A one good thing of serious competition is fact that if you want to stay in race you must constantly be in upgrading process. The same have to is reflected in automobile industry including increasingly popular pickup truck segment. There, a new and never better 2016 Mitsubishi Triton has been promoted. It comes in place of aging workhorse which however has proven itself as reliable and trusty machine. But if you want to stay even close to VW Amarok who placed benchmark for other similar vehicles you have to take radical changes. So is with new Triton who comes with improvements in almost all aspects.
It continues on same platform but there is array of other improvements including new diesel power plant, improved driving dynamics, a lot of new technology features and convenience, modernized styling and refined interior. If you make decision to own new Triton you will be in front of hard situation to pick between many available variants. This model will be available in three body styles and three trim grades including GLX, GLS, and top Exceed level. Another decision is related to two transmission options and two drive configurations.
2016 Mitsubishi Triton: Powertrains, Specs
On the performance front, the 2016 Mitsubishi Triton has introduced some notable and welcomed changes and the most important one is new diesel engine. A new engine comes in place of 2.5 liter old unit and brings slightly more power and significant boost of torque. A new engine is a 2.4 liter MIVEC four cylinder turbocharged diesel unit which delivers improved fuel efficiency, reduced vibrations and noise and significantly reduced emissions. This engine produces 178 HP (133KW) at 3,500 rpm and peak torque 430 Nm at 2,500 rpm which adds 80 Nm over the previous diesel unit. Engine is available over all trims with both two and four wheel drive and with a new six-speed manual transmission or an Aisin five-speed automatic sourced from the Pajero model. The engine performs well with either transmissions while automatic is certainly better pick. Another engine option for Triton is a 2.4 liter four-cylinder petrol which develops 126 HP (94 KW) at 5,250 rpm and peak torque 194 Nm at 4,000 rpm. This engine is installed in single cab on chassis GLX 2WD entry model and is paired with five-speed manual gearbox only. This engine is much thirstier solution with estimated 10.9 liters on 100 km (around 26 mpg) but it costs much less. This version with petrol engine features 1,300 kg of payload capacity and 1,800 kg towing capacity. In case of diesel powered models the fuel economy ranges from 7.0 liters per 100 km (around 40 mpg) on two wheel drive single cab models to 7.6 liters per 100 km ( 37 mpg) on four-wheel drive double cabs with automatic transmission. The max towing capacity for new Triton is 3,100 kg for four-wheel drive double cab models. As we mentioned two wheel drive models are available while GLX versions comes with 4WD Easy Select 4WD system handled via new selector that operates between three modes. On the other hand GLS and Exceed trims come with new Super Select II 4WD system which covers four modes and locked mode as well. On the Exceed models rear differential lock is also included.
New Triton is underpinned with revised suspension which seems to more effectively absorb bumps during off-road drive compared to outgoing model and it also features good stability and manners on road. This model also boasts the best turning radius in double cad class and therefore it is a quite nimble in city drive.
2016 Mitsubishi Triton: Styling, Interior
In terms of styling, the new 2016 Mitsubishi Triton will certainly attract people’s attention wherever it has been seen. Its styling isn’t as much dramatic as on some other rival models but it looks tough and modern. The model obviously evolves design of outgoing version and with some new flourishes it achieves a lot. Refreshed front side, squared-off rear end and some body line tweaks help this model to look more attractive and to gain on aerodynamics. The front side is unique with large chromed grille which gives this model distinctive look and nicely designed sharply angled headlights also contributes to new design. Profile side is characterized with sharp character line and sculpted surface above rocker panels with flared fenders are also welcomed details to improve its personality.
Stepping inside, some changes are evident and they were needed as well. The model hasn’t actually changed its dimensions and the wheelbase is the same in size but more space for passengers has been provided. The front seats are new and more supportive while rear row comfort benefits from better angled rear bench. What is important driving position has been improved and that was accomplished with revised mounting position and better seat. Interior is also quitter thanks to improved sound insulation but new engine also make less noise. It is also noticeable that more attention has been given to the quality of finishes and materials. However hard plastic areas are still present but overall cabin looks more refined. The Mitsubishi Link interface is intuitive and upgraded Bluetooth and USB functionally and two screen dimensions will be available.
Body styles, Trims
The new Triton features three body configurations and majority of variants are double cab models with five doors and seats for five. Single Cab models are another form of this vehicle and they come with two doors and with equal number of seats. One more variant is Club Cab which has two rear seats and small rear hinged doors. Cab on chassis models are also available. Model is also being sold in three trim levels including base GLX level, GLS and top Exceed versions. The base GLX models come with 16-inch wheels, halogen headlights, tilt and reaching adjustable steering wheel, manual air-conditioning system, multi information display, Bluetooth audio and phone streaming, 4WD models have side steps and Easy Select 4WD system. GLS models rides on 17-inch alloy wheels, and also adds HID headlights, fog lights, LED daytime running lights, sports bar, leather wrapped steering wheel, trim inserts, 6.1 inch touchscreen, sound system with six-speakers, dual zone climate control. Top Exceed trim expands offer with leather upholstery and trim inserts, automatic headlights, differential lock, power driver seat, 7-inch touch screen, etc. For the safety purposes all models have seven air bags, hill start assist, active stability and traction control, trail stability assist system, ABS, etc. Rear view camera is available from and after GLS trim.
2016 Mitsubishi Triton: Conclusion, Price
The 2016 Mitsubishi Triton isn’t certainly top offer in class but this model has made step forward in many aspects. It is more refined than ever before thanks to new interior and new powertrain. It has been officially on sale since May and its price varies from around $24,400 for base variants to $47,500 for Exceed model.