Just eight months after it was launched, the latest third-generation Mitsubishi Triton has come in for a small but significant spec update. Arriving as part of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s (MMM) 20th-anniversary celebrations, the changes – specific to the top-spec Athlete trim, we must stress – not only brought the price down but also gave the pick-up truck some much-needed visual pizzazz, as you can see our full gallery.
At the front, the Triton’s angular “Beast Mode” design has been augmented with an additional decorative skid plate that gives the truck a square-jawed look. The silver trim and the black surround gel well with the also-black “Dynamic Shield” bumper trim and provide a nice colour contrast (unfortunately invisible on the Jet Black Mica example that was lent to us) compared to the slightly “naked” original body-coloured look.
Meanwhile, the rear bed finally looks complete thanks to the sports bar that helps visually lengthen the glasshouse. With these two changes, Malaysians finally get a Triton Athlete that looks similar to the one shown in press photos back during the 2023 reveal – although the sports bar that we get does ditch the Mitsubishi branding, suggesting that it is a locally-produced piece.
Other changes include the black and silver graphics on the bed sides and tailgate, which seems a bit excessive in this writer’s book but does tie in with the lifestyle truck flavour of this update. The last tweak is unseen but massively improves the Triton’s practicality, and that’s the tailgate damper that supports the said tailgate and prevents it from crashing down when opened.
Along with the update comes a considerable RM6,000 price cut, now sitting at RM159,980 on-the-road without insurance. This now makes Athlete the cheapest of all the flagship big-name-brand trucks, being around RM2,000 cheaper than the Isuzu D-Max X-Terrain, RM3,000 cheaper than the Toyota Hilux Rogue and a whopping RM11,000 cheaper than the Ford Ranger Wildtrak – and the Toyota and Ford have even more expensive variants on top of that.
Beyond that, the Athlete remains identical to before, coming with automatic LED headlights, 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, roof rails, side steps, keyless entry, push-button start, a seven-inch multi-info display, a eight-inch OEM infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, a Qi wireless charger, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, faux suede and leather seats with orange stitching, seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
The mechanicals have also been untouched, continuing to be led by a 204 PS/470 Nm 2.4 litre 4N16 MIVEC twin-turbo diesel engine and a six-speed automatic gearbox. Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II system with full-time all-wheel-drive mode and Active Yaw Control (AYC) torque vectoring by braking are also fitted.
Lower price, more kit? Yup, the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete has a new deal, and it’s a good one. Not part of a sales promotion, this enhancement is in conjunction with Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia’s 20th anniversary.
So here’s the deal. The range-topping 204 PS/470 Nm Triton Athlete is now priced at RM159,980 on-the-road without insurance, which translates to a RM6,000 reduction from the original OTR price of RM165,980.
Along with the price revision is a spec adjustment that sees the addition of a front bumper garnish, styling bar, tailgate assist and decals. The front bumper garnish is essentially a silver ‘skid plate’ treatment with two ‘vents’ and black borders, but it massively improves the face and ‘macho level’ of the Triton, compared to the (rather strange) body colour original look.
Click to enlarge
Likewise, the sports bar and graphics makes the rear end of the truck look less ‘naked’. Overall, it’s a collection of small but impactful items that improves the looks of the Triton Athlete, which also looks more ‘top spec’ now.
“We are incredibly thankful for the trust and loyalty Malaysian have shown us. After nearly two decades, the Triton continues to be a symbol of strength, reliability, and trust among Malaysian drivers with close to 120,000 units sold. Over the years, the Triton has earned its reputation as a vehicle that delivers exceptional performance, whether on the road or off the beaten path,” said MMM CEO Shinya Ikeda.
“The enhanced Triton Athlete embodies our continued commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers. We’re proud to introduce this model as part of our 20th anniversary celebration and look forward to making it even more accessible to Malaysians nationwide,” he added.
Click to enlarge
The permanent revision detailed above is combined with MMM’s limited time 20th anniversary offers for an even better deal. Here, the Triton Athlete comes with a five-year free maintenance programme or up to RM8,000 rewards. This is on top of the standard five-year unlimited mileage factory warranty. MMM says that interest rates start from just 0.6% with Maybank or Public Bank – even more savings.
Finally, the company will be having a Scratch & Win contest from June 16. Those who book a Triton or Xpander facelift (any variant of the two models) will receive a scratch card upon registration and car collection. Prizes include the iPhone 16, iPad, iPods, Seiko watches and Thule products. What a birthday party this is turning out to be!
For more on the Triton Athlete, and to recap its pre-enhancement look, check out our full review of the truck. Recently, we also pitted the orange fella against the sales-leading Toyota Hilux Rogue, and you can see how the Mitsubishi fared here. What do you think of this new look?
In our new video review, we’re comparing pick-up trucks (our last one was in 2015). In one corner, we have the Toyota Hilux, a well-known nameplate that has been a sales leader in the segment for some time. Its opponent is the latest Mitsubishi Triton that was launched in October 2024 and received a significant redesign for its third generation (sixth if you start from Mitsubishi’s first pick-up truck).
On hand to find out how much pick-up truck you should buy in 2025 is Hafriz Shah, who is behind the wheel of the Triton in its range-topping Athlete variant that retails for RM165,890 on-the-road without insurance.
He is joined by Jonathan Tan with the Rogue variant of the Hilux, which is slightly cheaper than the Triton Athlete at RM163,080. We should point out that there’s an even more expensive version of the Hilux called the GR Sport that sells for RM173,280.
Bringing out the spec sheets, we start with the Triton Athlete that is powered by a 4N16 2.4 litre inline-four turbodiesel engine making 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 470 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 2,750 rpm.
