Mitsubishi Triton

Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia introduced the facelifted 2019 Mitsubishi Triton back in January 2019, which saw the fifth-generation model receiving its mid-life update.

Unlike the previous fourth-generation model which was offered with a single-cab variant, the fifth-generation model that is sold here is only available with a dual-cab configuration. 

The model is priced from RM 79,890 to RM 137,900. 

Design

The mid-life update brought with it a completely new exterior design. The front end now features Mitsubishi's Dynamic Shield design language, much like the Mitsubishi Xpander and Eclipse Cross. 

Dimensions

Lighting

The Mitsubishi Triton Adventure X and Triton Knight are the only 2 variants that receive Bi-LED projector headlights with LED daytime running lights.

All other Triton variants get halogen projector headlights. 

Wheels

The Mitsubishi Triton is available with wheel sizes ranging from 15- to 18-inches.

Dashboard

Despite the drastic change in exterior design, the updated Mitsubishi Triton's interior remains largely identical. Unlike a lot of its rivals, the Triton gets leatherette padding on the sides of the centre console stack, so your knees won't be rubbing on hard plastics. 

Space and Practicality

The Mitsubishi Triton's rear seats can be tilt forward, revealing a small storage compartment. Unlike its peers, the Triton gets rear USB charging ports and a storage compartment for storing your phones. 

Boot

The truck bed of the Mitsubishi Triton is 1,520 mm long, 1,470 mm wide, and 475 mm high. 

Safety Features

The range-topping Triton Adventure X and Triton Knight get 7 airbags as standard, while all other are fitted with dual airbags up front.

Further separating the Triton from its Japanese rivals is the inclusion of Mitsubishi's ADAS suite, which includes Forward Collision Mitigation (Warning and Braking), Blind Spot Warning, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Auto High Beam, and Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System.

Stability and traction control is also available on all variants of the Triton (except the Triton Quest).

Comfort Features

Upper variants of the Triton get leatherette seats as standard, while fabric seats are fitted to lesser variants.

The Mitsubishi Triton also gets a roof-mounted air circulator that helps channel cool air from the front to the rear. 

Infotainment

A 6.5-inch touchscreen head unit takes care of audio duties, which routes audio to 6 speakers in the cabin. The head unit display suffers from low resolution, but does offer support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

Engine

Powering the Triton is a carried over 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine from the pre-facelift model. Don't let the term "carry over" deter you, as the engine itself isn't that old, as it was introduced on the Triton back in 2016.

The engine is good for 181 PS at 3,500 rpm and 430 Nm at 2,000 rpm.  

The entry-level Triton Quest is powered by 2.5-litre turbodiesel that outputs 110 PS and 200 Nm, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. 

Transmission

The Mitsubishi Triton can be had with several transmissions. 

Drivetrain

The Mitsubishi Triton is available as a full-fledged 4x4 model or a 4x2 model.

Acceleration

Mitsubishi does not provide any 0-100 km/h data of the Triton.

Engine Performance

With 181 PS and 430 Nm on tap, the Triton does have the right ingredients for a reasonably powerful truck, but in real-life driving conditions, the engine does not feel as eager as the pre-facelift model (with the older 5-speed automatic).

Transmission Performance

The facelifted Triton gets a new 6-speed automatic transmission. While the extra cog sounds good on paper, driving up challenging roads does exhibit some flaws, as the second and third gear are not suited for steep inclines. Coupled with the engine that works up to just 4,000 rpm, frequent gear shifts are unavoidable.

Steering and Handling

Surprising as it may sound, the Triton has the best-in-segment turning radius of 5.9 meters, comparable to a Honda Civic. Compared to rival trucks, turning the Triton in a tight parking spot is a breeze. 

Sound Proofing

Apart from its class-leading turning radius, the Triton's sound proofing is also praiseworthy. 

Passenger Comfort

Thanks to the Triton's J-line cabin design, the rear seats are not as upright as traditional pick-up trucks - instead, the rear seats are angled much like a regular passenger car. This helps to improve comfort for the rear passengers.

Fuel Consumption

After covering almost 200 km over a mix of urban and highway driving, the Ranger Wildtrak returned an average of 9.4-litre/100 km. It can go to the 8-litre-plus/100 km mark on highways. 

As good as these figures are, they are no match for the Isuzu D-Max, which does 8.0-litre/100 km.

Then again, remember that the engine makes 213 PS and 500 Nm.

For those that want to balance between a workhorse and a capable daily driver, the Mitsubishi Triton ticks all the right boxes - it is comfortable enough to be driven on a daily basis and its 5.9-meter turning radius is on par with the Honda Civic, which makes parking this relatively easy. Couple that with support for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, it's hard to fault the Triton. (Toyota Hilux Vs Mitsubishi Triton 2019 Vs Ford Ranger – Which Should Be You Next Pick-up Truck?)

Granted, the engine may be ill-suited for certain driving conditions, but if your driving route does not involve a lot of hill climbs, the Triton is a champ.