Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) has just introduced the new 2021 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete. It replaces the Triton Adventure X at the range-topping variant and aims squarely at the Toyota Hilux Rogue.

Let’s take a look and see how Mitsubishi’s latest pick-up truck stacks up against the well-established Toyota Hilux.

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

Powertrain - The Hilux Rogue is one powerful truck

The new Triton Athlete carries over the same powertrain from the Triton Adventure X, featuring a turbocharged 2.4-litre diesel engine that does 181 PS and 430 Nm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

As for the Hilux Rogue, it gets a bespoke turbocharged 2.8-litre diesel engine that churns out 204 PS and 500 Nm – 23 PS and 70 Nm more than the Triton.

While the Triton may have a power deficit against the Hilux, it is 190 kg lighter than the Hilux, resulting in a fairly decent power-to-weight ratio of 93.8 PS-per-tonne, versus the Hilux’s 96.2 PS-per-tonne figure.

Power-to-weight ratio aside, the hidden ace up the Triton's sleeve is its Super Select 4WD system - one that allows drivers to leave in 4H mode even when driving on tarred roads.

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

Exterior - The Triton looks the part

The Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is the range-topping pick-up truck in MMM’s line-up and the exterior reflects that. It gets gloss black finishing on the front-end, including the signature Dynamic Shield front grille, as well as on the side mirror caps, door handles, and side steps. It also gets black-finished 18-inch alloy wheels.

To differentiate itself from the regular Triton variants, the Triton Athlete also gets a variant-specific “Athlete” decals on each side.

The Hilux Rogue, on the other hand, is also a range-topping variant. Unlike the Triton’s blacked-out treatment, the Hilux Rogue gets a unique exterior design, including a blocky front-end and body decals.

Both trucks get massive 18-inch alloy wheels as standard.

Interior - Top marks for the Triton

Moving inside, the new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is equipped with a 360-degree view monitor and a built-in digital video recorder (DVR). Infotainment duty is taken care by a 7-inch touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.

It’s largely the same for the Hilux Rogue – it too gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, albeit via a slightly smaller 6.75-inch touchscreen. The Hilux Rogue also gets a 360-degree view monitor and a front DVR, but the Toyota can be optioned with a rear DVR.

Setting the Triton apart from the Hilux is the former’s roof-mounted air-conditioning vents, different from the Hilux’s centre console-mounted unit. This ingenious design is more effective at cooling rear passengers.

Thanks to its signature J-line, the Triton is able to offer a snug storage space behind the passenger seat.

Safety - Hilux Rogue edges ahead

Ever since MMM introduced the facelifted Triton in 2019, it gave the range-topping variant of the truck a host of ADAS features and the new Triton Athlete is no exception.

The Triton Athlete gets Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM), Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist (BSW with LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Ultrasonic Misacceleration Mitigation System (UMS), and Auto High Beam (AHB).

Similarly, when UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) launched the updated Hilux, it too gave the Hilux the Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) ADAS suite. Like the Triton, the Hilux Rogue gets Pre-Collision System (PCS) and Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, but adds Lane Departure Alert (LDA) and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control (DRCC) to the mix.

Seven airbags are standard for both the Hilux Rogue and Triton Athlete.

Comfort - There's no denying the Triton's capabilities

If there's one aspect where the Triton truly shines above practically every other pick-up truck, is its ride comfort.

The Triton's seats offer far better support than the Hilux. In the case of the Hilux, the seat base is too short, which means that there's almost zero thigh support. 

Even the rear passengers of the Triton aren't compromised, as the Triton's signature J-line means that the rear seats are not as upright as other trucks, but a tad bit more tilted. The J-line also allows the Triton to boast a unique storage space behind the rear seats.

But that's not all, as the Mitsubishi Triton's suspension tuning is spot-on. Being a body-on-frame vehicle, the Triton feels floaty over uneven roads, but that's a given. 

However, in the context of pick-up trucks, the Triton is miles ahead of rivals like the Toyota Hilux. Whereas the Hilux's ride feels awfully busy on uneven roads, the Triton offers much more car-like comfort levels.

Pricing - The Triton Athlete is marginally cheaper

The new Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is priced at RM 141,500, on-the-road, without insurance. The truck is backed by a 5-year/200,000-km warranty (whichever comes first).

As for the Toyota Hilux Rogue, this top-of-the-line variant is priced at RM 146,880, on-the-road, without insurance. Warranty is slightly shorter than the Triton, as UMWT is backing the Hilux with a 5-year/150,000-km warranty.

Conclusion - The Triton Athlete is the better pick

On paper at least, the Toyota Hilux may seem like a straight cut winner, as it offers a class-leading power output and superior safety equipment. But is that really the case?

Not really.

Although the Hilux makes more power than the Triton, it’s 2.8-litre turbodiesel carries with it a heftier annual road tax, coming in at RM 1,248. The Triton, on the other hand, has an annual road tax of RM 793, RM 455 less.

Also Read: Top-3 best value for money pick-up trucks in Malaysia

The Triton also offers a more passenger-friendly and practical cabin than the Hilux. Need some place to put your phone while it charges? The Triton offers a neat storage space at the rear of the centre console to place your phone while it charges. If that is not all, the roof-mounted rear air-conditioning vents and storage spaces throughout the cabin are enough to set it apart from the Hilux.

Ride comfort of the Triton Athlete is also miles ahead of the Hilux Rogue, so if you ferry passengers frequently, the Triton is the better option.

Lastly, not only is the Triton Athlete priced cheaper than the Hilux Rogue, the former gets a slightly longer warranty than the Hilux Rogue, adding to its overall peace-of-mind appeal.