Mitsubishi's Rugged New Triton Pickup Provides a Glimpse of Old-School Trucks

Mitsubishi recently unveiled a new generation of the Triton, their midsize truck sold overseas. While it won't come to America, the Triton's back-to-basics formula reminds us of how trucks used to be.

Overview of the All-New Mitsubishi Triton

The Triton enters a new generation for 2023, bringing significant updates:

New exterior styling with a rugged, squared-off design
Revised interior with increased technology and functionality
Improved chassis with gains in rigidity and suspension upgrades
New diesel engine options with power bumps and increased torque
Available dual cab, extended cab, and single cab configurations

This overhaul modernizes the Triton while staying true to its workhorse truck roots. Sadly it won't reach the US market where demand for old-school trucks has dwindled.

Turbodiesel Power and Manual Transmission Options

In an era where gas V6 engines reign supreme in America, Mitsubishi sticks with small diesel power in the Triton. Two turbodiesel options are offered:

2.4L 4-Cylinder

Available in three states of tune:
148 horsepower/243 lb-ft torque (base)
181 horsepower/317 lb-ft torque (mid-level)
201 horsepower/347 lb-ft torque (top level)

Six-Speed Manual Transmission

Lower two engines can be paired with a six-speed manual
Adds driver engagement over the automatic

Power and Efficiency

Strong torque at low RPMs benefits work tasks
Turbodiesels provide greater fuel efficiency

The Triton brings a welcome diesel engine choice with available manual for maximum control.

A Proven Old-School Powertrain Formula

With its optional manual transmission and stout turbodiesel lineup, the Triton sticks to a proven truck formula even as the industry moves on.

Rugged Body-on-Frame Construction

In an era where car-like unibody designs dominate, Mitsubishi retains a rugged body-on-frame setup for the Triton:

Fully-boxed ladder frame
Significantly more rigid than previous Triton generations
Provides durable foundation for work tasks

Leaf Spring Rear Suspension

Tough leaf springs support the rear end
Tuned for capability over comfort

Unequal Length Front Control Arms

Unequal control arms manage front suspension
Provide better steering feel than basic straight arms

The body-on-frame construction and leaf spring rear end offer truck fundamentals over refinement. This maximizes ruggedness.

Prioritizing Ruggedness and Utility

With its focus on a rigid ladder frame and heavy-duty suspension, the Triton cuts no corners when it comes to durability and capability.

Two-Speed Transfer Case Enhances 4WD Abilities

One area where Mitsubishi packed the new Triton with hardware is its four-wheel drive system. It has serious off-road equipment:

Easy Shifting Between 2WD and 4WD

User-friendly 2H (2WD) and 4H (4WD) modes
Allows shifting on the fly based on conditions

Two-Speed Transfer Case

Provides low range gearing for severe off-roading
Maximizes traction in mud, rocks, and inclines

Center Limited Slip Differential

Sends 60% of torque rearward and 40% front
Enhances grip both on- and off-road

With available four-wheel drive, a dual-range transfer case, rear bias, and limited slip differential, the Triton has legit overlanding credentials.

Serious Hardware for Conquering the Rough Stuff

Between the two-speed transfer case, rear bias, and differential lock functionality, Triton buyers can take on serious off-road terrain.

New Terrain Modes Enhance Off-Road Prowess

Expanding on its rugged four-wheel drive hardware, the new Mitsubishi Triton augments off-road prowess with expanded terrain modes:

Gravel Mode

Allows additional wheel slip to power through loose gravel
Ideal for driving on unpaved backroads

Mud/Snow Mode

Optimizes throttle and traction systems for slick surfaces
Great for sloppy trails or snowy roads

Sand Mode

Prevents build up of sand inside wheel housings
Critical for desert and beach driving

Rock Mode

Engineered to keep momentum over rocky obstacles
Maximizes low-speed rock crawling capabilities

The Triton's modes fine tune its four-wheel drive abilities for specific off-road tasks.

Expanded Terrain Modes Let Owners customize 4WD Performance

Whether tackling mud, snow, gravel or rocks, the Triton's driving modes ensure owners get the most from its four-wheel drive system across conditions.

Updated Interior Stays True to Truck Roots

Mitsubishi gave the Triton a much-needed interior makeover. But despite increased modernization, the cabin retains a functional truck focus:

Simplistic Layout

Straightforward three-dial climate control unit
Easy to use buttons and knobs

Touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

8-inch center touchscreen is a welcome upgrade
But still flanked by plenty of physical buttons

Glove-Friendly Controls

Large buttons designed for easy operation with gloves
Important for working truck drivers

The balance of increased technology and simple ergonomics caters well to Triton owners who rely on their truck for work.

An Interior Geared Around Usability

The interior upgrades bring welcomed modernization but the simplistic focus on controls remains ideal for a workhorse pickup truck.

Single, Extended, and Crew Cab Choices

Unlike the American midsize truck market which has condensed to solely crew cab models, Mitsubishi still offers the Triton in three cab configurations:

Single Cab

Two door, two passenger capacity
Ideal for commercial/fleet use

Extended "Club" Cab

Rear doors but small back seat
Good compromise of space and value

Crew Cab

Full four door cab with spacious rear seat
Chosen by majority of retail consumers

This range of cab options allows buyers to choose based on needs and budget. Families and private owners gravitate toward the Crew Cab.

Cab Flexibility Caters to Different Buyers

With three cab styles on offer, Triton shoppers can find the ideal pickup to suit their specific needs whether work, play, or both.

