2024 Mitsubishi Triton unveiled, due in Australia next year
The first new Mitsubishi Triton in nine years has been unveiled with twin-turbo power, an all-new chassis, a bigger body and upgraded safety and technology – but there's no V6 or hybrid, and a price rise is likely.
- 2024 Mitsubishi Triton expected in Australia next year
- Larger body with bolder styling, all-new frame
- Single- and twin-turbo 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engines
- Bigger screens in more modern interior
- Prices expected to rise due to new technology, engines
The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton ute has been revealed – based on an all-new chassis with a larger body, a roomier interior, more advanced technology and the option of twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel power – ahead of Australian arrivals early next year.
Unveiled today in Thailand – where it is manufactured – it is the first all-new Triton from the tyres up in nearly two decades, as the outgoing 2014 model was a heavy update of its 2005 predecessor.
The reworked 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engine is now available with single or twin turbochargers for more power and torque – while the cabin borrows the latest digital displays from the new Mitsubishi Outlander family SUV.
Unlike the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok there is no option of turbo-diesel V6 power – or a hybrid or plug-in hybrid option. However, an electric version of the Mitsubishi Triton is expected towards the end of the decade.
The new Mitsubishi Triton is due in Australian showrooms in February 2024, pending any delays. For more details on the Australian line-up, click here to read our full story.
Prices are expect to rise to account for the larger body, upgraded engine and new technology. The current Triton is priced from about $33,000 to $60,000 drive-away.
The Mitsubishi Triton will form the basis of the next-generation Nissan Navara due about 12 months from now, and the vehicles are expected to share underpinnings, technology and mechanical components but be cloaked in unique bodywork.
There will remain a choice of single-cab, 'Club' extra-cab and double-cab body styles overseas, with two- or four-wheel drive configurations. In Thailand, three versions of the 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engine have been unveiled: a single turbo available with two power outputs, and a flagship twin-turbo option.
The new Mitsubishi Triton adopts a bolder appearance than its predecessor, dropping the distinctive curved rear door opening of the last two Tritons.
LED headlights and tail-lights are fitted to top-of-the range models, the side steps are said to be larger with improved drainage, and the door handles are claimed to be "bigger and easier to grip".
The top-of-the-range 'Athlete' model in Thailand – expected to be sold in Australia as the GSR – adds a body-coloured grille, black highlights on the grille surround, door handles and bumpers, a 'sailplane' sports bar, black wheel-arch flares, black roof rails, and an orange-accented interior.
There are no step wedges built into the rear quarter panels like the Ford Ranger – which enable easier access to the tray, rather than balancing on the tyre – but Mitsubishi says the corners of the rear bumper have been "enlarged and reinforced with a frame" to serve as steps.
The new Mitsubishi Triton dual-cab is 15mm longer (5320mm) and 50mm wider (1865mm) than before, and no taller (1795mm), but the wheelbase has been stretched by a substantial 130mm, to 3130mm.
It will place the new Triton in the middle of the pack in terms of external dimensions – bigger than an Isuzu D-Max, but smaller than a Ford Ranger – and should translate to more cabin space for what is today one of the smallest utes in the class.
Today's dual-cab Mitsubishi Triton has one of the tightest turning circles in the ute category, at 11.8 metres, but the larger body will push the new model to 12.4m – though still better than the Isuzu D-Max (12.5m), Toyota HiLux (12.6m) and Ford Ranger (12.9m).
On dual-cab variants there is a 50mm increase in wheel track (1570mm wide at the front, 1565mm at the rear) for a wider footprint.
SPECIFICATIONS | New Triton | Old Triton GLS | Toyota HiLux SR5 | Ford Ranger XLT | Isuzu D-Max LS-U+ |
Length | 5320mm | 5305mm | 5325mm | 5370mm | 5275mm |
Width | 1865mm | 1815mm | 1855mm | 1918mm | 1870mm |
Height | 1795mm | 1795mm | 1815mm | 1884mm | 1790mm |
Wheelbase | 3130mm | 3000mm | 3085mm | 3270mm | 3125mm |
Front/rear track | 1570/1565mm | 1520/1515mm | 1535/1550mm | 1620/1620mm | 1570/1570mm |
Tray length | 1555mm | 1520mm | 1570mm | 1464mm | 1570mm |
Tray width (widest point) | 1545mm | 1470mm | 1645mm | 1520mm | 1530mm |
Tray height | 525mm | 475mm | 490mm | 525mm | 490mm |
Tray width between arches | TBC | 1085mm | 1105mm | 1217mm | 1122mm |
Clearance | 222mm | 220mm | 216mm | 234mm | 240mm |
Approach angle | 30.4 degrees | 31 degrees | 29 degrees | 30 degrees | 30.5 degrees |
Break-over angle | 23.6 degrees | 26 degrees | Not quoted | 21 degrees | 23.8 degrees |
Departure angle | 22.8 degrees | 23 degrees | 26 degrees | 23 degrees | 19 degrees |
Turning circle | 12.4m | 11.8m | 12.6m | 12.9m | 12.5m |
Front/rear brakes | 320mm discs/TBC drums | 320mm discs/295mm drums | 319mm discs/295mm drums | Four-wheel discs | 320mm discs/295mm drums |
Tyre profile | 265/70 R16 | 265/60 R18 | 265/60 R18 | 255/70 R17 | 265/60 R18 |
The tray is 35mm longer than today's model (1555mm) and 75mm wider (1545mm), however for now it is unclear whether there is enough room between the wheel arches for a pallet, which the Ford Ranger and VW Amarok can accomodate.
