The Mitsubishi Triton is another age-old 4×4 of the popular and versatile dual-cab category.
As I’ll detail in this review, the Triton stands at the very best on several fronts, yet its sales, reputation, and hype appeal doesn’t shine as bright as the others. similar car model. Ford Ranger And Toyota Hilux.
We drove the ‘new look’ Triton back in April 2020, right when the world was in a pandemic frenzy and we loved it. Not much has changed, though, and while the look certainly still has great appeal, it has become outdated inside and out and is in dire need of an upgrade.
This is even more important when compared to the recently overhauled Ranger, as well as the booming sales and upstarts in the segment such as Chinese cars. GWM Ute And LDV T60. Thankfully, a brand new model is coming out in the next 12-18 months and will address these key areas for improvement.
There’s still a lot to like about the Triton, but besides the positives there are also many negatives that make this decent 4×4 car no longer stand out.
At first glance, the Triton offers excellent average value for money, the 10-year warranty and limited-price service are excellent, and depending on your location, it could be a 4×4 with Expensive budget or a great value offer for $10,000 under the best seller.
The first thing you notice upon entering the cabin are the seats. They’re well-reinforced, comfortable yet sturdy, have an attractive look with a bit of simplicity and, to put it bluntly: pretty comfortable to sit on. The latches are also appreciated even more when off-road.
However, the dashboard and door trims in particular are outdated and a bit dull. We know a new generation is on the way and we hope, for Triton’s sake, the interior will get a marked overhaul. However, there are some positives, along with comfortable seats; simple and basic instrument cluster easy to read and not too complicated.
That said and this seems to be a topic with Triton, when it comes to the 4×4 that controls the cluster’s indicator lights to determine which 4×4 mode you’re in and which features to turn on or off, are some of the best. in class. It’s fun to just sit still and keep pressing the buttons and dials to see the icons and lights change indicating what is or isn’t done.
It’s clear, concise, easy to read, and informative. Also, the error messages explaining why you can’t select a certain feature at a certain time are clear in explaining what’s wrong and how to fix it. For example; highlight you need to be neutral to choose 4L.
Highway wind noise is pretty well suppressed up front, but there’s occasional shrill noises from the rear of the cabin along with some odd harmonics and vibrations.
On the road the suspension is neither too soft nor too stiff; it’s a pleasant balance that responds well to off-road when driving smoothly, but still offers confidence and stability in more extreme situations.
Safety is something that Triton has a right to, unlike Isuzu D-Max And Mazda BT-50and to a lesser extent the Ford Ranger. The Triton, for example, has no invasive, over-reactive response to collision and lane change warnings.
There is only one acceptable alarm and one warning light to indicate a problem, and unlike others, it keeps you calm enough to react and fix instead of being shocked and resisted. what means are forcing you.
It may not be the ‘irresponsible’ driving experience some would like, but I’m definitely a fan of this kind of safety feature.
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Apart from a few times at the speed where Triton takes time to go from 2H to 4H or vice versa; the switching of off-road modes is almost instant.
Along with the easy-to-follow indicators on the instrument cluster, Triton’s 4×4 system is one of the best in its class and certainly one of my favorites.
But what sets it apart isn’t just the conversion; That’s the added safety and benefit of Triton equipping a center differential with a locking mechanism that allows the vehicle to switch between 2WD, AWD and 4WD modes.
Without going too deep into the mechanics of it all; AWD (All-Wheel Drive) operates when the vehicle has a center-mounted third differential located in the transmission. Some SUVs and sports cars are AWD, but it’s the locking center differential that makes the difference and turns the humble AWD into true 4WD.
To complete the definition of what makes ‘4WD’ not ‘AWD’ and give it most of the controllability, the transfer case must also have a low and high range, and finally a dual speed transfer case. locked or lockable.
Equipped in this way, the Triton can operate on the road in 2WD to maximize fuel economy and reduce wear on front-wheel drive components; it can then operate (by switching from 2H to 4H) as AWD and enjoy the added benefits of improved traction, safety, drivability and handling both on the road and off-road image.
When it encounters dirt, it can switch to 4HLc (4 High Locked) and drive with improved traction and control in off-road and 4×4 situations. For maximum capability as well as improved application and torque control, switching to 4LLc (4 Low Keys) provides the optimal setup for the terrain.
But wait… there’s more to it (like an ad for a steak knife). For even more traction and off-road ability, the Triton also ships with a locking rear differential that further improves ability, as well as compensates for the poor suspension travel in relation to the system. independent front suspension (IFS) dual cabin 4×4 utes.
Equipped with such a system, the Triton offers better traction and more options to handle all kinds of on-road and off-road conditions, and when things get tough on the off-road, the Triton does well, if not better, than more expensive cars in its class.
For a standard car (see modability section below), the Triton balances well in difficult and off-kilter situations. It feels safe and stable; and in the 4LLc with the rear differential lock activated, it’s a very capable off-road vehicle.
At dirt speeds, AWD is extremely efficient, and the factory-balanced suspension does a good job of handling bumps while keeping the tires firmly on the ground. Unlike Ranger, Triton almost does not slip or bounce anywhere when moving on bumpy dirt roads.
The gimmicks like ‘downhill’ and ‘mud and snow’ modes are for less experienced drivers, with the first feature assist in braking and controlled shifting when downhill on off-road , and the latter restricts wheel spin at slower speeds in low traction environments.
What’s under the bonnet?
Triton is powered by a 2.4 liter four-cylinder diesel engine powered by a six-speed automatic transmission as tested, output 133kW (3500 rpm) and 430Nm (2500 rpm).
It’s neither better nor worse than similarly priced competitors on the market, but it’s decent enough and gets the job done without breaking any speed records.
Still, it’s nice to see another ‘six-speed’ box still in the works instead of the ‘eight-speed or higher’ box some newer rivals have.
As such, the Triton has no problems hunting or excessive swinging and functions normally without fuss or fuss.
mod ability
The Triton is popular enough to make the hit lists of most aftermarket accessory makers and so there’s no shortage of gear you can use for this little off-road winner.
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triton gsr
Don’t mess around with an upgrade or two, get the most out of it and take advantage of Triton’s superior 4×4 system by adding an aftermarket suspension; larger tires; bull bars, side and rear; a canopy and roof rack; tail light; towing winch; UHF radio and rooftop tent.
You’ll be close to reaching GVM, but you can also upgrade GVM just to be sure. In all seriousness, however, choosing the key accessories to suit your needs will greatly enhance what is already a decent off-road vehicle.
CarExpert reviews Mitsubishi Triton GLS
Sadly, there are a few small things that hold Triton back.
The feel and height of the brake pedal can be adjusted, and the auto-lock function becomes extremely uncomfortable.
Every time we stopped to take pictures and the photographer couldn’t get back into the car – we had three adults (car lovers) in the car for three hours and even after reading the manual, we I can’t figure out how to unlock the car. Triton from the inside while it is running.
Interior decoration needs updating (Mitsubishi, check it out Mazda BT-50 please), and although it has a nice bird’s-eye camera display when reversing, we couldn’t figure out how to turn it on when off-road. That’s the beginning of the favorites list and there are many more items to come – the good thing is Brand new model coming soon.
But all things considered and for the price, the Triton is a good performer that makes up for what it lacks in cabin refinement with its superior 4×4 system and off-road capability. better than many competitors.
The humble Triton may live in the shadow of the best-selling Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, but it should still be considered an option when looking at the vast and ever-growing field of dual-cabin 4×4 utility.
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