It is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system, the latter with a rotary dial to cycle through the different modes. Additionally, the Triton Athlete also comes with a separate drive mode system with seven selectable options (Normal, Eco, Gravel, Sand, Mud, Snow and Rock).
As for the Hilux Rogue, it features a larger-displacement 1GD-FTV 2.8 litre inline-four turbodiesel that also serves up 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW), albeit at 3,400 rpm. While peak power is identical to the Mitsubishi, the Toyota pick-up truck offers more torque at 500 Nm from 1,600 to 2,800 rpm.
The 1GD-FTV is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and a part-time 4WD system with an automatic disconnecting differential (ADD). Like the Mitsubishi, there is a rotary dial to cycle through the available 4WD modes, although there are just two available drive modes (Eco and Power).
Both the Triton Athlete and Hilux Rogue are equipped with a suite of active safety systems and a host of other equipment, all of which are covered by our two hosts. Our comparison review also highlights the practicality of the two models, along with other aspects that pick-up truck buyers should consider before placing a booking. So, grab a snack and enjoy the video before sharing your thoughts on which pick-up truck is the better buy in the comments below.
These days, cars don’t really stay on sale for a decade before being replaced, but the previous generation Mitsubishi Triton was in Malaysian showrooms for 10 years! The poor old fella finally handed over the brand’s pick-up truck baton in October last year, and we now have the third-generation Triton, or the sixth-generation Mitsubishi pick-up truck.
The new Triton looks so different from the design template that Mitsubishi has employed for its trucks, now boasting a square-cut, blocky look with a proud nose. The more macho look wraps a much bigger body too – the new truck is 55 mm longer, 115 mm wider and 35 mm taller than its predecessor. The 3,130 mm wheelbase is 130 mm longer. The dashboard carries the same theme of straight lines.
A total of five variants are available in Malaysia, from the new Triton Single Cab to the fully-loaded high-spec Triton Athlete you see here. The Single Cab is a new variant for the range in Malaysia – the previous workhorse was the Quest, a low-rider double-cab.
The latest Triton is powered by the new Hyperpower 4N16 2.4-litre turbodiesel with 184 PS/430 Nm, with the Athlete getting a higher 204 PS/470 Nm output – that’s 20 PS/40 Nm more than the previous range-topper courtesy of a twin sequential turbo arrangement. The Yamabuki Orange colour you see here is exclusive to the Athlete, which goes for RM165,980.
In this video, Hafriz Shah shows you how much truck you’re getting from that rather hefty sum (such is the going rate for range-topping trucks these days), what he likes about this ‘two generation leap’ model as well as some downsides, because nothing is perfect.
Grab those handrails and come along for the ride. After that, tell us what you think of the Mitsubishi Triton’s new image and package.
The October-launched 2024 Mitsubishi Triton is now being offered with two years’ free service and fuel rewards for a limited time only, while stocks last. This is on top of a free foldable storage bag worth RM450 for the first 500 online bookers, which has been running since launch.
The 2024-2025 Japan Design Car of the Year sports a more rugged look than its predecessor, inside and out. Malaysia gets five variants – the RM101,980 Single Cab, RM114,980 MT GL, RM116,980 AT GL, RM145,980 AT Premium and the range-topping RM165,980 Athlete.
The Athlete packs the most potent version of the new Hyperpower 4N16 2.4 litre turbodiesel engine, which outputs 204 PS and 470 Nm of twist. The engine produces 184 PS and 430 Nm of torque in all other variants. All gearboxes have six speeds, manual or auto depending on variant.
Available safety kit includes forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind spot warning, lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and more. The airbag count is seven for the Athlete and Premium; three for both GL variants. Warranty is five years/unlimited mileage for the Triton Athlete if you book before the year is up; all other variants get a five-year/200,000 km warranty.
Similar to its stablemate, this particular Yamabuki Orange Triton Athlete is wearing a bodykit from D Mod, including a deep front spoiler with built-in driving lights, side rubbing strips, rear bumper extensions and a tailgate appliqué. These, together with the grille, are finished in metallic black, giving the truck a welcome hit of contrasting colour.
Other accessories fitted are a roof trim piece above the windscreen and a sports bar, as well as black Enkei Tuning SC59 wheels wrapped in knobbly Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015 off-road tyres. Inside, you’ll find black and red leather upholstery (as opposed to the standard Athlete’s part-leather seats) with a hexagonal stitch pattern, as well as red dashboard and door stitching replacing the usual orange.
No changes to the kit nor the mechanicals, so this Athlete uses the same 2.4 litre 4N16 twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, pushing out 204 PS and 470 Nm. All that gets sent through a six-speed automatic gearbox and an Easy Select four-wheel-drive system.
The previous second-generation Triton showed that Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) was not shy in offering several modified limited-edition models, so we hope this show truck means it will continue to do the same with the third-gen model. Like the look? Sound off in the comments after the jump.
Following the launch of the all-new Mitsubishi Triton and facelifted Xpander a few months ago, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) is now previewing a range of genuine accessories specifically designed both models at the ongoing Kuala Lumpur International Mobility Show (KLIMS).
We’ll start with the Triton which can be had with a styling bar or sports bar, each packaged together with an under-rail bedliner. In addition to these, individual accessories showcased include a tailgate assist system, window visors, illuminated LED scuff plates, side door garnish, a spare wheel lock and door handle protectors.
As for the Xpander, the accessory line-up consists of a chrome exhaust finisher, a fuel lid cover, a model emblem for the bonnet and a tailgate spoiler. For the interior, options include a wireless charging pad and a boot tray. The display vehicle is also fitted with a bodykit that adds front and rear bumper spoilers, along with matching side skirts.
For now, MMM is merely previewing these Triton and Xpander accessories, with no official pricing being confirmed. The public are invited to KLIMS to check out the display vehicles for themselves and speak with experts on the topic of modifying Mitsubishi vehicles.
