Mitsubishi Triton

I reckon every boat owner needs a ute. Whether you’re a fisherman, skier, sailor or just a family cruiser, you can always use a ute. Dual cab utes are my particular favourite. I had one for a while, a lovely silver HiLux 4WD diesel but, unfortunately, my mum took a shine to it, nicked it from me and took it up to the farm.

One of the most enduring utes on the Australian market is the Mitsubishi Triton. The Triton has been on the Australian market for 27 years and has gained a worthy reputation as a strong and dependable ute. The Triton started life as the L200. It was updated in 1986 and again in 91 when it really hit its straps.

This latest incarnation, known as the ML Triton is not a development of the old version but an entirely new vehicle.

The new Triton is longer, wider, higher and built on a longer wheelbase than its predecessor. It has styling that is certainly different from anything else on the market.

The big news for the Triton is that it’s powered by an all-new 3.2lt common-rail diesel that puts out 118kW of power and a hefty 347Nm of torque, which is achieved at a low 2000rpm, making it ideal for towing.

The petrol engine is a 3.5lt SOHC 24-valve V6 that delivers 135kW of power and 309Nm at 3500rpm.
Power is delivered via a five-speed manual or four-speed auto on some models. The Triton has Mitsubishi’s Easy Select 4WD system – a part-time selectable system actuated by a normal lever on the console. Mitsubishi is also offering an optional rear diff lock.

The Triton comes as either a single or double cab and there are three specification levels. The base model is the GLX, then there’s the sportier GLX-R, and on top is the GLS with all the fruit including leather seats.

Our pick would probably be the GLX diesel Double Cab, which tips the register at $39,690. If you want to up the ante to the GLX-R, it’s $44,990. The GLS comes in at $49,990.

When it comes to warranty, Mitsubishi has really gone to town, offering a five-year/100,000km ‘bumper-to-bumper’ warranty and a 10-year/160,000 non-transferable drive-train warranty. Five-year roadside assistance is also standard across the range, so you’re pretty well protected.

The Triton is a genuine one-tonner, according to Mitsubishi, and it has a 2300kg towing capacity with a 10 per cent towball download across all models.

Suspension is still leaf-sprung rear and independent front, but the front is now coil sprung with double wishbones, which gives better stability and articulation.

Rack and pinion steering replaces the previous recirculating ball and nut, giving better response and a smaller turning radius of 5.9m.

Inside, the Triton is more car than ute. All models get air-conditioning,  power windows and mirrors, remote central locking, CD stereo and adjustable seats.

With the shift to a more recreational use of utes, the designers and engineers have also paid a lot attention to the suspension. Ride and handling are greatly improved in this model Triton. It’s not to car level yet but it is certainly on par with a lot of the recreational SUVs on the market.
Mitsubishi told us that they’ve also done a lot of work on the noise, vibration and harshness on this new Triton.

In another innovation that shows plenty of forethought, the top models of Triton (GLX-R and GLS) are pre-wired with a mobile phone hands-free system with Bluetooth connectivity. This is available on GLX as an optional extra.

Overall, the boys at Mitsubishi have done a great job to virtually reinvent the Triton. They’ve always been a good, dependable ute and this model looks to be continuing in that tradition.
I think my wife needs one…

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