Despite the new Triton's larger overall dimensions, Mitsubishi says the body is lighter thanks to the use of new high-tensile steel – and aerodynamics have been improved.
However a stiffer frame – improving bending rigidity by 60 per cent, and torsional rigidity by 40 per cent – with stronger materials have made the underpinnings heavier. A final weight figure is yet to be published.
Under the bonnet is a new 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, matched in top-of-the-range models with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions, and Super Select II four-wheel drive that can still be used in 4WD mode on sealed roads.
There are three versions of the engine, however Australia will initially only get the flagship tune – now with twin turbochargers – which develops 150kW and 470Nm, up on the current Triton's 133kW/430Nm 2.4-litre single-turbo diesel four-cylinder.
The twin-turbo engine is competitive on power, but down on torque compared to four-cylinder rivals: the 150kW/500Nm 2.8-litre single-turbo Toyota HiLux, 154kW/500Nm 2.0-litre twin-turbo Ford Ranger and VW Amarok siblings, 140kW/450Nm 3.0-litre single-turbo Isuzu D-Max and Mazda BT-50 twins, 140kW/450Nm 2.3-litre twin-turbo Nissan Navara, and 160kW/500Nm LDV T60 Max.
A turbo-diesel V6 to match the Ranger and Amarok is not offered – there is no suitable engine available in the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi group – and hybrid or electric versions are multiple years away.
The flagship 150kW/470Nm twin-turbo engine is joined by two single-turbo versions, developing 135kW/430Nm and 110kW/330Nm, for cheaper models in South-East Asia.
It is unclear if these will come to Australia – and if they do, whether both will be available, or how many models the lower-output engine(s) will be offered in.
ENGINES | New Mitsubishi Triton bi-turbo | Old Mitsubishi Triton | Toyota HiLux SR5 2.8 | Ford Ranger/VW Amarok bi-turbo | Ford Ranger/VW Amarok V6 | Isuzu D-Max/Mazda BT-50 | Nissan Navara twin-turbo |
Engine capacity | 2442cc (2.4L) | 2442cc (2.4L) | 2755cc (2.8L) | 1996cc (2.0L) | 2993cc (3.0L) | 2999cc (3.0L) | 2298cc (2.3L) |
Cylinders | Four | Four | Four | Four | Six | Four | Four |
Compression ratio | 15.2:1 | 15.5:1 | 15.6:1 | Not quoted | Not quoted | 16.3:1 | 15.4:1 |
Turbochargers | Twin | Single | Single | Twin | Single | Single | Twin |
Power | 150kW @ 3500rpm | 133kW @ 3500rpm | 150kW @ 3000-3400rpm | 154kW @ 3750rpm | 184kW @ 3250rpm | 140kW @ 3600rpm | 140kW @ 3750rpm |
Torque | 470Nm @ 1500-2750rpm | 430Nm @ 2500rpm | 500Nm @ 1600-2800rpm | 500Nm @ 1750-2000rpm | 600Nm @ 1750-2250rpm | 450Nm @ 1600-2600rpm | 450Nm @ 1500-2500rpm |
Transmission | Six-speed manual/auto | Six-speed manual/auto | Six-speed manual/auto | 10-speed auto | 10-speed auto | Six-speed manual, auto | Six-speed manual, seven-speed auto |
4WD on paved roads? | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Fuel tank capacity | 75L | 75L | 80L | 80L | 80L | 76L | 80L |
Towing capacity (braked) | 3500kg | 3100kg | 3500kg | 3500kg | 3500kg | 3500kg | 3500kg |
The towing capacity has been increased to the class benchmark of 3500kg, beyond the 3100kg braked of today's model.
The engines are matched with a six-speed manual transmission, now driven by a cable linkage, or a six-speed automatic transmission with Sport mode – rather than the eight-speed auto from the current Triton-based Pajero Sport 4WD.
Top-of-the-range GLS and GSR models continue to offer Mitsubishi's Super Select II four-wheel-drive system, with a limited-slip centre differential and a four-wheel-drive mode which can be used on sealed surfaces.