Rugged, Truck-Based Exterior Design

Mitsubishi gave the Triton a exterior makeover fitting its heavy-duty capabilities. The square-edged design looks right at home on worksites:

Prominent front grille with large MITSUBISHI lettering
Flared fenders emphasize ready stance
Minimal styling elements for simplified repairs
Steel bumpers designed for accessory integration
LED headlights and fog lights for visibility

The Triton's styling visually communicates its rugged, back-to-basics truck virtues. Form follows function.

A No-Frills Exterior Matching the Triton's Workhorse Focus

With its boxy proportions and steel bumpers, the Triton's exterior styling visually reinforces this truck's role as a hard working tool first and foremost.

FAQs

Will the Triton be sold in the United States?

Currently Mitsubishi only plans to sell it overseas in Asian and Oceania markets.

What engine options are available?

There are three diesel options ranging from 148 to 201 horsepower. Two can be paired with a manual.

Does it come in different cab configurations?

Yes, the Triton is offered as a single, extended, and crew cab truck.

What is the towing and payload capacity?

Max towing is up to 6000 lbs. Payload is around 1200 lbs for most configurations.

Does it have modern tech features?

Yes, safety features and an 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration are available.

These questions and answers cover the key facts and highlights of Mitsubishi's back-to-basics Triton pickup.

Old-School Trucks Like the Triton are Rare Today

It's a rarity these days to find a new truck with the back-to-basics approach of the Mitsubishi Triton. Between the engine, transmission, frame, suspension and configurations, it harkens back to trucks of the 1990s and earlier.

The midsize truck segment in America once offered much more variability:

Four cylinder and V6 gas engines
Manual and automatic transmission options
Two- and four-wheel drive varieties
Single, extended, and crew cabs

But buyer tastes shifted decisively toward crew cab trucks with V6 power, automatics, and full four-wheel drive.

The Triton proves there is still global demand for the versatility and ruggedness of this old-school pickup formula. Budget-focused buyers and commercial fleets still appreciate the simplicity.

Global Markets Still Appreciate Old-School Trucks

For American buyers, the Triton may seem outdated compared to current midsize offerings. But globally, there remains appeal in its back-to-basics truck virtues.

Few Other Modern Trucks Stick to Old-School Tactics

Part of what makes the Triton unique today is how few automakers still build brand new trucks with its classic rugged approach. The industry has modernized rapidly.

Toyota Tacoma

One of the last small trucks with an optional manual transmission
But only offers crew cab and V6 engine options now

Nissan Frontier

Long-running old-school competitor to the Triton
Discontinued extended cab and manual transmission models

Ford Ranger

Returned to the US with a focus on modern crew cab models
No extended cab or diesel options

Visit a Mitsubishi overseas dealer for a new Triton if you want a back-to-basics truck experience like those from over 20 years ago. The industry has moved on.

Hard to Find Other New Trucks With Old-School Roots

Automakers have updated trucks to align with modern buyer expectations. The Triton stands out as a new truck that retains the rugged old formula.

Could Mitsubishi Bring a Triton-Like Truck to America?

This leads to an interesting question - could Mitsubishi find success bringing the Triton or a similar old-school truck back to the United States? There are arguments on both sides:

Cases For:

Nostalgia factor from former truck owners
Commercial buyers may appreciate simpler, cheaper workhorse
Outdoorsmen looking for serious off-road rig

Cases Against:

Outdated cab comfort and tech vs competitors
No V6 gas engine option
Diesel and manual unpopular with mainstream truck buyers

Possible Outcome

A niche buyer audience could exist. But sales volume likely wouldn't justify federalizing it.

Viable Segment But Low Volume Prospects

Mitsubishi could resonate with a subset of American buyers thanks to the Triton's rugged purity. But sales almost certainly wouldn't measure up to the Detroit trucks.

Mitsubishi is Evaluating the US Truck Market

While the Triton itself seems like an outside shot for America, recent reports indicate Mitsubishi is evaluating introducing a truck model in the US market:

Company has hinted about US truck ambitions on and off for years
Recent product roadmap highlighted an electric pickup possibility
Mitsubishi still has truck engineering capabilities from the Triton
Return to lucrative US truck segment would aid brand's weak positioning

While the Triton itself probably can't cut it, a modernized and electrified truck tailored for the US could give Mitsubishi a fighter's chance.

The Right Competitive Truck Could Aid Brand's Fortunes in America

A properly equipped and targeted modern truck could help improve Mitsubishi's faded US brand image. But it would need to be reimagined from the Triton.

The Triton Marks a Fork in Global Pickup Philosophy

The very existence of the new Triton points to a fork in pickup truck engineering ideology between markets. America and Asia clearly see trucks differently now.

North America - Bigger, Pricier, Crew Cabs Dominate

Huge acceleration in crew cab sales
V6 gas engines over four cylinders
Focus on family/personal use over commercial

Asia/Oceania - Smaller, Cheaper, More Versatility

Commercial fleets still key buyer
Gas mileage and value priorities
More cab and drivetrain configurations

Each region tailors trucks to dominant needs. For Americans, trucks are now primarily lifestyle family vehicles. Elsewhere, rugged workhorses still prevail.

Regional Needs Dictate Truck Requirements

The contrast between the Triton and Detroit's modern crew cab pickups underscores how differently various markets use trucks in 2022 and beyond.

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