The six generation Mitsubishi Triton was launched in July and will be available in Australia in 2024. The previous model was released in 2015 so this all-new version has been a long time coming. And maybe it’s been worth the wait with rumours of a hybrid version being planned.
Mitsubishi Motors has produced approximately 5.6 million pickup trucks (utes) spanning five generations over the 45 years since its first launch in 1978. With a record of sales in 150 countries, the utility is a global strategic vehicle for Mitsubishi Motors.
The all-new Triton is fully redesigned for the first time in nine years. Based on the product concept “Power for Adventure,” all elements of the Triton have been completely reimagined, from the interior and exterior design to the chassis, ladder frame and engine.
The key features of the all-new Triton are:
- A beefed-up body size compared to the previous model, a newly developed ladder frame that provides durability and reliability, and a newly developed engine that achieves both higher output and improved environmental performance
- A newly developed suspension that provides excellent ride comfort and steering stability, and Super Select 4WD-II system and upgraded drive modes that achieve high road performance
- A front face with a strong sense of presence and reliability, a wide and robust styling, and a classy interior offering excellent functionality and operability
- Significantly improved safety and comfort for a wide range of purposes, from business to personal use
“As a pickup truck that fits for a new era, we have developed the all-new Triton with even more Mitsubishi Motors-ness,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors.
“The key features of the all-new Triton were exclusively developed by Mitsubishi Motors, including a robust ladder frame and body, tough chassis, powerful and driver-friendly engine and 4WD system that achieves excellent road handling and stability. With production ultimately expected to reach 200,000 vehicles in over 100 countries, the all-new Triton is an extremely important model that will provide foundational support for Mitsubishi Motors, as well as the first global strategic vehicle to be rolled out at the start of our growth phase.”
Beast Mode Design Concept
The all-new Triton combines agility with the Mitsubishi Motors’ robust design to create an imposing look while expressing the toughness and powerfulness expected of a pickup truck.
The front face design concept of Dynamic Shield that expresses powerful performance and the peace of mind protecting both the people and the car is optimized for a pickup truck through a powerful form based on a robust, three-dimensional front grille and fenders, and a protector that emphasizes this form. The daytime running lights featuring three L-shaped LED lights resemble a sharp gaze of a hawk, and in combination with the three-dimensional 3-light headlights below them, the design gives the all-new Triton an overwhelming presence.
The horizontally-themed body sides are composed of large, solid surfaces that emphasize the robust doors, while contrasting with the sharply overhanging fender panels to tighten them and make them appear wider, emphasizing stability and toughness.
While ensuring the cargo bed is of an ample size, the solid surfaces continue along the side of the body up to the rear end. T-shaped tail lights on both sides emphasize width while also robustly displaying the sturdy rear design.
Functional design has been incorporated in all aspects to drastically increase utility, including a cabin shape and rear spoiler that improve aerodynamics, more durable door handles that are now bigger and easier to grip, and wider side steps with improved water drainage.
The instrument panel is designed with the Horizontal Axis concept, which uses horizontally-themed and strong shapes to allow drivers to easily see changes in the posture of the vehicle when driving. With a nod to professional use, soft pads have been incorporated in the main areas that protect passengers to ensure utility. In terms of design, the interior uses many geometric shapes and metallic elements to create a high-contrast, modern space.
Particular attention has been paid to visibility for the monitor, meters, and switches that make use of contrast, and the selectors, dials, and switches all have the optimum level of sensitivity to allow them to be operated while wearing gloves. The steering wheel, grips, and door handles have all been designed based on an approach called Mitsubishi Touch, with a focus on grip comfort and sturdiness.
The 6A/T and 6M/T centre console has a cup holder that can accommodate two large cups, and the console box can hold four 600 mL plastic bottles. Taking professional use into account, the console box in the 5A/T model is capable of holding tablets and files in addition to being a cup holder. The glove box, smartphone holder, and other storage for small items are of an ample size that enables easy use even when wearing gloves, and the instrument panel and centre console have USB A and C sockets for charging devices, as well as a wireless charger at the bottom of the centre part of the instrument panel.
Newly rolled out body colors are the vivid and metallic Yamabuki Orange Metallic and the Blade Silver Metallic that offers increased brilliance. The lineup also includes the high-quality basic colours – White Diamond, Solid White, Graphite Gray Metallic, and Jet Black Mica.
With the highest trim level, the front grill is the same colour as the body, while the door mirrors, Dynamic Shield garnish, plated components including the door handles, bumper, and other parts are black, and the underside of the front, sides, and rear is dark titanium. A styling bar on the black roof rails, over fenders, and cargo bed brings a sharper look. The use of black as the base colour for the metallic embellishments in the interior brings sleekness, while orange accents bring a sense of class and sharpness.