GALLERY: 2024 Mitsubishi Triton with genuine accessories
GALLERY: 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander with genuine accessories
Taking place right after the Malaysian launch of the all-new Mitsubishi Triton is the Drive Your Ambition festival, and the third-generation Triton – also the sixth-generation Mitsubishi pick-up truck – will be showcased at MRANTI Bukit Jalil this weekend on October 19 and 20, where a range of activities will be held.
Open to the public on these dates from 10am to 5pm from the west entrance of the MRANTI open space, this is where the capabilities of the latest Triton will be demonstrated, where high-speed off-road passenger rides are on offer, and visitors will get to drive the obstacle courses under guidance. It also pays to be early, as the first 100 guests at the event will receive vouchers for food trucks at the event.
The all-new, third-generation Mitsubishi Triton will be the star of the displays at these roadshow locations, however if you are looking for a dynamic experience of the all-new pick-up truck with test drives and passenger rides, the event at MRANTI Bukit Jalil this weekend is the one you shouldn’t miss.
Headlining the model range is the Triton Athlete, which gets the most potent powertrain with 204 PS and 470 Nm from its 4N16 2.4 litre MIVEC two-stage turbocharged turbodiesel engine, that is Euro 5-compliant. This is joined by its rangemates powered by the Euro 4-compliant 2.4 litre 4N16 engine in the 184 PS/430 Nm state of tune.
The latest Triton has grown 55 mm longer, 115 mm wider and 35 mm taller with a 130 mm-longer wheelbase compared to the previous Triton. For those who require even more space, the Triton Single Cab features a cargo bed that is 2,340 mm long and 1,580 mm wide, and this succeeds the Triton Quest.
Five variants of the Triton are available in Malaysia. Priced from RM101,980 for the Triton Single Cab, up to RM165,980 for the Triton Athlete, these get a five-year, 200,000 km warranty, while the flagship Athlete gets a five-year, unlimited mileage coverage.
A total of five variants of the latest Triton have been introduction to the market by Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM), and the range consists of the Triton Single Cab (RM101,980), Triton MT (RM114,980), Triton AT GL (RM116,980), Triton AT Premium (RM145,980) and Triton Athlete (RM165,980); all prices here are on-the-road without insurance, valid until December 31, 2024.
Compared to the previous-generation model, the all-new Triton sees the Athlete and Premium variants see a price hike of RM10k, the GL auto goes RM3k higher and the GL manual goes RM5k more expensive. Meanwhile, the manual-transmission Premium and Triton Quest has been dropped for this generation.
With the arrival of the new generation comes growth, and the Triton has grown in the key exterior dimensions; the third-generation pick-up truck now measures 5,360 mm long (55 mm longer than its predecessor), 1,930 mm wide (+115 mm) and 1,815 mm tall (+35 mm), while wheelbase is 3,130 mm (+130 mm).
This growth steps up the Triton from being among the smallest in the pick-up truck segment, to one of the largest; for reference, the current Toyota Hilux measures 5,325 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, 1,815 mm tall with a wheelbase of 3,085 mm.
Mitsubishi Triton double-cab specifications; click to enlarge
The Triton Athlete is available in a variant-specific Yamabuki Orange colour option, with the front Dynamic Shield elements finished in metallic black (this is full chrome on the Premium, body colour on the GL). The range-topper also adds on black over fenders, door handles and roof rails, plus a tailgate spoiler. The GL and Single Cab variants also wear a different front fascia from their stablemates.
The workhorse role-focused variant is now assumed by the high-rider Triton Single Cab that is the entry point to the range, succeeding the Triton Quest that was the of low-rider, double-cab layout. This is touted to have the largest cargo bed in its segment, with a bay that measures 2,340 mm long and 1,580 mm wide.
Payload rating for the third-generation Triton is one tonne across both the double-cab and single cab variants, with similar suspension settings. In other markets such as Australia, the Triton is offered with a choice of standard or heavy duty suspension, the latter bringing uprated rear suspension.
Forming the basis of the all-new Triton is the Megaframe chassis that brings a newly developed ladder frame that sports a 65% greater cross-sectional area compared to its fifth-generation predecessor (second-generation Triton), where increased use of high-tensile strength steel yields gains in bending rigidity by 40%, and torsional rigidity by 60%.
Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab
Suspension layout is of the pick-up truck staple, that employs double wishbones in front and leaf springs at the rear. The front double wishbones have had the upper arm mountings raised in order to increase suspension stroke by 20 mm to benefit roadholding and ride comfort.
Meanwhile, the rear leaf springs get thicker dampers to benefit ride quality. For steering, the latest Triton uses a rack-and-pinion setup, where the Athlete gets electric power assistance; all other Triton variants use hydraulic power steering.
Wheels for the Triton Athlete and Premium variants are 18-inch units shod in 265/60R18 tyres, with the Athlete getting gloss black wheels while the Premium receives wheels in a silver finish. The GL variants get 16-inch silver alloy wheels shod in 245/70R16 tyres.
Powertrain options in the third-generation Triton range in Malaysia begin with the new Hyperpower 4N16 2.4 litre turbodiesel engine that produces 184 PS at 3,500 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm in the Triton Single Cab, succeeding the Triton Quest with one more gear ratio to offer a six-speed manual, and 4WD instead of RWD.
This also means the Single Cab outputs 74 PS/230 Nm more than the previous 2.5L non-VGT turbodiesel in the previous Quest. This engine with the aforementioned 184 PS/430 Nm state of tune is also installed in the rest of the Triton range.
The top Triton Athlete variant that outputs 204 PS and 470 Nm, or 20 PS and 40 Nm more than the previous range-topper courtesy of a twin sequential turbocharger arrangement. The Triton Athlete engine is rated Euro 5 while all other variants are rated for Euro 4, and all engine variants now get a diesel particulate filter, which is a Triton-first in Malaysia.
