Mitsubishi has had the current Triton for a few years now and while it was radically styled and equipped when it first came out, in the last two years most of the market has caught up and bypassed the ageing Triton. Having said that the Triton remains an honest robust workhorse that is fantastic off road and good for towing.
The 2012 upgrade included two new models and some feature and safety improvements. The model range now has five 2WD models and six 4WD models, three engine choices and two transmission choices. Prices start at $21,990 RDAP for the GL Cab Chassis 2dr 2.4i up to around $56,000 for the GLX-R Dual Cab 4×4.
The 4×4 Triton’s 2.5 litre engine with 131kW of power at 4,000rpm and 400Nm of torque at 2,000rpm (manual) delivers combined fuel economy figures between 8.0 to 8.3L/100km depending on model. Automatic variants generate a similar amount of power, 350Nm of torque, and achieve a combined fuel economy figure of between 9.3 – 9.6L/100km, depending on model.
The entry-level 4×4 Triton GLX Single Cab’s cabin has been upgraded to include sport seats with vinyl flooring, floor console with lid and driver’s seat height adjustment. Externally, the GLX gets 16-inch steel wheels and front fender flares while safety is improved through the inclusion of Active Stability and Traction Control as standard. The next model up, the 4×4 GLX Club Cab, now has owing capacity increased to three tonnes and the inclusion of ASTC as standard. The exterior also receives an update thanks to wider 16-inch steel wheels and tyres as well as front and rear fender flares.
The interior feels a little dated but still functional. Driver’s seat could use some squab adjustment and more travel. The GLX-R multi-function display provides endless information about your driving environment with clock and date, compass, barometer to help track weather conditions, altimeter to show how high you’ve travelled, range to empty reading, average fuel consumption and the temperature outside the car.
Mitsubishi’s All Terrain Technology (MATT) is standard on all GLX-R models, and features the acclaimed Super Select four-wheel drive system, which includes ASTC, ABS, Electronic Brake Force Distribution and an optional Diff Lock. All 2012 Tritons have standard driver and front passenger SRS airbags, front and rear door impact bars, front seatbelt pre-tensioners and child restraint points. Side and curtain SRS airbags are also available on selected models. Other safety features include Anti- lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) Active Stability Control (ASC), Active Traction Control (ATC), Smart Brake (Brake Override System) Side & curtain SRS airbags (GLX-R) and Child restraint anchorage.
The 2012 Mitsubishi Triton is a long way into the model life cycle which means that hopefully it will be replaced in the next few years by a new model. In the meantime it remains an honest, robust ute capable of heavy duty off road work and is great for towing that camper trailer as far off road as you dare to venture.
What is Good • Off Road ability • Robust and tough
• reliability
What is Not so Good • Bouncy ride • Engine noise
• Interior dated
Model Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R Utility Double Cab Model Price $55,527 RDAP Engine 2.5 litre turbo-diesel 4 Cyl Drivetrain 5sp Auto Super Select 4X4 Power 131 Kw @ 4,000 rpm Torque 350 Nm @ 1,800 rpm Safety 4 Star ANCAP CO2 Emissions g/km 217 Green Vehicle Rating 2 1/2 Star Fuel (ADR comb) 8.3 L/100Km Tow Capacity – Max 3000 kg Tow Ball Rating 300 kg
Warranty 5yr/ 130,000 km Roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 66/100 Behind the Wheel 7 Comfort 6 Equipment 6 Performance 6 Ride & Handling 6 Practicality 7 Fit for Purpose 7 Towing Ability 7 Off Road Ability 8
Value for Money 6
Keyword: Mitsubishi Triton Ute Review