The sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton has been detailed for Australia, with a bigger and bolder look underpinned by a newly-developed turbo-diesel engine that produces more power than before. One of the top-selling vehicles sold in Australia every year, the new Triton will ride on a new chassis and suspension system backed by Super Select 4WD-II software and upgraded drive modes for better performance on the road. Let’s take a closer look.
RELATED: How Mitsubishi Australia’s CEO Took On the Simpson Desert in Outlander PHEV and Won.
Join Our Exclusive Community!
Keep up with the latest trends, best stories, and crucial updates from Man of Many direct to your inbox.
What Powers the New Mitsubishi Triton?
All new Triton models receive the same 2.4-litre 4-cylinder 4N16 turbo diesel engine with different power outputs depending on the model grade. Engines are matched to either a six-speed automatic transmission with Sports mode or a six-speed manual transmission with shift-by-wire.
Tow capacity is increased from 3100kg to 3500kg.
The high-output version is equipped with a new twin-turbocharger and combustion system to provide a maximum power output of 150kW and torque of 470Nm from way down low in the powerband at just 1,500 rpm. Lower model grades get a detuned version of the same basic engine with a single-turbo in either a 135kW, 430Nm or 110kW, 330Nm variety.
If you want to see how that compares to other dual-cab utes on sale in Australia, including the Hilux and V6-powered Ford Ranger, check out our dual-cab ute comparison article here.
What Chassis and Suspension Changes Have Been Made?
New Ladder Frame Chassis
We don’t usually bring up the chassis itself when we report on new cars because they’re often full of technical jargon that no one really cares about. However, Mitsubishi has made extensive changes to increase the rigidity and strength of the new Triton for a better-driving vehicle on and off the road.
It starts with the size of the thing, where the cross-sectional area has increased by 65% compared to the previous model. This, in turn, helps with bending rigidity (an increase of 40%) and torsional rigidity (an increase of 60%) achieved alongside the high-tensile steel that’s been used. While we’re yet to get behind the wheel of the vehicle ourselves, expect these changes to make a significant and dramatic difference to the way the car drives on the road specifically.
The current model, while affordable, hasn’t been able to keep up with the competition in this regard. We’d expect big changes once we get to drive one locally.
New Suspension Changes
Travel has been increased at the front end of the new Mitsubishi Triton thanks to a revised double wishbone structure where the upper suspension mounting arm has been moved higher to increase the stroke by 20mm. New rear leaf springs are lighter with thicker shock absorbers.
New On-road Driver Assistance Features Added
The Super Select 4WD-II carries over from the current model, with a rear differential lock available. The system itself is equipped with a centre torque sensing Limited Slip Differential (LSD) that distributes driving force at a ratio of 40% to the front and 60% to the rear.
Alongside the Normal driving mode, you can choose from 7 drive modes total (including on-road specific modes) which is an increase over the 4 off-road modes on the previous model. These are the driving modes available in the new Mitsubishi Triton.
- Normal mode – available in all four-wheel drive modes.
- 2H – Eco mode for prioritization of fuel economy.
- 4H – Gravel and Snow modes.
- 4HLc – Mud and Sand modes for traction performance.
- 4LLc – Rock mode.
A new Active Yaw Control (AYC) system is equipped on Super Select 4WD-II vehicles. This system applies light brake pressure to the inside wheel to improve cornering performance. This works alongside a factory LSD available on both the 4WD and 2WD Tritons. This joins other driver assistance features like Hill Descent Control (HDC) and Hill Start Assist (HSA).
Surprisingly, rear drum brakes remain factory fitted to the rear of the new Mitsubishi Triton. Something you can find on budget Chinese utes from the likes of GWM and LDV. Electric power steering has finally made its way into higher-grade vehicles for increased maneuverability offroad.
What’s the New Mitsubishi Triton Like on the Inside?
The interior of the new Mitsubishi Triton shares a great deal of technology with the Mitsubishi Outlander. And in a bid to bring itself into the modern era, they’ve finally added a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen in the centre of the cabin.
Mitsubishi says the system will run newer software and we’d expect it to offer Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for the first time. All screens have been designed to be used with gloves, but they’re significantly smaller than the portrait-mounted 10.1 or 12-inch touchscreens found in the new VW Amarok and Ford Ranger.
In front of the driver sits a colour 7.0-inch display with an analogue speedometer and tachometer.
How Practical is the New Mitsubishi Triton?
Here’s how the new Mitsubishi Triton measure up to the competition.
New Mitsubishi Triton | Previous Mitsubishi Triton | Toyota HiLux | Ford Ranger | |
Length | 5320mm | 5305mm | 5325mm | 5370mm |
Width | 1865mm | 1815mm | 1855mm | 1918mm |
Height | 1795mm | 1795mm | 1815mm | 1884mm |
Wheelbase | 3130mm | 3000mm | 3085mm | 3270mm |
Tray length | 1555mm | 1520mm | 1570mm | 1464mm |
Tray width at widest point | 1545mm | 1470mm | 1645mm | 1520mm |
Tray height | 525mm | 475mm | 490mm | 525mm |
Approach angle | 30.4 degrees | 31 degrees | 29 degrees | 30 degrees |
Break-over angle | 23.6 degrees | 26 degrees | NA | 21 degrees |
Departure angle | 22.8 degrees | 23 degrees | 26 degrees | 23 degrees |
Turning circle | 12.4 metres | 11.8 metres | 12.6 metres | 12.9 metres |
How Much is the New Mitsubishi Triton?
Pricing has yet to be announced for the new Mitsubishi Triton, although we’d expect an increase from the current MSRP that starts at $30,740 AUD. The most amount of money you can spend on a Mitsubishi Triton currently is $57,940 AUD plus on-road costs, but we’d also expect that to go up considerably.
The new Triton will come with Mitsubishi Australia’s 10-year warranty and 10-year capped price servicing program.
New Mitsubishi Triton Model Specifications
The Australian will start with the 4×2 GLX before moving to the GLX+ which gains a standard rear differential lock. GLS and range-topping GSR model grades gain the Super Select 4WD II system with a centre differential lock. You can also option the leather interior option on the GLS like the outgoing model.
Body configurations at launch will include Double Cab and Club Cab Pickup variants, with Cab-Chassis variants to be added post-launch.
Drivetrain | Grade | Engine | Transmission | Body Type |
4 x 2 | GLX | 2.4L Bi-Turbo Diesel | 6AT | Double Cab –Pick Up |
4 x 4 | GLX+ | 2.4L Bi-Turbo Diesel | 6AT | Club Cab –Pick Up |
4 x 4 | GLX | 2.4L Bi-Turbo Diesel | 6AT | Double Cab –Pick Up |
4 x 4 | GLS | 2.4L Bi-Turbo Diesel | 6AT | Double Cab –Pick Up |
4 x 4 | GSR | 2.4L Bi-Turbo Diesel | 6AT | Double Cab –Pick Up |
The new Mitsubishi Triton is available to order now in Thailand (where the car is made) before it’s rolled out in Australia, South-East Asia, and Japan in early 2024.
You’ll also like: