2024 Mitsubishi Triton GLX

After nine years of the previous-generation model, the introduction of the new Triton is a big deal for Mitsubishi – being the second-highest seller for the Japanese brand in Australia behind the Outlander SUV. Unveiled in mid-2023, Mitsubishi's sixth-generation Triton ute immediately divided opinion with its somewhat unconventional looks. But now we've had time to get used to it, there's a lot to like about the all-new model – and it's more than skin deep. For decades now, the Triton has enjoyed being one of the better value utes from a Japanese car maker, while still holding its own against those on offer from Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu, and Mazda – as well as Australia's current best-selling vehicle, the Ford Ranger. Many of which are considerably more expensive than the Mitsubishi. But new competition from Chinese manufacturers means buyers now have far more options when it comes to dual-cab utes for less money. We spent some time in the all-new 2024 Mitsubishi Triton GLX 4x4 – the entry-level variant in the range – to see if the ute still has a stake to claim in the increasingly competitive segment.
The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton range kicks off with the GLX, but those not needing off-road capability can pick up a rear-wheel-drive variant for $43,990 drive-away at the time of writing. Today, though, we're in the four-wheel-drive Triton GLX, which is priced from $50,990 drive-away, which gets Easy Select 4WD (read: buttons for selecting two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive), all-terrain tyres, a 9.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with 360-degree cameras, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, front and rear parking sensors, auto headlights, auto wipers, and heavy-duty rear suspension. The Triton GLX 4x4 is available in white, silver or grey. For $52,990 drive-away, buyers can get the Triton GLX+, which adds a rear differential lock, a 7.0-inch digital instrument screen, side steps, alloy wheels, highway terrain tyres, and the addition of red, blue or black paint options. A recent addition to the line-up is the Triton GLX-R, which adds black 18-inch alloy wheels from the GSR on highway tyres, a black sports bar, leather steering wheel, and Super Select II four-wheel-drive, but loses the side steps. Pricing for the GLX-R wasn't available at the time of writing, but is expected to slot in under the Triton GLS.

Step up to the Triton GLS – available for $60,990 drive-away – and you're getting Mitsubishi's trick Super Select 4WD-II system with different off-road modes, a wireless phone charger, chrome trim, and 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres. At the pointy end of the line-up is the Triton GSR, which gets a body-coloured grille, black exterior trim, black wheel arches, a sail-plane for the tub, leather interior, heated front seats, black 18-inch alloy wheels, and the addition of a striking orange paint job – all from $65,990 drive-away. All variants of the Mitsubishi Triton are powered by a 2.4-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine developing 150kW and 470Nm mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. A manual gearbox is expected to be introduced on some models in the future. As mentioned, there is no shortage of ute options at the price point of the Triton GLX we're reviewing here – the $50,000–$55,000 range. For less than $50,000, there are now a handful of Chinese utes tempting buyers with a long list of standard features – and not to forget the KGM SsangYong Musso from South Korea, which won the Best Dual-Cab Ute under $50K category in the 2024 Drive Car of the Year awards. However, while some are willing to try out new brands, in this instance we believe many potential Triton buyers would be cross-shopping other Thai-built utes from established brands – specifically the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, and the Nissan Navara. Looking at dual-cab models with four-wheel drive, the Ford Ranger XL is priced from $50,880, the Toyota HiLux Workmate from $50,420, and the Nissan Navara SL from $47,850 – all before on-road costs. While this isn't a proper comparison between the three models, it's worth noting they all have their strengths and weaknesses. The Triton is the newest ute on the market at the time of writing, with the Ranger not far behind it – and the HiLux and Navara both nearing the end of their life cycles, with new-generation models just over the horizon.

The 2024 Mitsubishi Triton GLX is 5320mm long, 1865mm wide, and 1795mm high, with a wheelbase of 3130mm and ground clearance of 228mm. With a kerb weight of 2117kg and a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 3200kg, this gives the Triton a healthy payload capacity of 1083kg. The tub itself is 1555mm long, 1545mm wide, and 525mm high, with 1135mm of flat space between the rear wheel arches. But the numbers only tell one part of the story. The tub is deep and secure, but still accessible from the rear and sides – with the action of the tailgate making it easy to open or close. The interior of the new Triton is a big step up over the previous generation, with a nice amount of space inside and ergonomics allowing the driver to find their perfect position – a feeling of being enveloped by the dash, console, and door, without being cramped or compromising the view outside. It's easy to debate the objective pros and cons of each of its competitors, but subjectively, both the Ranger and HiLux have a lot of the niceties stripped out of the cabin at this price level – while the Navara feels a bit old in terms of design and in the way it drives.

Though none of those things are a consideration for a fleet buyer, the cabin of the Triton doesn't remind you that you bought the entry-level variant each time you step into it, whereas the others almost feel like you're being punished with the cheapness of their interiors. Which is another way of saying the Triton's interior is excellent, despite it being the entry-level GLX. The combination of materials and design makes it a very pleasant place to be – almost one you want to show off to passengers, instead of having a thin, underlying sense of shame whenever you're ferrying your friends or colleagues around. I'm a big fan of the steering wheel design and its button placement, but the perforations on the steering wheel did feel as if they would collect dirt and grime over time. I normally hate steering wheel covers, but it's something I'd seriously consider to ensure the wheel remains nice. Comfort is also a big tick for the Triton GLX. The seats are soft yet supportive, with the driver getting powered lumbar support to help with those longer journeys, while the rear seats provide enough space for adults to be comfortable. However, I suspect Mitsubishi doesn't have many engineers on its staff with the silhouette of Peter Griffin from Family Guy, given the concerning crack from the outside thigh bolster of the driver's seat every time I rolled myself out of the car. It could be nothing to worry about, but I did wonder whether that part of the seat would maintain its shape over the long term.

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