Posted in Vehicle Reviews
It's been five years since the Triton last received a glow-up and almost ten since we saw a completely new model hit the streets, so we've no doubt been chomping at the bit to see the New-Gen Triton in our showrooms.
Mitsubishi has touted big things with the new model - both physically and metaphorically.
We recently spent the weekend with the range-topping GSR trim testing it out on Brisbane roads to see how it handles the regular day-to-day travels.
The first thing you notice, in comparison to the previous generation, is the Triton's overall size. While the new model is only a touch longer than the previous model, it features a significant width increase. Due to this extra width - where the old Triton looks slimmer and streamlined - the New-Gen Triton exhibits a sturdy, beefy presence that offers a sense of power and stability. Practically speaking, the extra width adds greater stability in off-road situations while also opening up the cargo bed enough to now be able to fit a whole Euro pallet.
Another significant dimension change visible from the exterior is the extra 115mm of wheelbase. Combined with the minimal change in length, this means the lengthy rear overhang prevalent in the previous generation has been reduced dramatically allowing for greater payload and improved towing capabilities.
Stepping inside the cabin, you're presented with a fresh, modern interior with satisfying amounts of space at your disposal. Mitsubishi has forgone a utilitarian-style interior for more of a comfort-oriented one. The GSR features sharp-looking dark titanium interior accents while wrapping everything from the seats, steering wheel, gear shifter and parking brake in leather. On top of this, the orange accent stitching provides great contrast across the cabin. Overall, it's safe to say the new Triton has a tidy-looking interior.
Seating all around is comfortable including the second row where legroom is exceptional and can easily handle larger adults. The front seats are large with great side bolstering and also feature a heating option in the GSR trim.
In terms of cabin convenience, and with the way things have been trending in the automotive industry in the past few years, we think Mitsubishi has done a stellar job with the design and layout of the button across the dashboard. You generally don't take too much notice of this area unless it's very poorly designed, so recognising the work Mitsubishi has done here is a big win for the manufacturer.
The whole climate control console features large, tactile buttons meaning your selection will be hard to get wrong with even the largest of gloved-up fingers. The oversized, dual-zone temperature control switches as well as the etched rounding of the buttons across the centre offer satisfyingly deliberate feedback so there's no second-guessing.
We love the set of conveniences for the driver that are available across the range. This includes keyless entry, adaptive cruise control, both automatic headlights & rain-sensing wipers, as well as front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera and a nifty 360-degree view monitor.
While the centre console storage may seem a little compact, the array of other storage compartments negates any issue with it. Door bins are well-sized, while the two gloveboxes offer great practicality. We also love the extra set of cupholders found tucked away beneath each of the front occupants' door-side air vents.
We love that the new Triton now has wireless Apple CarPlay standard across the range (plus a handy wireless charging station in the top two trims). On top of this, satellite navigation and a super crisp 9-inch infotainment touchscreen also feature in all trims giving you the best experience no matter what.
At the writing of this review, we've only spent a short time behind the wheel of the new Triton off-road on a recent 4x4xMORE Tag-Along Tour. The wide stance and stiffer chassis provide exceptional stability while the smooth throttle control allows the Triton to handle most obstacles with ease.
The improved departure angle was evident in the deeper ruts while the boxier body means knowing where the corners of your vehicle are is much easier to discern.
The rear-locking differential works great in those tougher spots although the limited-slip differential can get you out of the vast majority of situations. The option of seven drive modes also gives you great versatility and choice over your type of terrain.
The convenience that the Super Select 4WD-II system offers is second to none with the ability to switch between your drive modes quickly and efficiently, while also allowing you to switch between 2H and 4H on the fly at up to 100km/h.
Under the hood, the New-Gen Triton packs a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine putting out a solid 150kW of power and 470Nm of torque.
The new engine offers some great improvements in fuel economy over the previous generation with a combined average consumption of 7.7 litres per 100km.
