2019 Mitsubishi Triton GLS Review

No, it’s not a completely new design but the new, tough faced Mitsu’ Triton ute has undergone a comprehensive revamp complete with a new body and upgrades across the board including the transmission.

Mitsubishi has been able to contain production costs on Triton to keep it ahead of many rivals on price.  Though it looks completely new, the latest Triton is more of an evolution than a new generation ute.

It enjoys a strong reliability reputation and is a tradie favourite particularly from a value for money stand point.

Ford’s Ranger and Toyota’s Hilux are the aspirational utes but you will pay for the privilege.

They do have larger capacity engines though.

Always a good value buy in “Ute land”, Triton is now even better with a six speed auto in the mix and improvements to ride, handling and features.

Safety is dramatically improved with more advanced driver assist tech model wide and the styling sets it apart from the rest.

Does it look as good as Ranger?

Arguably no but Ranger is roughly $10 grand more spec’ for spec’. So is Hilux.

Exterior

Base model Triton ain’t pretty but as you go up the food chain and into style side dual cab pickups, it gets a more robust look enhanced by an imposing chrome grille, some chrome body hardware, larger 18-inch wheels and tyres and additional body enhancements like the side step and sports bar in the tray.

Personally, I reckon its face is a bit squashed in at the sides and the overall look is perhaps a touch on the square side but then who am I to say…

The recurving elements each side of the grille linking into each headlight really grab attention and you can still see remnants of the curved rear cabin effect characteristic to Triton.

There are some good colours including a fave’…. a bright mica blue, and Mitsu’ has squared off Triton’s wheel arches to give a less top heavy look.

I didn’t mind the look of the previous model and I don’t mind the look of this one.

I’ve seen a few with blacked out bonnet panels and they really stand out.

Like the alloys, large tail lights and slimline headlights.

Load height is high(ish) and the tray size is OK.

No complaints to speak of really.

Interior

Inside is an evolution of the previous model in grey plastic relieved by some metal look fascia and soft touch pads.

There are plenty of storage options in the doors and centre console and air circulation is enhanced with more outlets including in the back seat area.

Seats for five are provided and access into the front pews is aided by the relatively high roofline, unlike some of Troiton’s competitors.

Mitsu’ reckons they have given the new model a quality look inside which is debateable. It’s overwhelmingly hard plastic… ideal for a work truck.

All controls are simple with the dash dominated by a 7.0-inch info/control screen and the driver’s instrument pod.

The penultimate GLS driven has more kit inside and is a better workspace because of it.

It’s getting towards a premium passenger car in terms of equipment, styling and materials.

Features

Being one down from the top means Triton GLS scores plenty of kit including

• SuperSelect 4WD with 2 low range options
• Multiple off road driving modes
• Radar cruise control
• Keyless ignition
• Mitsubishi Info Display (MID)
• LED headlights
• Dual zone climate control
• Cargo hooks
• Paddle shift
• Full size spare
• Sports bar

Drive and Engine

It goes better than the previous model thanks to the six speed auto transmission. I wouldn’t buy a manual turbo diesel ute because they don’t go as well, dropping off boost when you put in the clutch.

The 2.4-litre engine is a revamp of the previous model featuring a variable geometry turbo (VGT) for efficiency and responsiveness gains.

It’s good for 133kW/430Nm – not class leading by a longshot but plenty for the job at hand which includes a towing capacity of 3.1 tonnes and a payload of just under a tonne in the tray.

They carried over Triton’s double wishbone front/leaf spring rear suspension with modifications to dampers (and presumably springs) and reduced the turning circle.

Bigger brakes are fitted to the GLS on the front… 320mm discs but the rears are still drums.

Changes to sound deadening material yield a quieter interior with less vibration, not that it was an issue before.

As Triton is on a ladder chassis, it weighs a fair bit at 1988kg which has an effect on fuel economy rated at a claimed 7.9-litres/100km. I got somewhat more than this on test – up around the 9.0 mark.

It has plenty of go and runs smoothly. I towed a car and trailer with it that weighed 2.0 tonnes without noticing really.

The ride is comfy on jiggly roads and cabin insulation is impressive for a ute.

It’s an easy ute to drive, high but with a car-like feel from behind the wheel.

Goes anywhere off road.

Safety

Triton scores five stars though this new model takes it further with an extensive suite of advanced driver assist technology.

I am not convinced tradies want all the AEB, blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist and miss-acceleration mitigation and I certainly wouldn’t want it.

However, to stay competitive these days they are a must have and who knows, might save you or someone else down the track.

I just hate the way this new tech prematurely intervenes when it isn’t really needed taking control away from the driver.

But then, some drivers are in la-la land.

 Good Bits

• New arresting look
• 6-speed auto (at last)
• Plenty of safety and luxury kit

Not So Good Bits

• Rear diff lock only on GLS+
• No tray liner
• Pessimistic driver assist tech’

Summary

Yeh, I would own a Triton, especially if I could pocket $10 grand over a similar spec’ Hilux or Ranger.

It looks pretty tough and the general consensus is they are reliable.  I’d paint out the bonnet in black though.

Facts and Figures: 2019 Mitsubishi Triton GLS dual cab

• Engine: 2.4L four-cylinder turbo diesel producing 133kW/430Nm
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic
• Warranty: 5 years/ unlimited km
• Safety: Five stars
• Origin: Thailand
• Price: from $46,990 MLP*

*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.