Mitsubishi Triton: New name, new challenge, same rivals

Triton. That’s the word we all need to start getting used to when referring to Mitsubishi’s midsize pickup. For decades, we’ve gotten used to and grown up with Strada. But it’s a new dawn for Mitsu’s truck, and it’s also about time for a change.

Granted, the name Triton has been around since the mid-’80s, but it’s the first time the Philippine market is getting the moniker. That aside, the new Triton promises to build on the Strada’s strong foundations and give its longtime rivals a good scare.

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The thing is, the Stra—sorry, Triton has a tough challenge ahead of it. For starters, there’s the Ford Ranger that continues to win over customers and print money for the American automaker. There’s also the Toyota Hilux, the country’s best-selling pickup and one that continues to rake in sales. It also doesn’t help the Triton’s case that an all-new version of the Toyota pickup is coming in a year or two.

So,the new Triton not only has to match the current roster of pickups, it also has to be futureproofed to an extent. No pressure, then.

Thankfully, Mitsubishi has the looks department covered. That said, it’s had a bit of a mixed reception with our comments section littered with posts such as ‘the old one looked better.’ For us, though, we think it’s a step in the right direction, one that modernizes the brand’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ philosophy.

Triton chief engineer Yoshiki Masuda described the design as ‘purposeful’ and ‘what a pickup should look like.’ In other words, make it look tough, rugged, and ready for work and play. This is emphasized by the squared-off fenders, the box-flared wheel arches, and the taller bed walls. Polarizing, yes, but distinct as well.

PHOTO BY Charles Banaag

Speaking of the bed, it measures 1,555mm long, 1,545mm wide, and 525mm tall. Those numbers make it among the biggest in its segment, just behind the Ford Ranger. It may not be at the top of the class, but it leaps from the back of the pack to right near the front. Payload figures range from 985kg to 1,115kg, depending on the variant. Good news for those who plan to truly utilize the tray.

Okay, so the exterior may draw some, um, opinions, but we reckon more folks will like the new interior. It’s a huge leap from the Strada’s look that stayed nearly unchanged for about a decade.

Stepping inside, you won’t mistake it for anything else other than a pickup truck. It’s boxy, angular, and utilitarian, but it’s not bare or basic, either. It wears the ‘tough truck’ aesthetic rather well without being a caricature. Interestingly, Mitsubishi didn’t go for the full digital cluster, instead retaining a pair of analog dials in the mix.

You won’t mistake this for a luxury car, but it’s safe to say the new interior feels far more upmarket and premium over the previous model. Yes, there are still hard plastic surfaces, but there are far more soft-touch materials that lift the ambiance. Mitsubishi put those richer-feeling materials on common touch points such as the door pulls, the dash fascia, and the steering wheel.

PHOTO BY Charles Banaag

The infotainment screen is worth a mention, too. No longer looking like an aftermarket unit, it has clear, crisp graphics that bring the truck right into the modern age. Another highlight is the 360-degree view camera display as it’s one of the clearest out there. It’s practically unchanged from the one used for the Japanese market. Oddly, though, the rear air-conditioning vents were omitted for the Philippine-spec Triton.

That aside, there’s far more space in here compared to the Strada. Rear seats are much improved, and there’s better range of adjustability in the front seats. The wider body also means one can finally fit three at the back with less shoulder rubbing.

Locally, the Mitsubishi Triton gets two engine options. Most of these use a 2.4-liter MIVEC turbodiesel, while the twin-turbo version of the same engine is reserved for the range-topping Athlete variant. The specs may sound familiar, but Mitsubishi claims it’s a new engine dubbed the 4N16. The single-turbo is good for 181hp and 430Nm of torque, while the one strapped with two punches out 201hp and 470Nm of torque.

Yes, we can see you rummaging through the specs of the Strada’s competitors. It’s not class-leading numbers, but it’s still a marked improvement over the Strada. The thing is, numbers are just half the story. What matters more here is how it delivers the power on the road.

We’ve driven it in Japan a few months before the local launch, but we can tell you that the Philippine version feels close to the ‘General Export Version’ we tried out in the company’s proving grounds. Sure, our first preview drive locally wasn’t as extensive, but it was enough to get a general impression.

The route we took had broken pavement and steep uphill climbs to put its engine and suspension to the test. Safe to say that the local version had similar body control to the Japanese models with body shake and scuttle kept to a minimum. Steering is light in the Athlete, and the twin-turbo made short work of the hilly roads. Overall, it’s comfortable for a pickup and doesn’t feel cumbersome to maneuver.

Mitsubishi offers seven variants for the Triton. The range kicks off with the GL offered in either two- or four-wheel drive, both of which are mated to a six-speed manual. It’s followed by the GLX trim level, also with either two- or four-wheel drive. The GLX 2WD can be ordered with a manual or an automatic, while the GLX 4WD is exclusively automatic. The GLS is only available as a two-wheel drive with an automatic, and the Athlete is the king of the hill. As for pricing, it ranges from P1,134,000 (GL MT) to P1,909,000 (Athlete). 

To sum it up, the all-new Mitsubishi Triton is an evolution over the previous-gen Strada. In terms of the chassis and powertrain, the improvements are incremental but noticeable. Those coming from the older model will feel it, and we’re certain the changes will be greatly appreciated. Strada fans can sleep easy at night knowing that the Triton carries the mantle with pride.

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