Automatic transmission-equipped versions of the new Triton receive a six-speed automatic gearbox with Sports mode, while the three-pedal variants get a six-speed manual unit that is designed to reduce the transmission of vibrations directly from the engine, for improved comfort.
Driveline controls for Triton Single Cab (left); Triton Athlete (right)
The uprated kit for the base Triton Single Cab now means that the range gets 4WD across the board, beginning with Easy Select 4WD that offers the customary 2H, 4H (with locked centre differential) and 4L selection, while the top Triton Athlete variant gains the Super Select 4WD-II driveline.
The Super Select 4WD-II setup in the Triton Athlete offers the choice of four driveline options – 2H (rear-wheel-drive), 4H (full-time 4WD), 4HLc (4WD with locked centre differential) and 4LLc (4WD in low-range, with locked centre differential). These work together with seven drive modes, including on-road modes, up from the four off-road modes in the previous Triton.
In addition to Normal mode, 2H also offers Eco mode, 4H has Gravel and Snow modes, 4HLc has Mud and Sand modes, and 4LLc has the Rock mode to offer different capabilities for a variety of terrain conditions. The Triton Athlete also gets Active Yaw Control (AYC) that applies light braking to the inside front wheel during a turn to improve cornering performance.
Inside, the third-generation Triton gets a thorough refresh of its cabin through the adoption of the ‘Horizontal Axis’ design concept featuring bold, geometric shapes for an emphasis on robustness. The re-orientation now sees the infotainment – now an original Mitsubishi unit instead of an add-on – become a screen located above the A/C vents and perched atop the dashboard, compared the its predecessor which located the screen between each central A/C vent.
Compared to its predecessor, the Triton Athlete substitutes the 360-degree camera suite for a sold reverse camera, and the new model also does without transmission shift paddles.
A mechanical handbrake is retained in the new Triton, while the steering wheel is a marked departure from that of the previous model, now being of a sportier three-spoke design with a smaller airbag housing, and the steering wheel-mounted controls have been more tightly integrated into the left- and right-side spokes, from the older designs more spread-out configuration.
The steering wheel in the Athlete and Premium are leather-wrapped, while this is a urethane unit in the automatic and manual GL variants. The steering column offers tilt and telescoping adjustment in the Athlete and Premium variants, while the GL variants feature tilt adjustment only.
Infotainment in the Triton Athlete is by a seven-inch touchscreen unit supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with voice command, along with USB and Bluetooth connectivity and MP3 playback support.
A redesign of interior contact points with the Mitsubishi Touch approach focuses on grip comfort and sturdiness – both welcome traits in a pick-up truck, while soft padding in key areas augment occupant protection.
Safety equipment and driver assistance systems get uprated in the new, third-generation Triton, where the available equipment includes forward collision mitigation (FCM), lane departure warning (LDW), adaptive cruise control (ACC), blind spot warning with lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. Here, active safety equipment also includes stability and traction control, hill descent control, and hill start assist.
For passive safety kit, the Athlete and Premium variants get seven airbags (dual front, side, curtain and driver’s knee), while the automatic and manual GL variants get three airbags (driver and front passenger, and driver’s knee).
To recap, the all-new Mitsubishi Triton is priced from RM101,980 for the Single Cab, up to RM165,980 for the top Triton Athlete. Warranty for the Triton Athlete is a five-year, unlimited mileage coverage applicable for orders made by December 31, 2024, while all other variants get a five-year, 200,000 km warranty.
Third-generation Mitsubishi Triton Athlete in Malaysia
2024 Mitsubishi Triton Premium
2024 Mitsubishi Triton GL automatic
2024 Mitsubishi Triton GL manual
Third-generation Mitsubishi Triton Single Cab in Malaysia
Third-generation Mitsubishi Triton in Malaysia; launch presentation slides
Finally, it’s time for the all-new Mitsubishi Triton in Malaysia. Now open for booking, this is the sixth-generation of Mitsubishi’s pick-up truck, and the third one to use the Triton name here.
Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) will sell five variants of the 2025 Triton, ranging from the new high-rider Triton Single Cab (previous workhorse of the range was the Triton Quest, a low-rider double cab) to the top variant, the Triton Athlete. Estimated pricing is from RM102,000 for the Single Cab to RM170,000 for the Athlete, ‘for a limited time only’.
“Mitsubishi Motors has produced approximately 5.6 million pickup trucks spanning five generations over 45 years since its first launch in 1978. With a record of sales in 150 countries, the pick-up truck is a global strategic vehicle for Mitsubishi Motors. Now in its sixth generation, the all-new Triton is fully redesigned from the exterior and interior to the chassis, ladder frame, and engine,” said MMM CEO Shinya Ikeda.
Click to enlarge
MMM has chosen six highlights for the new Triton, and they are Elevated Robust Styling (scary-sounding Beast Mode design language), Upgraded Performance (new 2.4L turbodiesel with 204 PS/470 Nm), Beefed-up body size (larger body with new ‘mega-frame’ chassis), Excellent Ride Comfort, Improved Safety (Active Yaw Control, ADAS) and SUV-Inspired Comforts (wireless charging, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, storage areas). We’ll elaborate.
The company reveals that the Single Cab is powered by a 2.4-litre turbodiesel with 184 PS and 430 Nm – this is the mid-level of tune for the all-new 4N16 VGT engine, which tops out at 204 PS/470 Nm with a two-stage turbo (likely to be reserved for the Athlete). This also means that the base 150 PS/330 Nm tune will not be offered here.
