Mitsubishi South Africa has made its Triton line-up more affordable with the recent release of the new Triton GL – which sells for R479,995.
The GL is more utility-focused than its siblings, although a decent helping of comfort features makes it attractive for lifestyle buyers.
The entry-level Mitsubishi bakkie is priced to compete against the cheapest four-door variant of the local bakkie king, the Toyota Hilux 2.7 Double Cab S – going for R465,200.
We find out how these bakkies compare, below.
Equipment
There’s no ignoring the fact that these are entry-level bakkies with barebones spec sheets and their designs make this clear – the Toyota somewhat more than the Mitsubishi.
This particular Hilux is offered with a black plastic front bumper, black door handles, no side steps, and steel wheels.
The Triton is more fanciful with its chrome finishes, body-coloured bumpers, sidesteps, and alloy rims – in order to appeal to the lifestyle-oriented crowd.
The utilitarian personalities continue inside, however, with both vehicles offering limited features to keep their prices on the more affordable side.
In the Triton, this includes keyless entry, automatic air conditioning, daytime running lights, electric windows, electrically-adjustable wing mirrors, fabric upholstery, remote central locking, and a touchscreen radio with Bluetooth.
Two airbags and ABS with a brake override system are also standard, and an upgraded infotainment system with smartphone mirroring can be installed at an additional cost.
The Hilux then gets a manual aircon, a multifunction steering wheel, PVC seats, remote central locking, and electric windows – in addition to three airbags, ABS with brake assist, hill assist control, and trailer sway control.
Although this Hilux doesn’t have a radio as standard, it does come with four speakers installed – and most newer models on the second-hand market feature an aftermarket audio system.
Performance
The Triton GL is driven by a 2.4-litre, turbo-diesel engine producing 100kW and 320Nm, which turns the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox.
At a combined fuel consumption rate of 8.0l/100km, the Mitsubishi offers a claimed range of 938km on its 75-litre tank.
A maximum braked towing capacity of 1,400kg is supported, and a “hybrid-type” limited-slip differential is installed.
Mitsubishi did not reveal exactly how much this Triton GL can haul in its sizeable loadbox, though.
The rest of the Triton models all support just over 1,000kg, however, and we would not be surprised if the GL comes close to this.
The Toyota, on the other hand, makes do with a 2.7-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol motor putting out 122kW and 245Nm.
The rear-wheel-drive Hilux gets a five-speed manual transmission and rear diff lock, with the combination achieving a rather hefty 10.7l/100km combined fuel consumption.
Maximum driving range for this bakkie’s 80-litre tank is pegged at 748km.
The Hilux does support a higher towing capacity of 2,500kg, but only carries up to 835kg in the rear box.
With its 17-inch wheels and 286mm ground clearance, the Hilux also stands slightly taller than the Triton with its 16-inch wheels and 205mm clearance.
Price
The Mitsubishi Triton 2.4DI-D Double Cab GL has a South African price of R479,995.
Along with this, you get a 3-year/100,000km warranty, a 5-year/90,000km service plan, and 5-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance.
The Toyota Hilux 2.7 Double Cab S has a South African price of R465,200.
Each purchase includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 9-services/90,000km service plan.
Mitsubishi Triton GL
Toyota Hilux Double Cab S
Keyword: New Mitsubishi Triton vs Toyota Hilux – Entry-level bakkie battle