There have been a lot of new improvements for the 2017 Mitsubishi Triton, in an attempt to keep it competitive in the very fast-moving and aggressive 4X4 ute segment. This builds atop the new MQ model Triton, which brings a new engine and gearbox to the Mitsubishi lineup, along with a lot of interior improvements. It’s still a keenly-priced unit, appealing to the reasonable side of Australian ute buyers.
We’ve been driving one around now for a week, and have put a full review together for the next issue of Unsealed 4X4, our sister publication. Before that comes out, we thought we would give you a bit of a sneak peek at the new 2017 Mitsubishi Triton GLS.
Engine
Mitsubishi debuted a new engine with the MQ Triton, putting the long-serving 2.5 litre 4D56 diesel donk to pasture. The new diesel has ‘Mivec’ which is Mitsubishi’s version of variable valve timing. Interestingly, this is one of the first diesel passenger engines to use variable valve timing.
Despite being slightly smaller, Mitsubishi’s new 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine uses better technology to produce better torque and power figures, along with better fuel economy and emissions figures. Where the old donk made 131kW @ 4,000rpm and 350Nm(auto gearbox) or 400Nm(manual gearbox) @ 2,000rpm, the new engine makes 133kW @ 3,500rpm and 430Nm @ 2,500rpm.
So, there is slightly more power available at lower revs, and a significant amount more torque available at 500 high rpm. There’s a significant saving in fuel at the same time, with around 1.5 l/100km gained with the new engine.
The gearbox
The new 2017 Mitsubishi Triton gets a new six-speed manual, or a five-speed automatic gearbox that is carried over from the Pajero. Choosing the automatic doesn’t come with the hefty 50Nm penalty anymore, which makes choosing a better box a closer race. But for us, we’d still choose the manual gearbox mostly because of that extra gear ratio.
The driveline on the Triton range (all bar the bottom GLX spec) also get the Mitubishi Super Select II setup, which is unique to Mitsubishi. Most four-wheel-drive systems drive only the rear wheels when on the road; low-traction surfaces allow 4X4 to be selected (to avoid windup). Full-time 4WDs use a centre differential that allows all four wheels to drive on-road, then locking the centre diff allows for actual 4X4 performance.
The Mitsubishi Super Select II has both options available: you can choose to run 2WD or 4WD on the road, with the ability to then lock the centre differential for technical off-roading. You also have a low-range transfer case, which is used with the centre diff locked.
Pricing and Specification
The Triton sits quite firmly and popularly at the lower end of the ute price spectrum. The cheapest 4X4 model is a single-cab GLX, which has an RRP of $32,500. Our choice would probably be the GLX+ model dual cab, which includes a small amount of add-ons for a still attractive $37,000.
What we’ve reviewed is the next step up the ladder: a GLS worth $44,000 (or $41,500 with a manual gearbox). If you’re keen on all of the specs, you’ll be looking at the Exceed model for $48,000.
Don’t forget to check out the next issue of Unsealed 4X4 to check out the full review.
| 2017 Mitsubishi Triton Pricing |
MT | AT | |
| GLX | Single Cab 4×2 petrol | $22,300 | – |
| Single Cab 4×2 diesel | $25,800 | $28,300 | |
| Single Cab 4×4 | $32,500 | $35,000 | |
| Club Cab 4×4 | $35,300 | $37,800 | |
| Double Cab 4×2 | – | $36,000 | |
| Double Cab 4×4 | $37,000 | $39,500 | |
| Double Cab 4×4 Cab Chassis | $36,250 | $38,750 | |
| GLX+ | Club Cab 4×4 | – | $38,500 |
| Double Cab 4×4 | $37,000 | $39,500 | |
| GLS | Double Cab 4×4 | $41,500 | $44,000 |
| Exceed | Double Cab 4×4 | – | $48,000 |
2017 TRITON KEY CHANGES
- Speed sensing auto door lock
- Crash detection door unlocking
- Driver’s seat back pocket (Club and Double Cab models)
GLX:
- New variant: Club Cab Chassis with automatic transmission
- Reversing camera (Double Cab Pick Up models)
- Rear step bumper
- 245/70R16 111S RF All-Terrain tyres (4×4 models)
- AM/FM CD display audio with 6.1-inch colour touch screen
- New shape key fob
GLX+ (in addition to GLX changes):
- New variant: Club Cab Pick Up with automatic transmission
- Auto air-conditioning
- Piano black instrument panel trim
- Bright chrome interior door handles
- Standard suspension
GLS
- Smartphone link Display Audio (SDA) with 2 USB outlets and HDMI port
- Dark chrome front grille and headlamp garnish
- Platform-style sidesteps
- 4-spoke leather steering wheel design
- Improved instrument cluster graphics
Exceed (in addition to GLS changes):
- Electro chromatic rear view mirror
- Heated front seats
