Meet the new Mitsubishi Triton, which debuts with a “beefed-up” body and more power than its predecessor. Let’s take a closer look at this boldly styled new-gen bakkie…

The wraps have finally come off the new Mitsubishi Triton bakkie, which debuts with bold styling and extra power in its renewed bid to take on the likes of the Toyota Hilux,Ford RangerandIsuzu D-Max.

Revealed in Thailand, the 6th-generation Triton – which is known as the L200 in some markets – seems likely to launch in South Africa at some point in 2024.

Mitsubishi bills the newcomer as a “global strategic vehicle”. We expect the next-generation Nissan Navara to be closely related to this model considering the 2 brands are part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.

According to the Japanese automaker, “all elements” of the Triton have been “completely reimagined”, from the interior and exterior design to the chassis, ladder frame and powertrain. The new bakkie measures 5320 mm (+15 mm) long and 1865 mm (+50 mm) wide, while the wheelbase has been stretched 130 mm to 3130 mm. The load-bay length is 35 mm up on that of the preceding model (at 1555 mm), with the braked towing capacity of top-spec models rated at 3500 kg (an increase of 400 kg).

Yes, the fresh-faced bakkie features what Mitsubishi describes as a “beefed-up body size” compared to its forebear, built on a “newly developed” ladder-frame platform and powered by a likewise “newly developed” engine set to be offered with a higher output and “improved environmental performance”.

The new Triton will be offered in the 3 traditional body styles (depending on the market, of course): double cab, club cab and single cab. Mitsubishi says the new ladder-frame chassis boasts a 65% greater cross-sectional area than that of the previous model, achieving a bending rigidity increase of 40% and a torsional rigidity increase of 60%.

New Mitsubishi Triton’s powertrain options

As a reminder, the outgoing Triton employs a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine that generates 133 kW and 430 Nm. Though it shares this displacement, the Japanese firm says the “4N16” motor in the latest model is “newly developed”.

A trio of tunes will be available (again, likely depending on the market), with the high-output version featuring twin turbochargers and offering peaks of 150 kW and 470 Nm (the latter from just 1 500 r/min). Mitsubishi also plans to offer versions of this engine with a 135 kW/430 Nm configuration and a 110 kW/330 Nm tune.

What about gearboxes? Well, the 6-speed automatic transmission (complete with a “sport” mode) is carried over from the previous model, while a 6-speed manual cog-swapper (with a shift-by-wire set-up) will also be available.

The new Triton continues to use Mitsubishi’s so-called “Super Select 4WD-II” and “Easy Select 4WD” systems. That means it’s equipped with a centre torque-sensing limited-slip differential capable of distributing driving force at a ratio of 40:60, front to rear. Drivers will have the option of selecting 2H, 4H, 4HLc or 4LLc, while as many as 7 drive modes will be on offer.

Mitsubishi Triton adopts bold new styling

The new Triton features the latest interpretation of Mitsubishi’s “Dynamic Shield” design philosophy, dominated by daytime running lights featuring 3 L-shaped LED elements (apparently resembling the “sharp gaze of a hawk”). The 3-piece headlights are positioned right below these.

Round back, you’ll find T-shaped taillights and even a rear spoiler designed to “improve aerodynamics”. Mitsubishi claims the door handles are “bigger and easier to grip” than before, while the wider side steps are said to feature improved water drainage.

On bakkies boasting the highest trim level, the grille is finished in the same colour as the body, while the side-mirror caps, front-end garnish, exterior door handles and front bumper are black. The underside of the front and rear bumpers, meanwhile, come in a dark titanium hue. There’s also a black finish for the styling bar, roof rails, over fenders and cargo bed.

The load-bed height has been lowered by 45 mm to 820 mm, while the upper surface area of the bumper corner has been enlarged and reinforced with a frame, allowing it to be used as a step. Mitsubishi has yet to release payload and towing-capacity figures.

A closer look at the new Mitsubishi Triton’s cabin

Inside, the new Triton makes use of numerous geometric shapes and metallic elements. The centre console has a cup holder able to accommodate 2 “large” cups, while the console box can swallow 4 (600 ml) plastic bottles. The instrument panel and centre console feature USB A and C sockets for charging devices; in addition, a wireless charger is sited at the bottom of the centre part of the instrument panel. The infotainment screen measures 9.0 inches in diameter.

Mitsubishi claims the front seats have been redesigned to “reduce driver fatigue”, while the hip point has been moved 20 mm up in a bid to improve visibility. Furthermore, ingress and egress have ostensibly been made easier thanks to a more vertical A-pillar design (in turn allowing wider door openings).

Serial spanner wielders will be glad to hear the location of the engine’s drain bolt has been changed to enable oil to be replaced without having to remove and replace the under-body cover. In addition, the service hole size has been increased to enable garage jacks to be used without an attachment.

“As a pick-up truck that fits for a new era, we have developed the all-new Triton with even more Mitsubishi Motors-ness,” said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer at Mitsubishi Motors. “The key features of the all-new Triton were exclusively developed by Mitsubishi Motors, including a robust ladder frame and body, tough chassis, powerful and driver-friendly engine and 4WD system that achieves excellent road handling and stability.

“The all-new Triton is an extremely important model that will provide foundational support for Mitsubishi Motors, as well as the first global strategic vehicle to be rolled out at the start of our growth phase,” Kato added.

The outgoing Triton has been somewhat under-appreciated by South African bakkie buyers, with just 380 units (or an average of around 63 units a month) sold locally in the first half of 2023. That saw the Japanese bakkie miss out on a spot on the list ofSouth Africa’s 10 best-selling bakkies in H1 2023. It’ll be interesting to see how the new Triton performs once it touches down on local soil.

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