That styling’s an absolute winner.
Mitsubishi has unveiled what is undoubtedly one of its most important new models, featuring a heavy redesign that will most definitely help maintain the momentum of its popularity for a long time more. The 2019 Mitsubishi Triton has just had its big debut in Thailand (where it’s made), and there’s so much new with this ute that we’d best get right in.
The 2.4-litre variable-geometry MIVEC turbodiesel donk appears to have had a minor going-over, so it now produces 133kW and 420Nm. Power continues to go to all-four wheels (with higher-grade models benefitting from shift-on-the-fly AWD control), though there’s now a new 6-speed automatic joining the carry-over 6-speed manual. The Super Select AWD now gets a 4H setting that splits power 60/40 front/rear, as well as a 4HLc mode that locks the diff, and a 4LLc that does all of that but in low-range.
There’s also a new ‘Off Road’ mode that just lets you go off-road, regardless the terrain. Triton will figure it out for you. And when you’re not off-roading, you’ll benefit from the new start-stop system that helps conserve fuel when at a standstill.
The facelift that’s gone into the 2019 Triton is a rather extensive one. The head & taillights have been changed (as expected), but the face now integrates the ‘Dynamic Shield’ aesthetic that Mitsubishis proudly wear, which has necessitated a higher bonnet line and a new front bumper. There are also more flared wheelarches, a prominent crease running from the headlights to the taillights (with only a small break in the middle), while the taillights themselves feature the same ‘teardrop’ motif that first debuted in the Pajero Sport.
There are also things like new alloy wheels rounding off exterior changes.
Inside updates are slightly less revolutionary, consisting predominantly of improved material use, more metallic accents, and soft padding. There are new roof-mounted air-vents for the rear, a new LCD instrument cluster, keyless entry & go, and rear USB points. Higher-grade models also benefit from a 360º camera monitor, displayed on the same infotainment system as the current car.
One of the major updates of the new Triton comes on the smart safety front: The Triton now gets Autonomous Emergency Braking, which makes it the third ute in the class to offer it (the other two being the frighteningly more expensive Mercedes-Benz X-Class and the other, the segment-leading Ford Ranger). There’s also blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and pedal misoperation control (for when you accidentally hit the throttle); We’re used to this in passenger cars, not utes. So good on ya, Triton!
Now, the 2019 Mitsubishi Triton will only be launching here in January 2019, and we anticipate a great amount of fanfare around it. It’s always been the second runner-up in the eternal battle of the utes, leaving pole position to either the Ford Ranger or the Toyota Hilux. Prices for the new Triton haven’t yet been released, but we anticipate that it’ll continue its strong-value proposition as the outgoing model did (to great success).
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