The system can be switched between high-range rear-wheel-drive (2H) and four-wheel drive (4H), plus high- and low-range four-wheel-drive modes (4HLc and 4LLc) that lock the centre differential for off-road use.
They are available with seven drive modes, up from four in the old model: Normal, available in all 4WD modes, plus Eco when in 2H, Gravel and Snow when in 4H, Sand and Mud when in 4HLc, and Rock when in 4LLc.
Cheaper GLX and GLX+ models in the Mitsubishi Triton range will retain part-time four-wheel drive, with a 4WD mode that cannot be used on sealed surfaces as it automatically locks the centre differential – plus '2H' high-range rear-wheel drive for paved roads, and '4L' four-wheel-drive low-range for off-road trails.
New for models with the Super Select II system is Active Yaw Control – known for its use on the Lancer Evolution rally cars for the road – which lightly brakes the inside front wheel in cornering for "improved" performance.
A rear differential lock, hill-descent control, brake-based torque vectoring (applying the brakes to spinning wheels to send power to wheels that do have traction), and hill-start assist are available.
Suspension remains double-wishbone up front and leaf-spring at the rear, but Mitsubishi says it has redesigned the front suspension on most models for 20mm more wheel travel – while the rear leaf springs are claimed to be lighter, with thicker shock absorbers.
There is a choice of 16-inch or 18-inch wheels in Thailand. The tyres on 18-inch wheeled models are unchanged (265/60 R18).
Meanwhile the rubber on 16-inch-wheeled models is 20mm wider and 0.9 inches (or 23mm) taller in diameter (265/70 R16 vs 245/70 R16 previously).
Despite the all-new chassis and more powerful engine, Mitsubishi has not upgraded to four-wheel disc brakes – and has retained a front-disc/rear-drum configuration.
The Ford Ranger is the latest ute to adopt rear-disc brakes – though only on high-grade models – and joins most versions of the related Volkswagen Amarok, plus budget-priced GWM Ute and LDV T60 utes from China, and the SsangYong Musso from South Korea.
The front discs measure 320mm or 290mm depending on model – compared to 320mm or 294mm today – while the size of the rear drums is yet to be disclosed (currently 295mm).
Other mechanical changes: electric power steering is now fitted to high-grade models, the height of the tray is 45mm lower, and Mitsubishi says it has made changes to the locations of bolts and service holes to make maintenance cheaper and faster.
Inside, the new Mitsubishi Triton borrows heavily from the latest Mitsubishi Outlander family SUV – and brings it up to pace with newer utes in terms of technology.
A 9.0-inch tablet-style infotainment touchscreen from the Outlander is positioned in the middle the dashboard – running newer software expected to offer Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation – up from 7.0 inches today.
The instrument cluster combines a 7.0-inch screen with analogue speedometer and tachometer dials.
The Triton's screens are not as big as the 10.1- or 12-inch touchscreens, and 8.0- or 12.3-inch widescreen instrument displays in the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok.
The automatic gear selector is a traditional mechanical lever – unlike the smaller 'e-shifter' in high-grade Ranger and Amaroks – and there is a mechanical handbrake in all models, rather than the Ford and VW's electric parking brake switch.
However Mitsubishi says it has designed all dials, switches and selectors for "optimum level of sensitivity" to enable use while wearing gloves, while it claims the "monitor, [instrument] meters, and switches that make use of contrast".
This includes traditional volume and tuning dials – and conventional switches and buttons for the dual-zone automatic air conditioning controls.
Available features visible in these images include a wireless phone charger, front and rear USB-A and USB-C charging ports (but no rear air vents), and 12-volt sockets.
Mitsubishi says six-speed models have two "large" centre cupholders and a centre console box that can fit "four 600mL plastic bottles", the "glove box, smartphone holder, and other storage for small items are of an ample size ... when wearing gloves", and five-speed automatic base-model versions in Thailand can fit tablets or documents in the centre storage area.
The Japanese car maker claims new seats improve back support and reduce driver fatigue, and the windscreen pillars have been made "more vertical" to enlarge the door openings.
Advanced safety technology has been given an overhaul for the new model – and brings the Triton in line with newer peers.
Features available overseas include adaptive cruise control (new), autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist (new, previously lane departure warning only), blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Overseas buyers will have access to a Mitsubishi Connect smartphone app that can show the car's location, fuel and oil levels, remotely turn on the air conditioning, and automatically call emergency services after an accident. It's unclear if this will be offered in Australia.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton is now available to order in Thailand, ahead of a roll-out across South-East Asia and Oceania (including Australia) to follow – including Japan in early 2024, for the first time in 12 years.
Australian arrivals are due to commence in February 2024.