For context, the previous-generation Triton’s outgoing 2.4L engine had 181 PS/430 Nm across the board, except for the workhorse Quest, which had just 110 PS/200 Nm from a non-VGT 2.5-litre turbodiesel, mated to a five-speed manual and rear-wheel-drive. Aside from the extra 74 PS/230 Nm – a monumental upgrade – the new Single Cab also gets one more ratio (6MT) and another driven axle (4WD). At the other end of the range, the new Athlete gains 20 PS/40 Nm.
Click to enlarge
MMM claims best-in-class power for the Triton Single Cab and also the largest bed in the segment – 2,340 mm long and 1,580 mm wide. Speaking of dimensions, the Triton’s double cab body – which is now more square cut and macho-looking than before – is significantly larger too. At 5,360 mm long, 1,930 mm wide and 1,815 mm tall, it’s 55 mm longer, 115 mm wider and 35 mm taller than the previous truck. At 3,130 mm, the wheelbase is 130 mm longer.
MMC’s Super Select 4WD-II system features four modes – 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time 4WD), 4HLc (locked centre differential) and 4LLc (locked centre differential with lower gears). It now incorporates Active Yaw Control (AYC), which improves cornering performance by lightly braking the inside front wheel.
As for safety, based on Thai specs, the ADAS pack includes Forward Collision Mitigation (AEB) and Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). An addition to the suite for this generation is Adaptive Cruise Control.
Click to enlarge
You know the old saying about waiting ages for a bus and then two come along at once? MMM has just launched the Xpander facelift and now we have the new Triton, which will join the company’s ‘Drive Your Ambition Brand Festival’ that kicked off with the MPV’s launch. The first 500 who place a booking for the new Triton via the Mitsubishi Online Showroom will get a 60L folding storage box worth RM450.
Once again, there are five variants bookended by the new Single Cab and the range-topping Athlete with the 204 PS engine. The latter is available in signature Yamabuki Orange, Jet Black Mica and White Diamond. The Single Cab is Solid White-only.
The estimated price range for the 2025 is from RM102k to RM170k. For context, the outgoing Triton Athlete’s RRP is RM155,900 on-the-road without insurance. MMM is touting a five-year unlimited mileage warranty for the Athlete, ‘for a limited time only’.
If the new Athlete’s estimate becomes final (it’s usually slightly lower), we’re looking at a RM14k increase for a raft of upgrades headlined by the new engine. Coincidentally, Toyota has just increased prices for the Hilux, which now tops out at RM173,280 for the 2.8L GR Sport. What do you think of the new Triton’s design and the Athlete’s package?
GALLERY: 2025 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete, Malaysia spec
The 2024 Mitsubishi Xpander facelift – which made its local debut earlier today – isn’t going to be the only new model that Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia (MMM) will be introducing this year. At the launch event for the refreshed MPV, MMM CEO Shinya Ikeda revealed that the company would have “one more launch this year,” but did not specifically identify the inbound model.
Despite there being no indication of its identity, the incoming model should be the third-generation Triton, which premiered in Thailand in July last year and made its Indonesian debut a few months ago. In any case, MMM had previously stated that it was working on bringing the brand’s sixth-gen pick-up in before the end of this year, so that’s pretty much the indicator.
No timeline for the launch was stated, but it should be within the next three months, given the duration left before the year closes. What will we get? Well, in Thailand, the Triton is offered in three body styles, these being a double-cab with two rows of seats, a single-cab with one row of seats as well as a club-cab with cargo space behind the front seats that also enables reclining. The double-cab will of course be the most relevant to our market.
In terms of size, the new Triton is much larger than before, and its not just the dimensions that have increased – the new truck sits on a newly developed ladder frame that has 65% more cross-sectional area than the outgoing model, providing significantly higher rigidity levels on the whole.
It also features a new powertrain, with the previous 4N15 unit replaced by a new 4N16 2.4 litre inline-four, intercooled DOHC common rail VGT diesel. In Thailand, the unit is offered in three states of output tune, the first being a low output tune delivering 150 PS (148 hp or 110 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 330 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 3,000 rpm.
This is followed by the mid-output unit that serves up 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 430 Nm from 2,250 to 2,500 rpm, with the third being a high-output version offering 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 470 Nm from 1,500 to 2,750 rpm. Meanwhile, Indonesia offers six variants of the Triton (four double-cab, two single-cab), all with the engine in its mid-output state of tune.
Buyers can expect a restyled interior, with all contact and utilty points such as the steering wheel, grips, door handles and cubby hole for storage have been redesigned to offer improved feel and usability. As for equipment, available kit includes dual-zone climate control, a wireless phone charger, driver instrumentation with a seven-inch LCD multi-information display and leather upholstery.
As for safety and driver assistance systems, the Forward Collision Mitigation (autonomous emergency braking), Blind Spot Warning (blind spot monitoring) with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) from before continue on as before, but the new Triton adds on Adaptive Cruise Control that isn’t on the outgoing model.
GALLERY: Third-generation Mitsubishi Triton, Indonesia launch
GALLERY: Third-generation Mitsubishi Triton global debut in Thailand
The new Mitsubishi Triton has been awarded the maximum five stars in the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP). The Triton is the first dual-cab pick-up truck to be tested and assessed against ANCAP’s current 2023-2025 rating criteria. The results apply to all 2WD and 4WD Double Cab variants sold in Australia and New Zealand.
Introduced in the two countries in February, the Triton demonstrated high levels of protection for the driver, front-seat adult passenger and child occupants in the majority of physical crash tests. Maximum scores were achieved by the passenger in the frontal offset test, the driver in the full width frontal and oblique side pole tests, and both child dummies in the frontal and side impact tests.
Opportunities for improvement were noted for the chest and upper legs of the smaller rear passenger in the full width frontal test where a ‘Weak’ chest score was recorded and a penalty applied for increased risk of abdominal injury in this crash scenario.
