyota HiLux GR-Sport for $74,310 and the field is topped by the Ford Ranger Platinum at $80,640 MSRP.
Luxury features include a powered front driver’s seat with lumbar support, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and black leather upholstery with contrast orange stitching.
Practical features include keyless entry, push-button start, rear fan control, 4WD drivetrain with high- and low-range, rear differential lock, a full-size spare tyre, auto dusk-sensing headlights, auto rain-sensing wipers and front fog lights.
The technology sees some upgrades with the new 9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system that now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay. Other features include wired Android Auto, satellite navigation, a 7.0-inch instrument cluster display , two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, a single 12-volt socket, Bluetooth connectivity and digital radio.
Design – Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
I quite liked the old styling of the Triton, it looked sleeker than its rivals but the new GSR sports a beefier roadside presence with its black accents - which are found on the 18-inch alloys and big sailplane (or sports bar), as well as in the darker grille and badging.
The redesigned front showcases a squared-off shape which accentuates the work-horse toughness you associate with utes.
The interior has also seen a redesign with a dashboard headlined by the shiny new tech screen and has more soft touchpoints across it. The traditional gear shifter and handbrake, as well as all the buttons and dials will appease old-schoolers but the black leather upholstery and contrasting orange stitching should pull in modern ute drivers wanting comfort and practicality.
Practicality – How practical is its space and tech inside? 8/10
The cabin up front feels spacious and I have plenty of room for my 168cm height. My seven-year old son and I love the side steps and grab handles, as the 228mm ground clearance can lead to a few unladylike grunts when getting in and out.
The front seats are very comfortable but I am surprised the passenger seat isn’t powered in the top model.
The individual storage is excellent for a ute with two glove boxes, four cupholders, two drink bottle holders, a deep middle console, phone cubby and a sunglasses holder.
They’re very old-school but I still love the practicality of the dash-mounted cupholders and that the cup insert can be slid back to make more room for a larger drink or item.
There’s not much to access on the multimedia system in terms of customisations but it is dead-set simple to use. You get built-in sat nav, Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay and the CarPlay is easy to connect to and maintains its connection.
The traditional analogue instrument cluster and the 7.0-inch digital display panel offers a lot of safety customisation, which is handy while on the go and makes the car feel pretty solid.
Charging options are good up front with a single USB-A and -C port plus a wireless charging pad.
The back seat is comfortable enough behind my driving position but might be squishy for an adult behind a taller front occupant. You get decent amenities with ceiling-mounted directional air vents, fan control, a USB-A and -C ports plus a 12-volt socket.
The back row sees decent individual storage with two map pockets, two device pockets, two cupholders in the fold-down arm rest, as well as, a drink bottle holder in each storage bin.
The tray is decently sized and can fit a Euro pallet and has a 1030kg max payload limit, which means all your hardware trips should be good to go. The GSR model doesn’t have a cover but you can add one as an accessory at extra cost (multiple options ranging from $900 for a soft cover to $4200 for an electric roll top). It would make the grocery shopping a bit easier as I filled the cabin on my run this week due to the rain!
There’s no assisted tailgate, which makes it a bit harder to open and close. I would definitely invest in one if you have kids around because it's a heavy tailgate and you wouldn't want it to fall onto an unfortunately place head.
Under the bonnet – What are the key stats for its engine and transmission? 9/10
All 4WD Tritons feature the same new 2.4-litre twin-turbo diesel engine that produces 150kW of power and 470Nm of torque, both figures up from the previous model.
The GSR features a six-speed automatic transmission and high- and low-range as well as a rear differential lock.
The GSR has seven different terrain modes - 'Normal', 'Eco', 'Gravel', 'Snow', 'Mud', 'Sand' and 'Rock'. Combined with its braked towing capacity of 3500kg, weekend adventuring can definitely be pursued!
