New Year, new truck
With the New Year comes Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation turning a new leaf, particularly for its pickup truck badge. Aside from just simply changing the name of “Strada” to the more globally-recognized “Triton,” the sixth-generation workhorse from the Japanese marque brings to the table a new and tougher look, a stronger body frame, more advanced technologies and far superior overall performance.
After the all-new Mitsubishi Triton’s global launch at the Japan Mobility Show in October last year, we were able to personally take the pickup for a spin inside the company’s R&D Center in Nagoya and more recently along the slopes of Antipolo, Rizal.
For the Triton’s official launch this January 2024, Mitsubishi is introducing seven variants for the local market. The Triton lineup consists of the GL 4×2 MT, GL 4×4 MT, GLX 4×2 MT, GLX 4×4 MT, GLX 4×2 AT, GLS 4×2 AT, with the Athlete 4×4 AT as its top-tier.
The biggest upgrade, particularly for this newest workhorse, is its newly-designed ladder frame, delivering superb performance and durability like we’ve never seen before. An exceptional 60-percent increase in torsional rigidity promises far-enhanced stability and longer-lasting strength.
Outside, the sixth-generation Triton is distinguished by its more robust and wider front fascia. This alone already makes it ooze with manly appeal. The front grille is complemented by split headlights and the right mix of lines and sharp curves that bring out its iconic Dynamic Shield design.
For the top-tier Athlete, the grille comes with a body-colored look defined by black accents. On its sides are more pronounced sculpted lines above the wheel fenders. The same kind of machismo spills over at the rear with larger LED tail lights that highlight its overall rear design layout.
Inside, the cabin offers advanced technologies and a slew of fresh design cues and accents. For one, a new analog instrument cluster is paired with a new digital multi-information display. Front and center is a nine-inch touchscreen with integrated audio system. A redesigned steering wheel and a fresh take on the glove compartment design even up the ante.
Under the hood is a 2.4-liter 4N16 four-cylinder turbodiesel engine. The range-topping Triton Athlete flexes with an impressive 201 hp and 470N-m of torque. While, for the mid and lower variants, their power mills produce 181 hp and 430 N-m of torque. These engines are then mated to a six-speed tranny with the 4×4 variants enjoying Mitsubishi’s advanced Super Select 4WD-II system, featuring an active brake-controlled Limited Slip Differential (LSD) to keep it in control when going off-road.
Suspension-wise, a new double-wishbone front setup and a lighter leaf spring arrangement at the rear are introduced. Moreover, models equipped with the Super Select 4WD-II system get an Active Yaw Control (AYC) feature and several drive modes, that include Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock modes.
Technology-wise, the vehicle is equipped with comfort and convenience features, not to mention driving aids that help make driving such as cinch. GL models are equipped with 2DIN integrated audio systems with Bluetooth and USB connectivity. While the GLX variants feature an eight-inch touchscreen system with Bluetooth, and USB, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. All GLX models are equipped with single-zone automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, and keyless entry. Top-tier variants, GLS and Athlete, get a larger nine-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, cruise control, push-start button, forward collision mitigation, and a blind spot detection system.
The Athlete, meantime, is the sole variant to get front and rear parking sensors and a lane departure warning system. On top of this, it also gets Advanced Driver Assist System or ADAS, which enables adaptive cruise control features. It also has lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic high beam, lane-change assist, rear-cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring and hill-start assist, just to name a few.
This all-new Mitsubishi Triton ranges from P1,134,000 to P1,909,000.
