Revealed: All-new Mitsubishi Triton takes aim at Ford Ranger

Thursday, 27 July 2023

A new platform, revised core powertrain, and new styling give the Triton a new lease on life.

Following an extended teaser campaign, Mitsubishi has finally whipped the covers off of its all-new sixth-generation Triton ute – the brand’s prime rival for the segment-leading Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux ahead of its mooted arrival in early 2024.

The Triton is a big deal for the brand for several reasons. Firstly, it is Mitsubishi’s first all-new Triton in 12 years, bringing the popular model closer to the segment leaders. It also acts as the debut for Mitsubishi’s new ‘Beast Mode’ design philosophy, which could well spread to other models down the pipeline.

Flagship models get gloss black trim elements and an integrated sports bar.

Whilst the outgoing Triton is known for being a little smaller than its key rivals in most main metrics, the new Triton is a case of ‘bigger is better’. It is 15mm longer and 50mm wider than the old one.

The outgoing Triton’s cabin was amongst the least refined in class. But things have changed ...

Mitsubishi also boasts that the all-new ladder chassis is 60% stiffer in torsional rigidity than the chassis of old. This,it claims, has led to “significantly better road performance and ride comfort”.

The chassis details are particularly relevant as this platform is also set to underpin the next-generation Nissan Navara. Yes, as with the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok, and the Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50, Mitsubishi and Nissan have buddied up to share architecture and cut development costs.

Mitsubishi’s tried and true 2.4-litre turbo-diesel has returned with a few upgrades. Overseas,it will be offered in three different tiers; a base 110kW/330Nm, a mid-spec 135kW/430Nm unit, and a flagship twin-turbo version making 150kW/470Nm.

The twin-turbo is likely to be an in-demand mill in New Zealand. For reference, Ford’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo and Toyota’s 2.8-litre single-turbo diesels make 154kW/500Nm and 150kW/500Nm, respectively.

There’s no Outlander-inspired plug-in hybrid petrol to announce just yet, and no 3.0-litre V6 to rival Ford’s equivalent EcoBoost diesel engine. But both are tipped to be planned for release in the future.

The new Triton is longer, wider, and easier to live with according to Mitsubishi.

Whichever engine you choose, it is set to be paired with either a 6-speed auto or 6-speed manual. Buyers in overseas markets will be able to opt for the Triton in either double-cab, space-cab, or single-cab body styles. And it comes with either 2WD, Easy Select 4WD, or Mitsubishi’s famed Super Select 4WD – now fitted with a torque sensing limited-slip differential.

Inside, the Triton has clearly been copying the Outlander’s homework (not that we’re complaining). In photos at least, it appears to be a clear step up on the outgoing Triton in terms of refinement and style.

The cabin is led by a 9-inch touchscreen and 7-inch digital cluster. Tech goodies include wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless charging, and Mitsubishi Connect app integration.

No PHEV or V6 at launch, but we do see a twin-turbo 2.4-litre making 150kW/470Nm

Flagship models come drowning with orange trim detailing. It is unclear whether this spec will make it Down Under.

Having long been the third most popular ute in Australasia, the all-new Triton aims to close the gap to the two leaders.

The latter allows drivers to adjust various things, like air conditioning, from their device. There’s an increased focus on safety, too, with adaptive cruise control, blind-spot warning, land change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, all appearing.

Evidently, Mitsubishi appears particularly keen to underline the efforts it’s made to make the Triton a more comfortable and easygoing pick-up. At the reveal the brand made particular note of the higher seating position made possible by the more comfortable and upright seats. It also noted the wider side steps with improved drainage, the steps integrated into the rear bumper (hello, Ford Ranger), and the lower cargo bed height.

From a New Zealand perspective, it is important to note that local spec and timing is still to be confirmed. So some of the details unveiled at launch may not be relevant to our market. I don’t expect, for example, for us to see all three 2.4-litre engines in local showrooms.

Bonus images