As part of the suite of destructive tests, ANCAP assesses the potential risk of injury to occupants of another vehicle if struck by the tested vehicle. The Triton was shown to pose a relatively moderate risk compared with other vehicles of its type.
According to ANCAP, this indicates a considered design by Mitsubishi, which minimises the risk the Triton poses to other road users. This considered approach to design was also evident in the pedestrian impact tests, where the grill and bumper scored well in assessment of risk to a pedestrian’s leg or pelvis.
“This rating demonstrates Mitsubishi’s determination and ability to design, build and deliver a five-star product. Dual cab utes are some of the highest-selling models in Australia and New Zealand – purchased in volume by general consumers and fleet buyers alike. In many cases, they’re a tool-of-trade vehicle, yet they’re also family staples, so it’s pleasing to see Mitsubishi strive for and achieve this five-star result,” said ANCAP CEO Carla Hoorweg.
“There is an established and well-recognised market expectation for five-star vehicles among the ute segment. The aspiration of manufacturers to achieve five-stars should extend across all market segments, not just those targeted by fleet buyers,” she added.
In collision avoidance testing, the Triton managed 70% – the score threshold for a five-star rating. The truck’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system is capable of detecting/responding to other vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists in a mix of scenarios; however it does not extend to the more sophisticated AEB scenarios such as avoidance in T-bone intersection crashes and head-on crashes. This limited its overall Safety Assist score.
Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) are also encouraged within the Safety Assist area of assessment, and the Triton offers a direct DMS as standard.
“Direct driver monitoring systems are relatively new across the market, with the Triton being one of the first direct DMS systems we’ve assessed locally. The Triton met ANCAP protocol requirements in alerting for fatigue and distraction, however Mitsubishi’s implementation of this system could be improved by reducing unnecessary warnings to the driver,” Hoorweg said.
In addition to visual warnings, the manufacturer can choose between haptic or audible DMS warnings in order to score points under ANCAP protocols. Distraction warnings when reversing, parking or during slow-speed manoeuvres below 10 km/h are not required or rewarded by ANCAP.
Already crash tested in ASEAN and launched in Thailand – where it’s made and exported – the Triton gets a new 2.4-litre engine codenamed 4N16, offered in three states of tune – 150 PS/330 Nm, 184 PS/430 Nm and 204 PS/470 Nm. The range-topping Athlete that we featured at BIMS 2024 gets the most powerful engine, mated to MMC’s Super Select 4WD-II system with Active Yaw Control (AYC). The new Triton is set to reach Malaysia before the end of 2024.
The third-generation Mitsubishi Triton that made its global debut in Thailand last July has also been on display at the 2024 Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), which has given us the opportunity to bring a live image gallery of the brand’s latest pick-up truck.
The Triton in its third generation also marks the brand’s sixth-generation of pick-up truck, and also went on sale earlier this year in the brand’s native Japan for the first time in 12 years. As shown here at BIMS 2024, the Triton is displayed in Athlete trim.
The double-cab body that is most relevant to the Malaysian market brings the third-generation Triton to 5,360 mm long (55 mm longer than its predecessor), 1,930 mm wide (+115 mm) and 1,815 mm tall (+35 mm), while wheelbase is 3,130 mm (+130 mm).
A new engine codenamed 4N16 is same 2.4 litre capacity as before (2,442 cc), featuring an intercooler, a variable geometry turbocharger, common rail fuel injection and DOHC.
This is offered in three states of tune, with the headlining spec bringing 204 PS at 3,500 rpm and 470 Nm from 1,500 rpm to 2,750 rpm; two other versions produce 184 PS/430 Nm, and 150 PS/330 Nm.
The Athlete variant shown here is of the high-output powertrain specification, which is mated to the manufacturer’s Super Select 4WD-II driveline system that features four modes – 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time 4WD), 4HLc (locked centre differential) and 4LLc (locked centre differential with lower gears).
Active Yaw Control (AYC) also features on variants with Super Select 4WD-II, improving cornering performance by lightly braking the inside front wheel.
Active safety kit on the third-generation Triton is comprised of Forward Collision Mitigation (autonomous emergency braking), Blind Spot Warning (blind spot monitoring) with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), also adding Adaptive Cruise Control that was absent from its predecessor. Other features such as Active Stability Control (ASC), traction control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist continue to feature.
For now, Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia is working to have the third-generation Triton brought to Malaysia before the end of this year, though its launch date has yet to be confirmed. In Thailand, pricing for the third-generation Triton starts from 565,000 baht (RM73,390) for the Single Cab 2.4L Active cab-chassis variant, and tops out at 1,298,000 baht (RM168,602) for the Double Cab Athlete 4WD AT.
At long last, Mitsubishi has unveiled the third-generation Triton (sixth-generation Mitsubishi pick-up truck), which is making its global debut in Thailand. In addition to ASEAN and Oceania markets, the all-new pick-up truck will also be sold in Japan in early 2024 for the first time in 12 years.
The latest Triton follows the ‘Beast Mode’ design concept and has a more rugged appearance that was first previewed by the XRT Concept from March this year. The latest take on the Dynamic Shield face is a bold one, with a rectangular front grille flanked by three L-shaped LED lights that is said to “resemble a sharp gaze of a hawk.” The latter are the Triton’s daytime running lights, which sit just above the three-element LED main headlamps.
Along the horizontally-themed body sides, large, solid surfaces and prominent fender panels provide a sense of width as well as stability and toughness. Moving to the rear, T-shaped taillights on both sides of the tailgate that features a subtle spoiler for improved aerodynamics and a new damper system to improve one-hand operability. Yamabuki Orange Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic are two new body colours to be introduced, joining White Diamond, Solid White, Graphite Grey Metallic and Jet Black Mica.
