It’s safe to say, that for 2024, the Mitsubishi Triton has gone through a significant growth spurt. An evolution if you will. It’s longer, wider, more powerful, and can tow more weight. It’s also more capable off-road, due to the inclusion of an advanced traction control system.
2024 Mitsubishi Triton Review video
Even the suspension has been completely redesigned for this new model, which sits on a new chassis. So, it’s also safe to say the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton is more than just an evolution. It’s a brand new vehicle over the MR Triton it replaces. While that sounds lovely on paper, the world of dual-cab utes has advanced significantly in very recent years. Is this maturing of the Triton brand enough to keep up with the main players in the market? That’s why we flew to Adelaide recently to attend the official launch of the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton, held over two full days.
What’s the story?
This 2024 model is the first new Triton release since 2018, when the 5th-generation MR Triton was revealed. At this stage, we have only seen dual-cab versions of the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton. Mitsubishi has confirmed we will get single and club-cab versions later this year. And there will be the option of a manual gearbox for certain models too, if cog swapping is still your thing. The New Generation Triton (this is what Mitsubishi is calling it) will meet Euro 6b emissions standards. This is also the safest Triton ever made also, with Advanced Driver Assist Systems with Driver Monitor Systems.
Towing
While we didn’t get the chance to tow with the Triton this time around, (Mitsubishi said they tried to organise a caravan for tow testing), it’s pretty clear to work out that this new model will be a better tow vehicle than the MR Triton. This new generation Triton can now tow up to 3.5-tonne legally. This increase in towing capacity has been made possible with some significant engineering efforts. Namely, that fresh new chassis. Throw in more power as well as a longer wheelbase, and it’s plain to see this will just will do a better job as a tow rig, when compared to the MR Triton. I still wouldn’t want to tow 3500kg with any mid-sized dual-cab ute, but legally, now you can. Technically.
Mitsubishi tells us that this new chassis offers more sectional area, and is 60% stronger against bending, with 40% more torsional rigidity. We look forward to putting some weight behind the 2024 Triton as soon as we can.
2024 Triton 4×4 suspension
Australian specification suspension sees a complete redesign of the front end. The Triton of old had a frankly odd design, where the upper and lower control arms, sat quite close to each other. The new Triton has moved to a more traditional, similar to the HiLux or D-Max, style front suspension, where the upper and lower control arms are further spaced apart. Mitsubishi reports that there is 22mm more suspension travel, as well as larger diameter shocks front and rear. All good things.
Leaf spring wise, standard duty 2024 Mitsubishi Tritons receive a leaf pack with three-leaf springs. The more commercially focussed base models, the GLX and GLX+ Triton models, receive four-springs in the leaf pack. These really ride nicely on all surfaces I experienced, for a dual-cab ute – and didn’t squeak… unlike the previous generation Triton leaf packs. Although, it is early days.
Ride quality is one of the things I left rather impressed by. A big improvement for the Triton there. Suspension travel when off-road is also improved. But the ride quality is what I’m most impressed with… for a ute.
2024 Mitsubishi Triton ownership
Ask anyone who has bought a Triton recently, and the first thing they’ll say is “Ten-year warranty, how can you go wrong?” This is a key deciding factor for some looking to purchase a new-dual cab.
Wisely, Mitsubishi has retained the 10/10 warranty. Service schedules are set at every 12 months, or 15,000km, whichever comes first. Service costs over 150,000km is up on the new generation Triton. Coming in at $6690 vs $6740 for the 2023 MR Triton.
Off-road
It has been about 12 months since I’ve driven a Triton (I did have one previously as a work vehicle), and what a quick reminder we were given of how awesome of a four-wheel drive system Super Select II is. It was very welcome in the twisties of the Adelaide Hills. As it was on the dirt roads leading to our off-road destination. This is another genuinely strong selling point for Mitsubishi, with one of the best four-wheel drive systems on the market.
Comprising of a torque-sensing centre differential, it allows 4wd high-range unlocked to be selected when on-road, without experiencing transmission wind up. So the choice is yours; 2WD or AWD on-road. I basically left it in 4WD high-range unlocked when on dirt roads. If low-range was required to be selected, 4WD engagement was quick and easy. Every time. Simply pop the transmission into neutral, and twist the rotary dial to the appropriate transfer mode, and the car does the rest.
2024 Triton traction control
Traction control is a modern four-wheel driver’s best friend. Mitsubishi decided to go all out this time around, saying they took inspiration from the Mitsubishi Evolution.
What we have in the 2024 Triton, is a real step forward in terms of capability. Especially now having a selectable ‘Rock mode’, which tightens up traction control calibration, as well as lowering the RPM at which traction control kicks in. Good one!
Many manufacturers are only putting in terrain modes suitable for loose traction surfaces, like mud and sand – It’s good to see Mitsubishi include rock mode. And yes, I tested it out. I even spent time comparing the previous model MR Triton to the new generation – shock horror, the new Triton wins hands down when it comes to off-road ability. It’s almost like they wanted to make a better vehicle or something. Crazy, I know.
Also – you’ll still need to purchase the GLX+ spec and up if you want a factory rear diff lock. the base GLX relies on traction control only. Which is pretty darn handy. Still, it’s safe to say most people will want a rear diff lock standard, even if they have no intention of using it.
Drive modes available
- Normal
- Eco
- Gravel
- Snow
- Mud
- Sand
- Rock
Interior and tech
Horizontal lines are the key visual update to the interior visually, with Mitsubishi saying they went with this design to provide you with a wide and spacious feel. Hence why the 2024 Triton feels simple, spacious, and just… neat. If you like clean and simple interiors, you’ll like this one. Everything is easy to find and use.
