Mitsubishi Trition vs competitors

Known for its bold design and comfortable interior, the Mitsubishi Triton is a popular pickup truck in the Malaysian market. Accredited to dynamic performance, it features Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield front, marked by chrome bordered grille, slick headlamps and a notable bonnet line. The latest iteration of the stylish pick-up was first previewed at the 2018 Kuala Lumpur International Motor (KLIMS) Show, following the launch in January last year. 

Mitsubishi bestowed some prominent aesthetic changes to Triton which features Bi-LED projector headlamps with LED daytime running lights at the face along with LED-equipped fog lamps. The talking point on the outside is the chunky alloy wheels which render it an aggressive stance. Speaking of the cabin, it carries over most of the styling bits from the previous model. One of the notable changes on the new Triton range is the addition of a new variant, called Quest. It varies a tad from the 4x2 and 4x4 versions. While Mitsubishi Triton is quite popular in the segment, rivals including Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max pose a threat to it. How does it stack up against the competition, and what’s on offer, all these questions will be answered in this write-up, read on to know more. 

Price 

Mitsubishi Triton	RM 79,890 to RM 137,900
Ford Ranger	RM 90,888 to RM 144,888
Toyota Hilux	RM 90,000 to RM 124,888
Isuzu D-Max	RM 80,149 to RM 120,838

As shown in the table above, the Mitsubishi Triton price starts from RM 79,890, hence the base Triton variant is the cheapest of all the competing pick-ups. The difference in cost between the entry-level variants of Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux is marginal at RM 888, which makes Ranger the most expensive of all the models. Sitting at the top of the Triton line-up is VGT AT Adventure X priced at RM 137,900. It costs approximately RM 7,000 less than the top-spec Ford Ranger, available at RM 144,888.

Engine & transmission

Specifications	Mitsubishi Triton	Ford Ranger	Toyota Hilux	Isuzu D-Max
Engine	2.4L VGT/2.5L Turbocharged	2.2L VGT/ 2.0L Si Turbodiesel	2.4L DOHC/ 2.8L DOHC	1.9-L RZ4E-TC turbodiesel/3.0L VGT
Power	181 PS/110 PS	160 PS/ 180 PS/213 PS	150 PS/177 PS	150 PS/177 PS
Torque	430 Nm/ 200 Nm	385 Nm/ 420 Nm/ 500 Nm	400 Nm/450 Nm	350 Nm/380 Nm
Transmission	6-speed AT/5-speed MT	6-speed MT/6-speed AT/10-speed AT	Six-speed MT/Six-speed AT	Six-speed AT/6-speed MT & 5-speed AT/5-speed MT
Drivetrain	4WD-II/easy select 4WD	4x2/4x4	4WD with automatic disconnecting differential and rear differential lock	4WD/4x4 and 4x2

The 2.0-litre engine powering higher variants in the Ford Ranger line-up comes in two tunes-180 PS and 213 PS, hence it is the most powerful pick-up amongst all the selected models. 

Also, the all-wheel drive is available with all the models, while Ford Ranger and Isuzu D-Max also get 4x2 set-up on select variants. 

A 10-speed AT gearbox is exclusively offered with the top-spec Ford Ranger variant, while rest make do with either six-speed or 5-speed units in manual or automatic versions based on variants. 

Interior features 

Features	Mitsubishi Triton	Ford Ranger	Toyota Hilux	Isuzu D-max
Leather upholstery	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Touchscreen infotainment system	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Apple CarPlay	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Android Auto	No	Yes	Yes	No
Dual-zone climate control	Yes	Yes	Automatic	Automatic
Voice command	Yes	Yes	No	No
Steering mounted controls	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Bluetooth connectivity	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Power adjustable seats	No	Yes	No	No

The interior styling on the Triton mimics that of a passenger vehicle. The spacious cabin offers enough room on both ends. Speaking of equipment list, the fabric seats are available with the lower grades, while the higher trims are layered with premium leather upholstery with contrast orange stitching. Mitsubishi Triton specs sheet comprises a four-spoke steering wheel that features mounted controls, a touchscreen infotainment unit supported by Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth connectivity, voice command and USB port. A 2-DIN system is standard on lower variants, keeping the advanced infotainment unit for the higher grades.

Save for the base Triton, rest of the trims equip an automatic climate control, and the top-spec variant features a dual-zone control. Of all the pick-ups, Ford Ranger specs sheet carries a copious feature list, while Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux miss out on some of the comfort & connectivity bits. 

Safety

Features	Mitsubishi Triton	Ford Ranger	Toyota Hilux	Isuzu D-Max
Dual front airbags	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Electronic brakeforce distribution	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Brake assist	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hill start assist		Yes	Yes	Yes
Hill descent control	Yes	Yes	Downhill assist control	Yes
Traction control	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Reverse camera	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
ISOFIX	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Reverse  sensors	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

The Mitsubishi Triton is a clear winner when it comes to safety with a comprehensive safety suite comprising the below-listed features. 

• Forward collision mitigation (warning function) 
• Forward collision mitigation (autonomous emergency braking function)
• Blind spot warning
• Lane change alert 
• Ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system 
• Active stability control 
• Brake override system 
• Trailer stability assist 
• Driving video recorder 
• All-round monitor 
• Seven SRS airbags 

Ride & handling 

Equipped with a 4WD selector and cruise control, the Triton is an efficient machine. At the front, it features an independent-wishbone and coil spring, while the rear is fitted with Rigid and Elliptic Leaf Springs. Both support commercial and private driving. Besides, the 2.4L unit has an impressive mid-range pull, especially at high throttle. 

On the other hand, the Ford Ranger features double-wishbone with coil spring front and leaf spring rear suspension set-up. The ultra-high steel chassis work wonders for the pick-up when it comes to handling. Also, the Fly-set-up enables switching between 2WD and 4WD high/low mode effortless. 

Akin to Ford Ranger, the Isuzu D-Max also benefits from the stiff front independent double-wishbone with coil spring suspension set-up. At the rear, there are semi-elliptical soft rife leaf springs that absorb all adulations, especially on the rough surface. It gets a bit bouncy in the city, impacting the ride quality a tad. As for Toyota Hilux, it also handles well and offers a smooth ride quality. 

Overall, the Mitsubishi Triton is a well-rounded package, though it misses out on some of the modern connectivity and comfort bits. However, the pick-up is loaded with safety features and has a powerful mechanical set-up.

Also read: Mitsubishi Triton - Variants explained