Ute prices have gone through the roof in recent years, but there are still bargains to be had if you don’t want the latest and greatest.
Mitsubishi’s Triton is a case in point. It’s reliable and well-priced, if a little rough around the edges.
VALUE
A new Triton is due in Australia early next year and the current model is at the end of a long product cycle. In that time, rivals have launched new models with better technology, improved safety and more power. That means the Triton essentially sells on its price, which is thousands of dollars cheaper than the more popular utes. The Sport Edition is a limited-run version of the GLS, which sits below the range-topping GSR model. The GLS is currently $55,490 drive-away but Mitsubishi won’t publish a drive-away price for the Sport Edition. Expect to pay about $60,000 drive-away.
The extra spend essentially buys leather seats with heating and electronic driver adjustment, as well as a range of exterior cosmetic touches such as red highlights on the side steps and decals on the bonnet. Standard fare inside includes a smallish centre screen that has Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, digital radio, push-button start and parking sensors front and rear. There’s no digital display for the driver and no digital speedo, so the cabin feels quite dated. Hard shiny plastic surfaces dominate and the driver’s armrest isn’t padded, adding to the budget feel. Servicing is relatively expensive, but if you service exclusively with Mitsubishi dealers, there’s an industry leading 10-year warranty.
COMFORT
The Triton’s cabin isn’t the last word in cutting edge technology but it is fine for someone who wants a basic but comfortable work ute that can double as family transport. There are roof-mounted air vents and two USB ports in the rear, while the front seats are comfortable with decent adjustment. Adults in the rear sit a little “knees up” but kids will enjoy the high seating position. The Triton’s chunky tyres provide decent cushioning over bumps and potholes, but the back skips around over corrugations and bumps. It also bounces passengers about a bit over speed humps.
SAFETY
The current generation Triton launched in 2015 and time has passed it by, despite updates to its driver assistance tech over the years. It has blind-spot, lane departure and rear cross-traffic alerts, but it won’t guide you back into your lane if you stray or keep a safe distance to the car in front when using cruise control. It scored well in crash tests back in 2015 but that five-star rating has now expired and 2023 models are listed as “unrated”.
ON THE ROAD
The Triton is an honest vehicle, but rivals are much nicer to drive. The 2.4-litre diesel engine pulls hard but isn’t the last word in refinement or punchiness. Power and torque are down on the class leaders and it is only rated to tow three tonnes, when most can tow another 500kg. The six-speed auto is smooth shifting but a wider spread of ratios would improve driveability. The steering feels a little vague and the Triton pitches and rolls through corners, where it feels a little top heavy.
ALTERNATIVES
Toyota HiLux SR5, from about $68,000 drive-away. More expensive, cloth seats but better safety, bigger, more powerful engine and higher towing capacity.
Ford Ranger XLT, from about $69,500. The market benchmark. Expensive but better to drive, more powerful and more capable.
Isuzu D-Max, from about $68,700 drive-away. Similar performance but more modern cabin, better safety and higher towing capacity.
Mitsubishi Triton Sport Edition
PRICE About $60,000 drive-away (estimate)
ENGINE 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel, 135kW/430Nm
WARRANTY/SERVICING Up to 10-yr/u’ltd km (if serviced by Mitsubishi dealer), $2985 for five years
SAFETY Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot alert, rear cross-traffic alert, auto high-beam
THIRST 8.6L/100km
SPARE Full-size alloy
TOWING 3000kg
VERDICT
Three stars
Well priced, reliable old-school ute doesn’t do much wrong but has been overtaken by classier rivals.
