Ford release Ranger Raptor, Mitsubishi fight fire with stickers
Determined to not be left behind by Ford's 400hp Raptor, Mitsubishi returns fire with... another sticker pack
Last Updated: 22 June 2023
We, and everyone else, have harped on about how good the Next Gen Ranger Raptor is for weeks. That message seems to have got through to just about everyone. Everyone including the top brass at Mitsubishi, but more on that later.
Of course, we’re not silly enough to think this car is aimed at the Ranger Raptor. It’s geared more along the lines of your Navara Warrior or Hilux Rogue. Basically. It’s a limited run of slightly improved vehicles that are essentially meant to run out the old stock. There’s a new model on the horizon, so it makes perfect sense.
They’re calling it the ‘Triton Sport’, and it’s based on the GLS model. There’ll be 400 units which can be distinguished by the blacked out exterior trims, red interior accents, and most importantly, a bunch of stickers. Further to this, if you prefer the GLX you’ll now get sidesteps as standard equipment, but the petrol engine is no longer an option. Mitsubishi are expecting the first lot of vehicles to hit showroom floors in December.
“There’ll be 400 units which can be distinguished by the blacked out exterior trims, red interior accents, and most importantly, a bunch of stickers.“
Now a Triton might not be as desirable as some of the other manufacturers’ dual cabs. But make no mistake, this is still a good vehicle. For starters, the new Triton Sport is $56,440. That’s not bad. But if you only want a base model dual cab 4×4, the cab chassis GLX is only $41,440. That’s a decent price in 2012, let alone 2022.
The Triton is now powered exclusively by a punchy 2.4 litre intercooled turbo diesel four pot that produces 133kW and 430Nm, which is available at 2500rpm. It manages these figures whilst achieving fuel economy of 7.8-8.6L/100km, depending on trim level (basically the weight of the vehicle).
While on paper it’s not particularly exciting, the numbers are solid. And what really gives Mitsubishi an edge is the fact they really back their product. The Triton, along with the rest of the Mitsubishi range, is backed by a 10 year 200,000km warranty. They also offer 10 years capped price servicing, and up to four years of complimentary roadside assistance. That’s market leading, and by a mile.
Now, back to the Ranger Raptor comment from earlier. Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott revealed to the media recently that they are working with a ‘very reputable second stage manufacturer who sees a lot of potential in the vehicle’. Are we going to see a genuine Ranger Raptor competitor in the new model Triton?
“Are we going to see a genuine Ranger Raptor competitor in the new model Triton?“
Mitsubishi are absolutely no slouches when it comes to building fast, desirable vehicles. They’ve got a long and successful history in the rally space, and in Ralliart they have their own high performance, rally focused brand. Given the huge success of the Ranger Raptor, it’s not silly to suggest that Mitsubishi could apply a bit of Lancer Evolution thinking to the Triton and come up with a fierce competitor. The bridge from rally to Raptor isn’t all that far; but will Mitsubishi cross it?
