I headed to Lanseria in the northwest part of Johannesburg to join Mitsubishi at the national media launch of its new Thai-built Triton bakkie range. The newcomer sports a new engine and platform and has less polarising styling. Does it have what it takes to compete in an increasingly saturated market?
Related: Is a used Mitsubishi Triton a good car?
A history of great bakkies
Mitsubishi is among the best in the business when it comes to building robust and well-engineered bakkies and has sold 5.8 million models of this type globally since the brand brought out its first pick-up nearly 50 years ago! The first model was released in the late 70s and was badged the Forte, which was replaced by the second generation model in the mid-80s, where the iconic Colt badge first appeared locally. The third and most memorable variant of the brand's bakkie was the K50, K60 and K70 models, badged Colt, and sold between 1996 and 2005. These are still considered rock-solid bakkies within the local market and have a cult-like following.
It was in 2005 when things began to go wrong with the brand's bakkie from a local perspective, where the fourth-generation was renamed the Triton and sported what many consider ungainly styling despite being very robust and reliable. The outgoing fifth-generation model remedied some of the aesthetic grievances, but with increasingly strong competition, the Triton was often unfairly overlooked from a local perspective. Now, with the introduction of the new generation, the brand looks to secure more market share. I feel the reintroduction of the Colt nomenclature would have done wonders for the brand in the local market. Still, many brands have consolidated model naming structures globally, so there was likely not much chance that the Triton badge would make way for the aforementioned Colt naming convention.
Styling
As mentioned, the styling of the last two generations of the Triton has been contentious, so it is great to see the new model playing it a bit safer from a design perspective. The front end features the brand's so-called dynamic shield grille, large chrome (black in certain models) C-shaped inserts and slimline headlights, making it incredibly distinctive; however, the side profile and rear end are more generic. This should not be seen as a bad thing, with the overall design execution being more attractive, to this writer's eyes, than previous models.
Interior
The interior of the Triton is not class-leading, but it is functional. Despite the expected prevalence of hard plastics, it feels very well-built and has all key touchpoints nailed down. I enjoy using real buttons for various functions in the cabin, making the interior feel more utilitarian, but in a good way. The new model is bigger than its predecessor, with more rear occupant space and improved leg and headroom.
Drivetrain
The new model sports a newly-developed 4N16 DI-DC turbodiesel engine. The motor produces 135kW and 430Nm of torque, with a high-power 150kW/470Nm coming towards the end of 2025. The engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption figures hovered at approximately 9.0 L/100km at the event. The engine is reasonably refined for a diesel mill, notably quieter than offerings from Isuzu and Toyota, but not quite as refined as the Ford Ranger.
The new range includes a workhorse variant with an 81kW/200Nm 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine and a five-speed manual gearbox!
Driving impression
At the launch event, we drove 4x4 variants of the newcomer in Xtreme and GLS guise. The models feature the brand's Super Select II 4WD system, which has seven drive modes, including Gravel, Snow, Mud, and Rock. I was impressed with Triton's ability to tackle some of the heavier off-road obstacles we encountered. There's the option of 2H, 4H (which can be activated at speeds up to 100km/h), and 4HLc with a crawl function and pukka low-range in the form of 4LLc, allowing for the more intense obstacles to be taken on.
The brand allowed us to drive a mixed route, which included open road, low-speed, gravel and off-road trails during the relatively brief driving route. I found the Triton fairly agreeable on the road but noted that the ride feels firm in many situations, with the dreaded "bakkie bounce" rearing its head on imperfect surfaces.
Key figures
| Ground clearance | 228mm |
| Braked towing capacity | 3 500kg |
| Payload | 953kg (GLS) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 litres |
Model range
The range includes 11 derivatives, including 4x2 and 4x4 options with manual and automatic gearboxes and light commercial and lifestyle options. The base model GL 4WD manual gets 16-inch alloy steel wheels, black side steps, keyless entry, an 8.0-inch infotainment system with two speakers, manual air conditioning, a rear centre armrest, USB and accessory socket, and fabric seats.
Moving up to the GLS 2WD auto, it adds 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, a rear spoiler, front and rear LED fog lights and heated power folding mirrors. Inside, the GLS gets cruise control, a wireless charger, multiple USB charging outlets, six speakers, electric windows, an electrically adjustable driver seat, automatic air conditioning, a rear air circulator and leather seats. The GLS models have better safety features such as a rear-view camera, parking sensor, seven airbags, LED daytime running lights, and front rain-sensing wipers. The GLS 4WD manual and auto adds the Super Select II 4WD system, Active Yaw Control, seven drive modes, electronic off-road assistance, hill descent control, trailer stability assist and a rear diff lock.
There are also three South Africa-specific models, which start with the Triton Athlete, which is more of a road-bias variant and features model-specific decals, 17-inch black wheels, and a rubberised load bin. Edition 46m, which celebrates 46 years of Mitusibishi bakkies, is aimed at overlanding enthusiasts and features such as a nudge bar, black canopy, and a roof rack. The Xtreme Edition is a healthy mix of the Athlete and Edition 46 and gets 17-inch wheels with Dunlop AT5 tyres.
Verdict
The new Triton improves in key areas compared to its predecessor, with a better drive quality, an improved drivetrain, more palatable styling, and pricing that has remained largely unchanged. However, its key deterrents will be the unremarkable interior and slightly less powerful engine than key rivals.
Unfortunately for Mitsubishi, the Ford Ranger remains the best lifestyle double cab. With a new Hilux coming in 2026, the Triton will have ever more impressive competition, with the likes of Isuzu's D-Max, the Volkswagen Amarok, and Nissan Navara also offering good packages. On the plus side, the Triton can now comfortably be brought into the conversation when discussing buying your next lifestyle double cab, and that's a win for Mitsubishi.
Pricing*
Single-cab models
Triton Next-Gen 2.4 GL 4x2 Manual S/C – R479 990
Triton Next-Gen 2.4 GL 4x2 Manual S/C – R559 990
Double-cab models
Triton Next-Gen 2.4 GL 4x4 Manual D/C – R639 990
Triton Next-Gen 2.4 GLS 4x2 Auto D/C – R679 990
Triton Next-Gen 2.4 GLS 4x4 Manual D/C – R739 990
Triton Next-Gen 2.4 GLS 4x4 Auto D/C – R759 990
Triton Next-Gen 2.4 Xtreme 4x2 Auto D/C – R769 990
Triton Next-Gen 2.4 Athlete 4x2 Auto D/C – R779 990
Triton Next-Gen 2.4 Xtreme 4x4 Auto D/C – R849 990
Triton Next-Gen 2.4 Athlete 4x4 Auto D/C – R859 990
Triton Next-Gen 2.4 Edition 46 4x4 Auto D/C – R889 990
*Pricing includes a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty, a 5-year/90 000km service plan, and five years of unlimited mileage roadside assistance.