In Thailand, the Triton will be offered in three body types. These include a double cab with two rows of seats, a single cab with one row of seats as well as a club cab with cargo space behind the front seats that also enables reclining.
The double cab is the most relevant to the Malaysian market and is much larger than before, measuring in at 5,360 mm long (+55 mm), 1,930 mm wide (+115 mm) and 1,815 mm tall (+35 mm). These figures apply to models with four-wheel drive (4WD), while two-wheel drive (2WD) and club cab models are slightly smaller at 5,320 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,795 mm tall.
The single cab is the smallest of the bunch at 5,265 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,765 mm tall. All three share the same wheelbase of 3,130 mm, which is an improvement of 130 mm over the outgoing model, and Mitsubishi says the new bodies are lighter than before thanks to the use of new 1,180 MPa high-tensile steel in their construction.
To make these figures easier to digest, here’s a simplified overview of the new Triton’s dimensions:
Double Cab 4WD
Length: 5,360 mm
Width: 1,930 mm
Height: 1,815 mm
Wheelbase: 3,130 mm
Double Cab 2WD and Club Cab 2WD
Length: 5,320 mm
Width: 1,865 mm
Height: 1,795 mm
Wheelbase: 3,130 mm
Single Cab 4WD
Length: 5,265 mm
Width: 1,795 mm
Height: 1,765 mm
Wheelbase: 3,130 mm
With the new dimensions, the Triton has moved from being one of the smallest pick-up trucks in its class to now one of the largest. For context, the current Toyota Hilux with a 2.8 litre turbodiesel engine is 5,325 mm long, 1,855 mm wide, 1,815 mm tall and has a wheelbase of 3,085 mm.
Aggressive styling aside, Mitsubishi also focused on improving the utility of its pick-up truck by implementing more durable and larger door handles as well as wider side steps with improved water drainage. The cargo bed height has also been lowered by 45 mm to 820 mm, and the upper surface area of the bumper corner has been enlarged and reinforced with a frame to be used as a foot space.
Inside, the overhauled dashboard follows the ‘Horizontal Axis’ concept with strong, geometric shapes that further drives home the point of robustness. A free-standing touchscreen infotainment system takes centre stage above the central air vents and climate controls, with the instrument cluster set deep inside its binnacle ahead of the driver.
Telematics via the Mitsubishi Connect app is also available, allowing owners to remotely check on the status of their Triton, or be notified of the vehicle’s location and seek emergency assistance in the event of an accident (airbags deployed).
All contact points like the steering wheel, grips and door handles have also been designed based on an approach called Mitsubishi Touch, with a focus on grip comfort and sturdiness. The carmaker also fitted soft pads in main areas to protect passengers and metallic surfaces create a high-contrast, modern space.
As with the exterior, attention was paid to improve utility inside the cabin as well. For instance, the centre console can accommodate two large cups, and the console box can hold up to four 600 ml plastic bottles or tablets and files. You’ll also find USB-A and USB-C sockets for charging devices, along with a wireless charger.
Efforts were also made to design the controls to be usable with gloves on, and the corners of the bonnet are shaped as such to promote better visibility so drivers can more easily place the pick-up truck – both appear to be inspired by Range Rovers.
Elsewhere, the front seats now provide better lower back support, while the shoulder areas with an open shape provide ease of movement to reduce driver fatigue. The hip point is also 20 mm higher than before, and an upright posture has been adopted to improve visibility from inside the vehicle. More vertical A-pillars also help create wider door openings for better ingress and egress, helped along by the wider side steps that reduce the risk of slipping.
Beneath the skin, the all-new Triton is built on a newly developed ladder frame that has a 65% greater cross-sectional area than the outgoing fifth-generation model. Along with an increase in the ratio of high-tensile steel used, this sees bending rigidity be improved by 40%, while torsional rigidity is up 60%.
The suspension configuration is the same as before, with double wishbones used for the front. On 4WD and 2WD High Rider models, the mounting for the upper arms has been moved upwards to increase the stroke by 20 mm for improved road-hugging and ride comfort.
Meanwhile, the rear continues to employ a leaf spring system, although this has been made lighter and is paired with thicker shock absorbers. Yoshiki Masuda, product specialist for the Triton (including the previous generation), says ride comfort is improved significantly, even with leaf springs. Ventilated brake discs at the front and drum brakes at the rear are retained, but the power steering is now electric instead of hydraulic.
As for the engine, the previous 4N15 unit has been ejected in favour of a new 4N16 that has the same capacity of 2.4 litres (2,442 cc), an intercooler, a variable geometry turbocharger, common rail fuel injection and DOHC.
The 4N16 turbodiesel comes in three states of tune, with the low-output option delivering 150 PS (148 hp or 110 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 330 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 3,000 rpm. This is followed by the mid-output unit that serves up 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 430 Nm from 2,250 to 2,500 rpm.
The latter is slightly more powerful than the 4N15 that makes 181 PS (178 hp or 133 kW) and 430 Nm in our Triton here, but if that’s still not enough for you, the high-output version offers an impressive 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 470 Nm from 1,500 to 2,750 rpm. Mitsubishi claims the new 4N16 offers 5-10% better fuel consumption than before.
Similarly, here’s a simplified breakdown of the Triton’s engine specifications:
Low-output version: 150 PS (148 hp or 110 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 330 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 3,000 rpm
Mid-output version: 184 PS (181 hp or 135 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 430 Nm from 2,250 to 2,500 rpm
High-output version: 204 PS (201 hp or 150 kW) at 3,500 rpm and 470 Nm from 1,500 to 2,750 rpm
The 4N16 is paired with either a six-speed automatic or manual – the latter is now shift-by-wire – with 4WD being standard on selected models. Following Thailand’s specifications, the high-output motor gets a 6AT and 4WD, while the mid-output unit can be had with both transmissions, with 2WD or 4WD.
