Priced from RM 141k, the 2021 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete could run rings around the Hilux Rogue

Following last week’s teaser video, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just officially launched the 2021 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete.

Replacing the Triton Adventure X, the Triton Athlete is now the flagship variant of the local Triton line-up with prices starting from RM 141,500 (on-the-road, 10% SST inclusive). That's a full RM 3,600 more but what are the extra features you get on the new flagship?

Just like the rest of the Triton line-up, the Athlete is fully imported (CBU) from Laem Chabang, Thailand. Interestingly, the plant recently celebrated its 6 millionth production unit which was a Triton Athlete.

Also read: Mitsubishi Motors Thailand's 6 millionth unit is this strikingly orange Triton

The Triton Athlete differentiates itself from the rest of the line-up with its generous use of glossy black trims which are placed on the front under garnish, the Dynamic Shield front grille, side mirrors, door handles, and side steps.

Unlike the Thai version of the Triton Athlete, our local spec misses out on the black roof.

Besides, the gloss black aesthetic is also applied on the 18-inch wheels and there is a sporty ‘Athlete’ graphic design side stripe sticker to make it instantly recognisable.

Recognition might be something that is missing on the outgoing flagship Triton Adventure X variant which looks almost similar to the Premium variants.

Also read: Review: Mitsubishi Triton VGT Adventure X – Great to drive, but smaller than the Hilux

Speaking of the outgoing variant, most of the standard features are carried over into the Triton Athlete which includes the All-round Monitor, a driving video recorder, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

Powering the Triton Athlete is a 2.4-litre MIVEC turbodiesel engine that produces 181 PS and 430 Nm. This engine is also offered on the other variants of the Triton 4x4 but the Athlete is only paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Further providing optimum traction and handling in any given terrain is the Super Select 4WD II system with off-road mode. This system truly makes off-roading a cinch, which is why we called it the best in its class.

Also read: This is why the Mitsubishi Triton’s Super Select 4WD is the best

Besides the ease of off-roading tech, the Athlete also has a turning radius of 5.9 m, the smallest turning radius among rival pick-up trucks.

The Triton Athlete is also nothing short when it comes to safety as it features:

• 7 airbags
• Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM)
• Blind-spot Warning with Lane-change Assist (BSW with LCA)
• Rear-cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
• Ultrasonic Mis-acceleration Mitigation System (UMS)
• Auto High Beam

In terms of hues, the Triton Athlete comes with three choices – Sun Flare Orange Pearl, White Diamond, and Jet Black Mica.

The new flagship certainly looks more striking but rest assured, it should retain the same dynamic that makes the Triton one of the most capable pick-up trucks, especially for beginners.

Also read: Truck wars: Mitsubishi Triton vs Toyota Hilux vs Isuzu D-Max