Speaking of which, ease of use and intuitive design were other key design features when it came to the interior. And I say a job well done. One look at the interior door handle tells you that. The way it is positioned in an ergonomic position, as well as the physical shape, which allows you to grab it even if you had say, keys, in your hands. Time and effort have been put in here, and you can see it.
The steering wheel is lovely, both in terms of design and feel. However, I personally feel the front seats could use more aggressive shoulder bolstering. I was getting tossed about a little more than I would like. Adjustable lumbar support is included on every model Triton, which a neat touch.
Something that sticks out, is the air circulator mounted on the roof. It’s hard to miss, considering how bulky it is. There’s a method to the madness apparently, with Mitsubishi describing it as “a novel and clever solution.” I’ll keep playing around with it to see if I like it, for anyone who has owned a Mitsubishi with this air circulator, is it indeed a novel and clever solution? Keen to get your real-world feedback there.
Tech-wise, Wireless charging, USB and USB-C charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay are standard across the board. It would be madness if these features weren’t included in an all-new vehicle in 2024.
New Gen Triton Powertrain
Mitsubishi has retained the 6-speed automatic transmission, which works well in the 2024 Triton. No, the 8-speed from the Pajero Sport will not make its way into the Triton. The 6-speed automatic transmission as tested, with the updated engine combo, feels well-mated. I’m not sure if the 8-speed from the Pajero Sport would be a better option, as the 6-speed does the job of shifting up and down as you’d expect.
Two-turbos means more grunt
The newly revamped 4N16 2.4L bi-turbo diesel engine found in the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton, produces 470Nm and 150kW. 10% more power and torque over the MR Triton. It has gone a long way to address the issue of turbo lag found in previous Tritons, which I’ll credit to the bi-turbo design.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton, while not making class-leading figures on paper, in the real world – puts power down to the ground smoothly and effectively. Especially evident in the engine’s mid-range performance.
Mitsubishi was keen to point out, that this engine now uses maintenance-free hydraulic valve lash adjustments. It is no longer necessary to manually adjust the valves every three years (according to the service bulletin I downloaded). This saves time and money in the short term, but also means this should make for a more reliable package. Fuel-wise, 7.4L per 100km claimed figure, however, we were hovering around the 9-10L per 100 km mark on test. It’s safe to say we weren’t driving with fuel economy in mind…
2024 Triton line-up
Models available include the GLX, GLX +, GLS and GSR. Club Cab and Cab Chassis variants are on the way, but we haven’t seen them yet. There are three seat trim grades, cloth, cloth with stitching, and leather, meaning something for everyone. There are eight different colour options available too, but some colours, are only available in certain specs. The vibrant Yamabuki Orange finish, for example, is only available in the top-spec GSR.
Tub area
Mitsubishi explained that the rear of the tub area has been lowered to 821mm in height, making it easier to load bulky items in. The tub is also wide enough that you can fit a Euro-size pallet between the wheel arches. There is a with the tub liner in place, which I’m personally not a fan of. I’d much rather see a spray-on liner, but hey, a lift-out tub liner is better than nothing.
What I don’t like about the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton
The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton uses AdBlue, which is fine really, I guess… it’s just another thing to maintain. There is a 15L tank, which is a reasonable size. And the tank looks strong, with an additional rear-mounted crossbar offering protection. Apparently, this crossbar is removed if a towbar is fitted.
With emission regulations getting tighter and tighter, this is just the way it is these days. So for me, I’m not a fan of having an extra tank to top up, and we also know that when towing, vehicles use more AdBlue. If it means we can still buy and use turbo-diesel utes, I guess this is just the price of admission.
2024 Mitsubishi Triton verdict
I’m not going to pass final judgment yet, this is just my first impression from driving at the launch event after all. We did have two full days with the vehicles and pushed them through a wide variety of terrain. From inner city commuting to powering up the Adelaide hills, to technical off-road driving on the Eagle View 4WD Track property. So we certainly had the opportunity to get to know these vehicles. And I walked away impressed, excited even.
The 2024 Triton is a big leap forward for the brand. The Triton needed to grow up, to have a chance at competing in the highly popular dual-cab ute market, and not just be a value proposition. Sadly, this growth spurt does come at the expense of well, money. You and I will be paying for these upgrades; with 4×4 pricing starting from approximately $50k and running up to $63,850. Most likely more, as I can’t seem to work out if these prices are drive-away.
So, the big question – Is the 2024 Triton worth the money? I absolutely believe so. Could Mitsubishi have a HiLux killer on their hands? Time will tell, but they certainly have a worthy competitor in the mix now. In my opinion, the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton is shaping up to be an impressive offering for Australian four-wheel drivers, tourers and tradies. Further investigation is required, so let me know how you’d like to see us test the new 2024 Mitsubishi Triton down the track.
2024 Mitsubishi Triton GSR 4×4 specs
Engine: 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder
Power Figures: 150kW at 3500rpm
Torque figures: 470Nm at 1500-2750rpm
Gearbox: Six-speed automatic transmission
Steering: Electric power-assisted
TPMS: Included
Payload: 1085kg
Towing Capacity: 3500kg
Length: 5320mm
Width: 2865mm
Height: 1795mm
Wheelbase: 3130mm
Front Track Width: 1570mm
Rear Track Width: 1565mm
I dont think it is 2.8 wide.
You don’t think it has 650mm overhang each side? ;-P