All engines are accompanied by a fuel tank with a capacity of 75 litres and have improved maintainability, with the location of the drain bolt being changed so oil changes can be done without having to remove and replace the under-cover. Mitsubishi also points out that 4WD and 2WD Higher Rider models have larger service holes to enable garage jacks to be used without needing an attachment. The company also claims gear oil replacement is “unnecessary” with the six-speed manual.
Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD-II and Easy Select 4WD systems continue to be employed here, allowing drivers to easily shift to 4WD mode while driving by using a dial selector. These systems are accompanied by a torque-sensing limited-slip differential (LSD) that can distribute driving force at a ratio of 40% to the front and 60% to the rear to optimise traction and cornering performance.
The Super Select 4WD-II comes with four modes, including 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (full-time 4WD), 4HLc (locked centre differential) and 4LLc (locked centre differential with lower gears). Depending on which mode the Super Select 4WD-II is in, there are seven drive modes than can also be selected, four more than before.
Normal mode can be engaged in all 4WD modes, while 2H offers Eco mode to prioritise fuel economy. Gravel and Snow modes are selectable in 4H, while Mud and Sand are available in 4HLc, and finally, Rock mode is offered while in 4LLc. Vehicles equipped with Easy Select 4WD have three modes: 2H (rear-wheel drive), 4H (locked centre differential) and 4L (low-gear driving).
The Japanese carmaker also added Active Yaw Control (AYC) – made famous by the Lancer Evolution – to models equipped with the Super Select 4WD-II system, which improves cornering performance by applying light braking to the inside front wheel when cornering.
A brake control-type active LSD is standard for both 2WD and 4WD models that applies the brake to a spinning wheel and distributing the driving torque to wheels gripping the road surface for better safety on slippery surfaces.
On the mention of safety, the same driver assistance systems from before make a return, including Forward Collision Mitigation (autonomous emergency braking), Blind Spot Warning (blind spot monitoring) with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA). One big addition here is Adaptive Cruise Control, which is a feature that was missing on the previous model. Other passive systems like Active Stability Control (ASC), traction control, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist are still here.
Pricing for the new Triton in Thailand starts at 699,000 baht (RM93k) for the Single Cab Pro 6MT 4WD, while the Single Cab Pro 6AT 4WD is 749,000 baht (RM99.5k). Meanwhile, Double Cab models start at 820,000 baht (RM109k) for the Plus 2.4 Pro, going up to between 893,000 baht and 938,000 baht (RM119k and RM125k) for Plus 2.4 Prime MT/AT. Higher up is the Plus 2.4 Ultra that goes for 982,000 baht (RM131k) for the MT and 1.027 million baht (RM137k) for the AT. The 2.4 Prime 4WD is 1.016 million baht (RM135k).
The sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton will undoubtedly be destined for our market, but it isn’t known exactly when it will be launched here – Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia says it’s working on getting it into Malaysia before the end of 2024. How do you like the new design as well as improvements made to the powertrain and features? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Ahead of the debut of the sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton on July 26 in Thailand, the Japanese carmaker has provided more details of its upcoming pick-up truck. Previously, the company teased the design of the Triton, which was previewed by the XRT Concept earlier in March this year.
According to Mitsubishi, the latest Triton is built on a ladder frame with double wishbone front suspension and leaf springs at the rear. This setup is also used for the previous Triton, but the carmaker is not willing to disclose what has been changed aside from saying the chassis is “newly developed” and the suspension is “newly designed.”
It has been rumoured the Triton’s ladder-frame chassis will be shared with the Nissan Navara, albeit significantly updated by Mitsubishi to suit its purposes. On the XRT Concept, which previews the all-new Triton, the window line appears to be similar to the Navara and the previously-characteristic J-line separating the cabin and cargo sections is lacking. One advantage of the new platform is wheelbase, as the Navara’s measures 3,150 mm or 150 mm longer than outgoing Triton.
It should be noted that the use of leaf springs for the Triton’s rear suspension is different from the Navara, which has a five-link setup with coil springs at the rear – double wishbones are standard at the front. In any case, the carmaker promises “excellent driving performance and good ride comfort at a high level.”
Another powertrain-related bit of info revealed is the latest Triton will be powered by a newly developed clean turbodiesel engine. Once again, we’re left in the dark on details, but it has been reported that the previous 4N15 unit will make way for the newer 4N16.
The four-cylinder 4N15 has a displacement of 2,442 cc and delivers 181 PS (178 hp or 133 kW) and 430 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the newer 4N16 – also a four-cylinder unit – has a smaller displacement of 2,439 cc and it is currently in use in the facelifted sixth-generation Caravan (also known as Urvan NV350).
In the Caravan, the 4N16 makes just 132 PS (130 hp or 97 kW) and 370 Nm, although these figures are expected to be more substantial in the Triton. Mitsubishi says the new clean turbodiesel engine provides “improved environmental performance by significantly reducing friction loss, while achieving higher output.” As such, if the 4N16 is indeed used, it should provide even power than the already impressive 4N15.
Another thing to point out is the 4N16 in the Caravan is paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission from Jatco, and if this also applies to the new Triton, it will be an upgrade from the previous six-speed automatic gearbox used.
Meanwhile, in a video accompanying the release, we get to see more of the Triton undergoing development work on difficult terrain. In one of the shots, we get to see a little bit more of the interior, which we already know will have a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system on the dashboard based on the previous teaser. What’s more visible this time is the instrument binnacle, which appears to have analogue dials on either side of a rather generous multi-info display.
Previous teasers of the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Triton XRT Concept at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show
GALLERY: Mitsubishi Triton XRT Concept official photos