Even with the same size fuel tank, this gives the New-Gen Triton more than 100 kilometres in extra fuel range than the previous model.
Mitsubishi has put a lot of work into loading up the new Triton with tons of active safety features and, most importantly, they are standard across the whole range. Forward Collision Mitigation assists in avoiding run-ins with pedestrians and cyclists, as well as providing assistance at junctions. You've got both lane departure warning and prevention systems as well as Emergency Lane Assist if the Triton does recognise that you're about to veer outside of the lines.
In the unfortunate event of an accident, the new Triton now packs eight airbags to protect occupants as well as automatic post-collision braking which will assist in reducing the risk of any compounding incidents after an initial collision. Overall, we counted 24 active safety features listed in the brochure that come standard no matter what variant you choose.
We also have to mention the Active Stability and Active Traction Control - both of which instil a great amount of confidence in the driver. On top of this, the top two trims gain Active Yaw Control which only adds to the driver's control and, in all, delivers an exceptional, intuitive driving experience.
The culmination of Mitsubishi's push for greater safety all around in the New-Gen Triton has led to ANCAP giving the model a 5-star safety rating - a big win for the ute and a key benefit in the eyes of fleet buyers.
Despite a greater emphasis on comfort, the new Triton hasn't lost its identity as a tradie's workhorse - in fact, it's improved in many aspects.
As mentioned earlier, a key utility feature is the Triton's ability to now carry a full-size Euro pallet in a double-cab, style-side configuration with tray space of 1,555mm in length and 1,545mm across. The boosted payload (1,085kg - 1,120kg) means that you can actually utilise this space appropriately as well.
The second huge improvement in the New-Gen Triton's working capability is the class-topping 3,500kg braked towing capacity backed by Trailer Stability Assist for greater control over your load. For many people, the ability to tow this much without spending a pretty penny on one of the many pricier utes on the market will be a no-brainer.
To make working around the rear tray a bit easier, the new Triton features some solid conveniences like beefy rear corners for easier tray access and rear inner hooks placed nice and low in the tray for extra secure tie-downs.
The Triton has always been a great value ute and the newest generation is no different.
The base model 2WD double-cab GLX starts the range off at $47,930 drive away for private buyers (ABN holders may enjoy some savings here - speak to the Motorama Mitsubishi team to see if you're eligible). The 4WD range begins with the GLX at $55,400 drive away. An extra $2,420 will net you the GLX+ with a few extra features including front fog lamps and alloy rims.
At $63,800 drive away, you can get yourself into the GLS model which introduces the option of the more alluring White Diamond exterior colour for an extra $940. Every other colour choice, apart from white or red, is available for an extra $740 on top of your drive-away price.
At the top-of-the-range sits the GSR which in our opinion offers the greatest value of the range. At $68,690 drive away, the GSR includes oodles of features and a bunch of black styling elements that only accentuate its tough and rugged looks. The GSR is also the only model you can get the exclusive Yamabuki Orange colour choice and, for an extra $200, why wouldn't you?
Mitsubishi also has some of the best warranty and service inclusions on the market and the new Triton is not excluded. Every Triton is backed by Mitsubishi Diamond Advantage which includes 10 years of new car warranty, 10 years of capped-price servicing, genuine servicing and 12 months of roadside assistance.
Overall, we've been exceptionally impressed with the New-Gen Triton and the significant upgrades implemented over the previous generation. As always with Mitsubishi, the value is a key aspect of its advantage and the Triton is no exception.
In 2024, the fact that you can get a top-of-the-range ute with class-leading towing, great fuel economy, five-star safety, a decade of warranty and capped price servicing, a slew of active safety technology, and a boatload of modern conveniences all for less than $70k is a testament to the way Mitsubishi manages their organisation and produces their vehicles.
If you're looking for your next ute and want something that hits the big ticket benefits at great value, drop into your local Motorama Mitsubishi showroom and see the New-Gen Triton for yourself. Or better yet, book a test drive online today.