REVIEW: New Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme brings sporty vibes to the double cab bakkie segment

Solid, competent and well priced, the previous-generation Mitsubishi Triton was in many ways an underrated player in a bakkie scene dominated by big-label players like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

But with a somewhat conservative design that was perhaps even a little awkward from some angles, the Triton was often seen as the nerd of the bakkie world by those burly characters driving those aforementioned rivals.

But that all changes with the sixth-generation Mitsubishi Triton that was released in late 2024.

Squared off edges and athletic creases give it a far more macho appearance and out on the street our 2.4 ‘Xtreme’ test unit, in a bright hue of Yamabuki Orange Metallic, became a source of envy, attracting enthusiastic attention almost everywhere it ventured. This is no nerd.

Getting behind the wheel and hitting the road produced another pleasant surprise. Most modern double cab bakkies have become so big and heavy that driving them in urban confines can feel like a cumbersome chore at times.

Yet the new Mitsubishi Triton has a discernable lightness to it, and comparatively speaking it feels agile and easy to manoeuvre, with a nicely weighted and communicative steering system to boot. It's pleasant and agreeable to drive, and the ride quality is acceptably comfortable for a bakkie.

Glancing over the spec sheets reveals that although the Triton is not significantly smaller than its rivals, its 5,320mm overall length undercutting the Hilux by 5mm and the Ranger by 30mm, it is somewhat lighter. Consider that the Triton Xtreme tips the scales at 1,956kg, versus 2,029kg for the Hilux and 2,070kg for the Isuzu V-Cross, while the Ranger Wildtrak is a comparative heavyweight at 2,275kg.

Performance and off-road ability

The engine, a development of highly competent 2.4-litre unit featured in the old range, provides smooth acceleration through its six-speed automatic gearbox, but it’s not quite as refined as Ford’s ultra-sophisticated 2.0-litre diesel. It's also somewhat slow in firing up and powering down, at times deceiving me into thinking I hadn’t pushed the ignition button hard enough.

It’s also a little down on power compared to its rivals on the bakkie market, with the beefiest iteration in South Africa offering 135kW and 430Nm. It thus falls behind the Nissan Navara 2.5 DDTi (140kW/450Nm), Isuzu D-Max 3.0 TD (140kW/450Nm), Toyota Hilux (150kW/500Nm) and Ford Ranger 2.0 BiT (154kW/500Nm).

Overseas the Triton is available with a 150kW version of the 2.4 engine and we hear it is under consideration for South Africa, but that’s not to say the 135kW model isn’t adequate - especially considering the vehicle is lighter than its rivals. Out on the road it doesn’t feel particularly strong, but it should certainly meet most needs. Besides, does a bakkie really need to have a gazillion kilowatts and newton metres?

The Triton 4x4 models are supremely capable off-road, thanks to the Super Select 4WD-II hardware, locking centre and rear differentials, seven drive modes, electronic off-road assistance, and a competitive 228mm ground clearance.

The locally-developed Xtreme Edition also comes with unique 17-inch black wheels with Dunlop AT5 tyres, along with numerous black mouldings and body protectors.

What’s the Triton’s interior like?

The cabin of the new Mitsubishi Triton carries through the sporty feel of the exterior, with a thick-rimmed, three-spoke steering wheel, rectangular air vents with alloy-look surrounds and piano-style buttons for the climate control system, which is partially digital.

Jutting out above the central dashboard is an 8.0-inch infotainment system, whose size and graphics make it feel a little old fashioned compared to some of the more modern systems we’ve encountered, but on the upside it is flanked by actual rotary knobs for the volume and track as well as physical buttons for shortcuts like ‘menu’ and ‘audio’.

Interior space is an improvement on the previous Triton, and although the back seat is not exactly stretch-out spacious, it should comfortably accommodate two adults, even three at a push.

The cabin packs all the basic luxury and safety items, such as dual-zone climate control, cruise control, multi-function steering wheel, rain and light sensors, leather upholstery and seven airbags. Yet it does lack some of the active safety items included with the Hilux Legend, such as adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.

But pricing will be the big determining factor when it comes to this vehicle’s success and here the Triton undercuts most of its rivals, albeit not to the same degree that its predecessor did.

At R849,990, the Triton Xtreme 4x4 costs R5,000 more than the Navara Pro4X, but it undercuts the Hilux Legend by R60,000 and the Isuzu V-Cross by R76,000, while the albeit more generously specced and powered Ranger Wildtrak carries a premium of R134,000.

VERDICT

It may be missing a few cabin amenities and its engine lacks a competitive edge, but the new Mitsubishi Triton still represents sound value in the greater scheme of things. Especially considering its more exciting looks, agreeable driving experience and supreme off-road ability. The new Mitsubishi should certainly be on your double cab bakkie shortlist.

IOL