Efficiency – What is its fuel consumption? What is its driving range? 9/10
The official combined fuel-cycle consumption figure is 7.7L/100km and my real-world usage came out at 8.7L after doing a lot of open-road mountain trips and some urban stuff. So, the diesel engine is pretty darn economical!
Based on the large 75L fuel tank and official consumption figure you get a theoretical driving range of 974km.
Driving – What's it like to drive? 8/10
The new engine is powerful and has solid pick-up without any unnecessary ‘champing at the bit’ movement throughout the back. It’s very smooth with its power delivery.
The new-gen Triton sports a new chassis and suspension, the latter feeling a bit springy over big bumps but during general driving it absorbs the road pretty well. Like it’s predecessor, I would still say the ride is more 'trucky' than refined but there’s heaps of comfort for long-haul driving.
The cabin is mostly quiet which isn’t always the case for a ute and it’s only in heavy rain you have to raise your voice to chat. The tall ride and windows have provided good visibility, too.
With at times torrential rain during the test week, the GSR hit some serious situations - overflowing causeways, pot-holed roads and muddy banks but always feels sure-footed.
The GSR is a substantial car sitting at 5320mm long, so you get a bit of overhang at the kerb side. As such, you can find yourself getting a bit choosy with car spaces. But on a whole, it’s not hard to park because the 360-degree view camera system is so damn good. Well done, Mitsubishi.
Warranty & Safety Rating
Safety – What safety equipment is fitted? What is its safety rating? 9/10
For those concerned with safety, put those fears aside as the Triton has just received a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done this year. It scored highly for its adult protection at 86 per cent and child protection at 89 per cent.
It also has eight airbags which is fantastic, especially for a ute, and that includes the newer front-centre bag, too.
The rest of the safety list is robust and features blind-spot monitoring, tyre pressure monitoring, rear collision warning, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping/departure, traffic sign recognition, intelligent seatbelt warning, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera view as well as front and rear parking sensors.
The GSR also features an 'Active Yaw Control', which offers precision handling on slippery gravel or snowy roads.
The only intrusive safety feature is the driver attention monitor. It’s sensitive. Scratch your nose, sip a coffee or adjust your sunnies and it will alert. It also doesn’t work properly in low light or at night. So much so, I turn it off during those times otherwise you get an alert every five seconds.
The Triton has AEB with car, pedestrian and cyclist detection as well as a junction turning assist function, operational from 10-80km/h (130km/h for car detection).
The rear row has two ISOFIX mounts and two top tether points which limits your child seats to two. This might be a problem for those with an extra tot in tow.
Like most utes, fitting a child seat can be a little cumbersome but I the way the tether point is positioned at the top of the centre seat, as there’s no mucking about pulling the seat forward. And you don’t have to unclip both seats to take one out.
Ownership – What warranty is offered? What are its service intervals? What are its running costs? 10/10
If you service though Mitsubishi, the Triton comes with a 10-year or up to 200,000km warranty, which (in terms of duration) outstrips every other offer across the board. If you don't service through Mitsubishi that warranty period drops to five-years/100,000km.
The Triton comes with capped-priced servicing for 10 years, or up to 150,000km and services average $584 each, which is good for the class.
Servicing intervals are also reasonable at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.
Verdict
With its new looks and twin-turbo diesel engine, the new Mitsubishi Triton GSR should entice those wanting a handsome-looking family ute that can still tackle serious off-roading adventures. It misses out on a third-child seat option which will deter some families but I like its ownership benefits and on-road manners. My son really enjoys utes in general and had a blast making the tray his fort this week.
Pricing Guides
Range and Specs
| Vehicle | Specs | Price* |
|---|---|---|
| GLS (4X4) | 2.4L, Diesel, 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $51,490 |
| GLS (4X4) | 2.4L, Diesel, 6 SPEED MANUAL | $49,690 |
| GLS (4X4) 1T Payload | 2.4L, Diesel, 6 SPEED AUTOMATIC | $59,090 |
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Comments