Tougher Triton

Bolder Looks and Added Safety Tech Herald in the 2019 Triton.

- Matt Raudonikis

MITSUBISHI has ditched what it described as a ‘sporty design’ for the Triton mid-size ute and opted for what it calls a tougher-looking truck for 2019.

In fact, the word ‘tough’ was used a lot at the launch on the Triton in Thailand, as Mitsubishi rolled out what it believes is more akin to what ute buyers want.

To achieve this look the company has given the Triton a thorough reskin from front to back. The passenger cabin remains the same, but all the exterior metal has been replaced with a bolder, boxier design. They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so we’ll leave that to you to interpret, but we think the new look is a huge step up from the previous model and it should appeal to more buyers.

The Triton holds a solid third place in the new-4x4 sales race in Australia for 2018, only trailing the juggernauts, Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

Mitsubishi can credit its sales to heavy discounting and great drive-away deals that have always made the Triton a good value-for-money proposition for both private and fleet buyers, but don’t think this is a cheap, stripped-out vehicle. Like most Mitsubishi products, the Triton is well-appointed, drives well and has a quality feel about it. Its smaller dimensions than many other utes in this class is also a reason buyers have chosen it ahead of the bigger offerings.

The 2019 Triton retains these traits, including the dimensions and capacities. In fact, underneath that new metal skin it is business as usual, with the same chassis, live leaf spring rear axle and independent coil springs up front. The suspension benefits from larger diameter rear shock absorbers and revised spring settings all around.