Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium Overview
Mitsubishi updated their Triton in late 2108 with a revised look and overall improvements. In the never ending game of leap frog, the last 2015 model was starting to show its age a little.
Triton has long been a favourite of ours and has proven its robustness and reliability over and over again.
We are testing the top spec GLS Premium 4WD Dual Cab model here.
Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium Exterior
Triton has gone tough. The front bonnet and grill has undergone a complete transformation from a soft sleek appearance to a tall bonnet and bold grill. Somewhat similar to the new Hilux, it is angular, with lower fog lights and takes some getting used to.
In the design there is practicality though as the high positioning at 700mm, of the headlamps and fog lamps makes them less vulnerable to damage when through water. The new Triton runs self-levelling LED headlights, DRLs and tail lights with Halogen fog lamps.
The sides and rear have also undergone a more subtle redesign that makes the overall appearance more appealing. The tub appears deeper, but will still utilise the accessories from the previous model, like canopies etc. The tub has 6 tie down pints as well as a liner and sports bar. It also has roof gutters, side steps, electronic folding exterior mirrors and a handy rear step. The GLS Premium runs on 18 x 7.5J Alloy rims with 265/60R18 110H tyres.
Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium Interior
While the interior has the familiar feel of the previous Triton, there are subtle improvements that give a more luxurious ambiance.
Features such as padded arm rests, double detail stitching on the seats and gear lever, console bin etc. as well as a monotone softer colour scheme. You would have to sit in each back to back to pick the detail differences, but the new model feels more upmarket.
Front seats are comfortable, if a little snug for larger framed occupants. While the driver’s seat is electrically adjustable, there is no additional lumbar adjustment. Steering wheel is both height and reach adjustable and frames the instrument binnacle perfectly. There is the usual control on the wheel spokes, all easy to understand and use. The paddle shift lever are useless.
A refreshed instrument binnacle sees twin large dials with a MFD between. Clean and clear, the MFD displays a small range of information. One thing I didn’t like was that it didn’t display the exact speed on cruise control, which I like as I drive so much on it. Thankfully it wasn’t adaptive.
Centre console bin is adequate, with twin cup holders in front. In front of the transmission lever is a small storage tray, but twin USB and a HDMI input as well as 12V. Next to them are buttons for the heated front seats, and above rear diff lock, BSM and the AC functions. This is topped off by the 7 inch touch screen Smartphone link Display Audio (SDA)
Rear seats, with their slight recline due to the curved body ‘J’ design and sculptured base are more comfortable than many competitors. There is good head room, but the shoulder support of the seats is a little low for taller passengers. The redesigned rear air vents that now come from the roof are a novel idea. Like all dual cab Utes, room is restricted but the Trion feels roomy inside for the rear passengers.
Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium Features
Triton GLS Premium, as you would expect has most of the goodies, some already mentioned. In addition there is Digital Audio Broadcast (DAB), a six speaker audio system, Android Auto and Apple Car Play, Bluetooth connectivity, electro chromatic rear view mirror, reversing camera, Multi around Monitor (MAM), front and rear parking sensors, dual zone air-conditioning, one touch start with smart key, dusk sensing headlights, automatic high beam and rain-sensing automatic intermittent wipers,
One thing I really dislike is Mitsubishi’s insistence on using your smart phones navigation system. This is all well and good where there is reception, but these cars are designed to go far from civilisation, where there is no reception, therefore no navigation system.
Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium Engine and Drivetrain
The Triton GLS Premium retains the 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine. It achieves 133kW of power at 3500 rpm and 430Nm peak torque at 2500 rpm. Importantly though is that the majority of that torque comes in at around 1500 rpm and another hit at 1750rpm and the delivery makes for relaxed and economical driving. The engine is now much quieter however still allows the comforting diesel sound to alert the senses.
The GLS Premium delivers this power and torque to the wheels through a new 6-speed A/T which uses a taller 6th gear and ratio optimisation to lower engine speed at higher vehicle speeds for improved quietness Fuel economy is average at around 7.5L/100k on the freeway and 11L/100k around the city in the real world. The ADR combined figure is 8.6L/100k.
Another key feature is the throttle response, it’s excellent! This was evident on the sand of Stockton beach, around the farm, while towing and on forest trails and even around the city.
Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium Driving Experience and 4WD Capability
Let’s turn our attention to off road. The triton has always been a great performer off road, being robust, honest and reliable. We have had the opportunity in the past to test the Triton at length over all manner of conditions. The new Triton loses none of the ability.
With an improved Super Select 4WD-II, in particular, Triton delivers traction ideally matched to different road surfaces and combines this with outstanding handling characteristics. And the addition of the new Off-Road Mode raises the suitability even further. Triton boasts impressive all-terrain performance for a 4WD Ute.
On road the Triton retains the revised suspension set up from the last update and provides a good balance between load carrying and passenger comfort. You know you are driving a Ute, but it’s better than a lot of others.
The Triton has a direct feel to the steering and the combination of low torque delivery and direct steering means that it is responsive to driver inputs. The manoeuvrability of the triton off road in enhanced by the tight turning circle of 11.8m and a lock to lock ratio of only 3.8 turns provides benefits off road.
Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium Dimensions and Capacity
The GLS Premium has an
- overall length of 5409mm,
- wheelbase of 3000mm,
- width of 1815mm and
- Height of 1795mm.
- Unladen ground clearance is 220mm
- Approach angle is 27.5 degrees, rampover is 25 degrees and departure angle is 23 degrees.
- Wading depth is 700mm
- Turning circle is 11.8m, lock to lock is
- GVM of 2900kg, GCM of 5885kg,
- Kerb mass of 2040kg and Payload of 858kg.
- Fuel tank is 75L
- Towing capacity is 3100kg and tow ball rating is up to 310kg depending on reduction in GVM.
Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium Safety
Safety is a feature with the Triton achieving an official 5-star ANCAP safety rating. Triton’s safety is underpinned by Mitsubishi’s proven RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body technology, which is used across all three body styles.
The new Triton comes with an upgraded active safety system specification that includes:
- Forward Collision Mitigation (FCM):
- Blind Spot Warning (with Lane Change Assist): Supports safe vehicle operation by helping the driver avoid sideswiping another vehicle when changing lanes.
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA):
- Ultrasonic msacceleration Mitigation System (UMS):
The new Triton GLS Premium is fitted with a Multi-Around Monitor and Parking Sensors that assist the driver in tight manoeuvres or when parking.
Passive safety features including driver and front passenger SRS airbags, side and curtain airbags and driver’s knee airbag, while seat belts are fitted with pre-tensioners and force limiters.
Active safety features – ASC – Active Stability Control (ASC), Traction Control System (TCS), Trailer Stability Assist (TSA), integrated within ASC and TCS – Hill Start Assist (HSA), Emergency Stop Signal function (ESS), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist System (EBA), ISO-Fix child seat mountings and brake override system to prevent accidental acceleration.
Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium Summary
The revised Triton continues the tradition of a robust, reliable 4WD Ute. The new design is definitely different to the previous model and many people that have seen it like it. It makes a bold statement.
With improved interior ambiance Triton also moves slightly upmarket. It strong point has always been excellent value for money, will that continue.
It remains a strong contender in the recreational 4WD Ute segment for buyers.
Also Look At
What’s Good:
- 4WD ability
- Internal Comfort
- Robustness
What’s Not so Good:
- Slightly low towing capacity
- Smart phone navigation only
- Prefer the 8 speed AT from Pajero Sport
Model: Triton GLS Premium 4WD Dual Cab Ute
- Model Price: $51,990 MLP*
- Engine: 2.4L DT-D 4Cyl
- Drivetrain: 4WD 6 speed Auto
- Power: 133 kW @ 3,500 rpm
- Torque: 430 Nm @ 2,500 rpm
- Safety: 5 Star ANCAP
- CO2 Emissions: 225 g/km
- Economy ADR: 8.6 L/100km
- Tow Capacity: Max 3100 kg
- Tow Ball Rating: 310 kg
- Servicing: Capped Price
- Warranty: 7yr/ 150,000 km with 1 Yr roadside assist
Overall Rating 81/100
- Behind the Wheel 8
- Comfort 9
- Equipment 9
- Performance 9
- Ride & Handling 9
- Practicality 9
- Fit for Purpose 9
- Towing Ability 9
- Off Road Ability 10
- Value for Money 9
2019 Mitsubishi Triton GLS Premium 4WD Dual Cab Ute Review
Summary
The revised Mitsubishi Triton continues the tradition of a robust, reliable 4WD Ute. The new design is definitely different to the previous model and many people that have seen it like it. It makes a bold statement.
