New Mitsubishi Triton Reveals Aggressive Styling And Unbeatable Off-Road Manners

New Mitsubishi Triton Reveals Aggressive Styling And Unbeatable Off-Road Manners

Please, Mitsubishi, bring it to America!

Mitsubishi has unveiled the all-new Triton/L200, the Japanese automaker’s answer to the new Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok, which is not sold in the United States.

Here’s what you need to know. Powering the latest Triton is a newly-developed 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine available in three states of tune. The high-output model wades into battle with 201 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque, down on power compared to the outgoing Ranger’s gas-powered 2.3-liter engine. It makes up for this deficit with considerably more torque, though.

Customers can also choose between the standard specification, available with 181 hp/317 lb-ft, or a lesser-powered version with a paltry 150 hp /243 lb-ft. Depending on the chosen configuration, power is sent to the rear or all four wheels via a six-speed automatic or manual transmission.

The new Triton is more powerful than the outgoing model, but Mitsubishi says it’s lighter too, which should improve performance and gas mileage. Moreover, the new ladder frame boasts a 65% greater-cross sectional area than its predecessor, granting the latest generation a torsional rigidity increase of 60% and a rigidity increase of 40%.

The increased use of high-tensile steel contributes to greater road comfort (the old model was already blessed with a supple ride) and improved safety during a crash. With new rivals coming from all corners of the globe, Mitsubishi has had to up its game considerably. This means even the suspension has been completely redesigned.

A double wishbone system can be found up front. Mitsubishi has positioned the upper mounting arm higher than before to improve road-holding, while the rear benefits from a lighter leaf spring system with meatier shock absorbers.

The exterior styling is a drastic departure from the old Triton and brings the pickup into the modern era. The corporate Dynamic Shield has been applied to the front fascia, giving the truck a familial resemblance to models like the Outlander.

The Triton looks bolder than before, with a chiseled front end and squared-off wheel arches. The horizontal daytime running lamps (DRLs) above the main headlights feature three L-shaped LEDs “resembling a sharp gaze of a hawk.”

While the front end is distinctive, the rest of the design appears to be a mashup of the new Amarok, and we can see traces of Toyota Hilux, Mazda BT-50, and Isuzu D-Max in the rear. There’s not much one can do with a pickup truck shape, so we applaud the Japanese brand for adopting this daring front end.

Small details, such as the door handles, have been made larger, allowing occupants to grip them more easily.

Buyers can choose from various colors, including Yamabuki Orange Metallic and Blade Silver Metallic. Other hues, such as White Diamond, Solid White, Jet Black Mica, and Graphite Gray Metallic, will also be offered.

But what about the practical stuff? The cargo bed height has been lowered by 1.77 inches, making loading hefty items into the rear easier. The bumper corner has been enlarged and reinforced to serve as a step, which is a nice touch. Mitsubishi describes the cargo bed as “ample” sized. We expect more detailed figures to be released at a later date.

As for the interior, the dashboard and center console have seen multiple revisions. Cleaner and more user-friendly than before, the fascia utilizes a horizontal design ethos to promote greater ergonomic use while on the move. The automaker says it paid attention to the visibility of all controls and the instrument panels.

Everything, from the dials to the switches and infotainment touchscreen, can be operated while occupants wear gloves – another thoughtful touch.

All the amenities of modern motoring are present, including two large cupholders, USB ports, and a wireless charger. Also present are various safety features, including adaptive cruise control, blind-spot assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and a forward collision prevention system.

Sales of the new Triton have already commenced in truck-loving Thailand, and there are plans to expand to other markets in the coming months. Will the USA be one of them? There’s a strong possibility, as Mitsubishi USA executives have previously expressed a desire to bring the Triton to our market. It would inject some excitement into the lackluster brand – Americans have been falling out of love with Mitsubishi for some time now.

We’d love to see it in the USA, and wonder if it would eat into sales of the Ranger and Tacoma. Hopefully, we’ll get to find out.