Sales of this once-popular workhorse have dived this year, but a range of significant upgrades should see it resume the fight with Toyota’s HiLux and Ford Ranger.
2024 Mitsubishi Triton.
Mitsubishi will take the fight to Toyota and Ford with a new Triton in February.
The heavily revised model brings new looks along with a more powerful engine and fresh technology.
It’s a much needed change for the Triton, which has slipped down the sales charts in recent years, overtaken by Isuzu’s D-Max ute. The new model will also be of interest to Nissan Navara owners, as the Nissan will share the Triton’s underpinnings when it is launched next year.
The new Mitsubishi Triton will arrive early next year.
The changes bring the Triton into line with the best-selling HiLux by matching the Toyota’s peak power and 3.5 tonne maximum towing figures.
The new Triton has an upgraded engine, adding a second turbocharger to the existing model’s motor to deliver 150kW and 470Nm.
Mitsubishi says the turbos work in sequence – one at low revs, and one at higher engine speeds – to help the 2.4-litre engine punch as hard as possible.
It uses a 2.4-litre twin-turbocharged diesel engine.
It doesn’t quite match the HiLux’s 150kW and 500Nm, but should feel reasonably punchy on the road as the Triton historically has a lighter body than the biggest utes in its class.
Mitsubishi says the pick-up will be the first in its class with a driver distraction monitoring system, joining modern safety features including front and rear auto emergency braking, along with a front centre airbag between the driver and passenger.
The interior has received a monster update with plenty of hi-tech items.
A more modern cabin serves up a larger infotainment screen and improved driver instruments.
Mitsubishi stuck with the current Triton’s six-speed automatic transmission for the new model, choosing to tweak the existing gearbox rather than introducing a more modern eight or 10-speed unit.
Extra drive modes promise to make it easier to tap into the car’s off-road potential, and premium versions retain the ability to shift on the fly between two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive settings.
Mitsubishi has boosted the Triton’s off-road prowess with multiple driving modes.
Shaun Westcott, chief executive for Mitsubishi in Australia, said the new Triton is “such a significant vehicle” for the brand.
“The new model is a significant step forward in many ways, with its upgraded drivetrain, enhanced load carrying capacity, increased interior comfort and modern day connectivity options,” he said.
Mitsubishi has packed the new Triton with lots of safety gear.
“But it also retains the trademark Triton toughness, with a global vehicle development program that included Australia.
“New Triton retains incredible off-road capability, but is equally at home on the work site, the desert, the beach, the snow or in the city.
“We cannot wait to bring the Triton to Australian showrooms.”
Keyword: 2024 Mitsubishi Triton new car review