2019 Mitsubishi Triton – Toughening up

– Article/photos by Rod Fuller –

Triton, right now is probably the best value 4×4 ute on the market. The 2019 model with its aggressive and muscular styling, new transmission and upgraded interior appointments, firmly has the likes of Ranger and Hilux in its sights and makes a very compelling case for your hard earned.

Aggressive new styling has ‘toughened up’ Triton’s image with a strong road presence, that’s both pleasing to the eye and intimidating to the competition. It’s now one ‘mean looking’ 4WD.

Despite price increases over the previous model, Mitsubishi has kept Triton’s price advantage over its rivals, with the top spec GLS Premium I drove ‘driving away’ at $51K. Plus all 2019 Triton’s purchased prior to 30/06/2019 will be backed with a seven year/150,000 km warranty, three year capped price servicing and roadside assist.

Triton retains the 2.4lt 16V MIVEC Intercooled turbo diesel (133kW/430Nm), with enough grunt to pull 3100kg (braked) and carry 858kg in its tray (1470 x 1520mm). It’s smooth and effortless to drive, with the addition of the six speed auto (complete with paddle shifters) an improvement. Still, even with the extra cog, Triton GLS Premium’s fuel economy is now listed as 8.6lt/100km.

Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system, continues to feature, offering four drive modes (2WD, full time 4WD and High and Low range 4WD with locked centre diff), to provide the grip needed for all conditions on or off road.

The standard 18 inch alloys with 265/60R18 Bridgestone tyres (complete with ‘Full Size’ alloy spare) provide a quiet and comfortable ride about town or on the highway. When it comes to ‘off road’ the Triton will get into the most rugged of places, with a wading depth of 500mm and clearance angles 27.5⁰ approach, 23⁰ departure and 25⁰ ramp over.

Driving the new Triton, it feels very robust and strong. Ride quality is quite acceptable and always comfortable for the 4WD ute that it is.

Inside GLS Premium has all the comforts, keyless entry and start, dual zone climate, leather seats (heated in front) seven inch touch screen as well as Bluetooth connectivity and reversing camera, but no Sat Nav. Apple Car Play/Android Auto are provided and are much easier to use than the voice control through Bluetooth.

Sound quality through the six speaker stereo is good for radio/music, but phone callers relayed they had difficulty hearing me and they sounded very tinny to me, as the system only uses the speaker in the passenger side front footwell.

Triton’s, Double Cab has enough head, shoulder and leg room for everyone. Rear seat passengers unlike the previous model, now enjoy rear seat air vents courtesy of an ‘in roof’ air circulator and also have two USB outlets. There’s a USB in the front as well as two 12V outlets.

Triton maintains its five star ANCAP rating with safety features such as seven airbags, ABS, traction control/vehicle stability assist and trailer sway control. GLS Premium’s driver assistance features include:-

• Blind Spot Warning and Lane Change Assist
• Lane Departure Warning
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert
• Forward Collision Mitigation (including pedestrian detection)
• Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist
• Multi Around View Monitor

Autonomous Emergency Braking and Adaptive Cruise Control are not offered.

Overall the entire 2019 Triton range has Toughened Up both in looks and as a compelling offering for any fleet, tradie or private buyer. Less expensive than its main rivals, with all the ‘goodies’ and features and a seven year warranty – you can’t go wrong with the new Triton.

What does it look like as a Novated Lease?

This data is from the 2019 Novated Leasing Guide produced by Fleet Auto News.