2024 Mitsubishi Triton first Impressions: Bold, powerful, but with some surprising quirks

KUALA LUMPUR:  The arrival of the all-new 6th-generation Mitsubishi Triton has sent a palpable buzz in the air. This latest iteration of Mitsubishi’s famed pickup truck comes with a host of improvements: an all-new chassis, a redesigned body, a more powerful engine, and an upgraded suspension setup.

These changes prompt one key question among enthusiasts and prospective buyers: What’s it really like to drive? Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia gave us the opportunity to find out firsthand, taking us on a road trip that revealed the Triton’s new strengths and characteristics.

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A Bolder, More Muscular Design with an Edge

The 2024 Triton is a departure from its predecessors in terms of design, a significant leap from its former utilitarian roots. The most immediate impression it makes is one of sheer presence, thanks largely to Mitsubishi's Dynamic Shield front grille.

This feature dominates the front fascia, lending the truck an assertive and muscular stance. The previous generation’s slimline, curvaceous aesthetic has been replaced with bold, sculpted surfaces that emphasize strength and ruggedness.

It’s clear that Mitsubishi is pushing a more athletic and capable image, and the Triton's new look reflects this intention. The design concept afterall was called beast mode, so yeah, a portrayal of power is what we have now.

Everything about its exterior exudes power, yet it doesn't come off as bulky or unwieldy. The design team has carefully shaped the bodywork to achieve a carved, muscular appearance rather than a bloated one.

It’s a truck that looks ready to tackle tough terrains while projecting an air of refinement. Like other modern Mitsubishi models, the Triton features sleek LED daytime running lights and the brand's T-shaped light theme at both ends, giving it a distinct, modern identity. 

The Heart of the Beast: New 2.4-Liter Two-Stage Turbo Diesel Engine

One of the most significant upgrades in the new Triton lies under the hood. At the heart of this truck is a new 2.4-liter two-stage turbo diesel engine with an aluminum block, producing a robust 204 PS and 470 Nm of torque.

This powerplant is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission, which, in our experience, proved to be quite intelligent in its gear selection. 

While the output figures place it on par with the top competition in Malaysia—except for the petrol-powered Ford Ranger Raptor—the real star here is how the engine delivers its power. Mitsubishi has opted for a linear power delivery approach, which we found both satisfying and practical for various driving scenarios.

There's no noticeable dip in power as you accelerate; it pulls steadily and effortlessly right up to its electronically limited top speed of 180 km/h.

The engine feels eager and responsive, and we were particularly impressed by how quickly it reaches its top speed, showcasing the potential for smooth, stress-free highway cruising. 

The gearbox, too, deserves mention for its effectiveness. It seems to always be in the right gear, whether navigating city streets, taking on winding mountain roads, or pushing through off-road trails.

The seamless coordination between the engine and transmission gives the Triton a level of sophistication that sets it apart from its rivals in the segment. 

On-Road Handling: Confidence and Control 

With the new Triton, Mitsubishi has made a concerted effort to improve handling and drivability. The engineers have beefed up the anti-roll bars and incorporated lighter yet thicker leaf springs at the rear, resulting in a pickup that tackles corners with surprising agility.

It offers a level of composure that’s uncommon in trucks of its size, providing the driver with the confidence that it will remain planted to the road even during spirited driving. 

Incorporating Mitsubishi's Active Yaw Control (AYC) system further enhances this handling prowess. While this system is more commonly associated with Mitsubishi's rally-inspired models, its presence in the Triton is a welcome addition, helping it negotiate corners with a level of finesse usually reserved for SUVs rather than pickups.

This improved cornering capability also translates into off-road situations, where the Triton maintains its composure on uneven terrain, keeping power delivery smooth and consistent, which is crucial for maintaining momentum over obstacles.

Off-Road Prowess: Versatility and Comfort  

Of course, a pickup truck’s true test lies in its off-road capability, and the Triton doesn't disappoint here. The new suspension setup, featuring longer travel thanks to the relocation of the upper control arms, excels in absorbing the harsh impacts of off-road trails.

During our test, the Triton took on rocky paths, gravel roads, and mud tracks with ease, thanks in part to the updated Super Select II 4WD system. This system now includes seven drive modes, allowing the driver to tailor traction and stability to a wide range of conditions.

However, the off-road experience is a mixed bag when it comes to steering feel. On regular roads, the electric power steering (EPS) system offers a balanced feel, being light at low speeds and progressively gaining heft as speed increases.

This provides a comfortable and confident driving experience on highways and city streets alike. But, when you take it off-road, the steering becomes extremely light, with almost no feedback from the terrain.

For casual off-roaders like myself, this can be seen as a plus, making the truck easier and more comfortable to handle on rough trails. However, purists might find this lack of tactile engagement disappointing, as it masks the sensations of the surface beneath the tires.

Hardcore off-road enthusiasts who seek more nuanced feedback might feel a disconnect with this steering setup.

Interior Comfort: Luxury Meets Practicality  

Step inside, and you'll find an interior that echoes the truck's rugged yet refined exterior. Mitsubishi has clearly put thought into upgrading the cabin to align with the Triton's new positioning as both a tough workhorse and a more luxurious vehicle.

The dashboard layout follows Mitsubishi’s 'Horizontal Axis' concept, featuring clean, geometric shapes that give a sense of robustness. Dominating the center of the dash is a free-standing touchscreen infotainment system equipped with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, bringing a welcome touch of modernity.

The use of quality materials is evident, especially in the top-tier Athlete variant, where a blend of leather-like surfaces and fabric, finished in a tasteful mix of grey and tan, adds to the truck's upmarket feel.

Mitsubishi Touch—the brand's focus on grip comfort and sturdiness—extends to all major contact points, such as the steering wheel and door handles, providing a tactile, secure sensation.

Front-seat occupants enjoy ample space and comfort, with seats that are supportive enough for long-distance journeys. However, the rear seating situation is somewhat less favorable.

While the stadium-style seating offers a nice, elevated view, the bench’s short seat depth and upright backrest compromise comfort for adults. The headrest positioning pushes the occupant’s head slightly forward, which can be annoying. Removing the headrest provides some relief, but that’s not a safe solution.

Children, on the other hand, will likely find the seating arrangements adequate, making the Triton a decent option for families with young kids.

The Final Word: A New Era for Triton  

Mitsubishi has raised the bar with the all-new Triton, presenting a pickup that blurs the lines between rugged utility and refined comfort.

Its muscular design, advanced powertrain, and impressive handling all point to a truck that’s as capable on the road as it is off it. The ride quality is exceptional, mimicking the feel of an SUV even with traditional leaf springs at the rear—a feat not easily achieved.

Its power delivery is smooth and linear, and the transmission operates with an almost uncanny intuition.

There are some quirks, such as the overly light steering feel off-road and the less-than-ideal rear seat comfort for adults. However, these minor grievances don't overshadow the Triton's strengths.

The combination of a powerful, responsive engine, sophisticated handling, and a well-appointed interior makes this truck a compelling option for those who need a reliable workhorse that can transition seamlessly into family and leisure roles.

With the 2024 Triton, Mitsubishi has successfully married its rugged DNA with modern comforts, creating a pickup that appeals to a broader audience.

For those looking for a vehicle that’s equally at home on the highway, in the city, or out in the wilderness, the new Triton is definitely with a look.

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