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2019 Mitsubishi Triton bullbar: AEB tech’s big change to frontal protection bars

New Mitsubishi Triton bullbar is compatible with airbags and autonomous emergency braking, putting pressure on the aftermarket.


The bullbar industry is set to face a new challenge, as more utes come equipped with autonomous emergency braking systems that need a clear view over the bonnet.

As is the case with the recent Ford Ranger – which is available with AEB and has a factory-approved, AEB-compatible bullbar – the new Mitsubishi Triton has a completely redesigned bullbar, so it doesn’t impede the AEB cameras in the windscreen.

The top of the Triton bullbar is tapered around the shape of the bonnet to give the system a clear view of the road ahead.

There's only one genuine bullbar in the Mitsubishi catalogue and it’s made from alloy rather than steel due to the maximum front axle load rating.

It’s not cheap, though. The RRP is $3312 including fitting, and the front springs remain unchanged according to Mitsubishi specs. It’s also worth noting that, at this stage, the genuine Triton bullbar is not winch compatible.

The only other utes with AEB at this stage – the Mercedes-Benz X-Class and Ssangyong Musso – don't yet have genuine AEB-compatible bullbars available.

Mercedes expects to have one by the end of 2019 and Ssangyong currently has vehicles out with aftermarket suppliers to help design one for the Musso ute updated in December 2018.

For now, the genuine bullbar is believed to be the only one available for Triton that meets AEB standards. However, the aftermarket industry will be sure to adapt their designs.

The tapered corners of the bullbar also give the new Triton slightly better approach angles than standard, although Mitsubishi is yet to supply comparative figures.

The Mitsubishi accessories vehicle was also equipped with a new snorkel, airbag-compatible seat covers and a new rear tray with six tray mounts instead of the four offered on the majority of its rivals.

Footnote: the tool boxes pictured on the Triton accessory vehicle are an aftermarket design, not genuine Mitsubishi items.

This reporter is on Twitter: @JoshuaDowling

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Joshua Dowling

Joshua Dowling has been a motoring journalist for more than 20 years, spending most of that time working for The Sydney Morning Herald (as motoring editor and one of the early members of the Drive team) and News Corp Australia. He joined CarAdvice / Drive in 2018, and has been a World Car of the Year judge for more than 10 years.

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