All-round capable car
Mitsubishi’s new pickup truck, the Triton, was introduced to the Japanese market for the first time in 13 years. We have test-driven the full-fledged off-roader, which uses a ladder frame, not only off-road but also on-road. We explore its all-round capability, which has won the author’s strong praise.
The excuse, “It’s a pickup,” was thrown out
In July 2023, Mitsubishi’s 1-tonne pickup truck, the Triton, was unveiled in Thailand, the country where it was produced. At that time, it was also announced that it would be launched in Japan, and it has just made its long-awaited arrival in Japan in February 2024. I have already reported on the Triton’s off-road performance, and we have already reported on its high potential. This time, we decided to test drive the vehicle not only off-road but also on public roads.
To conclude, the impression of a “very good car” that I had in the previous Hokkaido test has now been transformed into a solid compliment: “It can be used in everyday life without feeling any difficulties, the handling is full of fun and, of course, the off-road drivability is very high-it is a true all-rounder”.
The new Triton has had a completely new platform for the past two generations, but this time it has been completely redesigned. In the development of the frame section, where weight reduction is a priority due to its heavy weight, the frame section was widened in the parts that needed to be strong by accompanying technological innovations, and the suspension and engine mounting areas were hardened, honestly pursuing the performance required of a car, not just a pick-up truck. The addition of Mitsubishi-style tuning eliminates the excuse that it is a pick-up truck. The engine is a 2.4-liter diesel turbo unit with a two-stage turbocharger combination that produces high torque across the entire range in a flat manner.
Previous pick-up trucks tended to combine high-output units only in models (destinations) where heavy loads are often carried, and with such units there existed a difficulty in handling. However, with the new model, in addition to high output, we have perfected a unit that is easy to handle, has low torque fluctuations, and gives a sense of satisfaction in everyday use, and this is why we dared to choose it for the Japanese market.
They dared to leave some ambiguity for a sense
Because of the solid praise, the virtues are numerous. The ability to drive without being strongly conscious of the position of the rear tires, the dependability of the diesel unit that starts the car without stress and then goes straight into the high rpm range, the steering feel that is not only lean but even pleasant, etc. are too numerous to mention.
On-road, it may seem surprising for a pick-up truck, but the winding roads were full of enjoyment. The vehicle turns and drives through as you steer, the mass does not feel large and there is no delay in the movement of the rear tires in response to the steering operation. Furthermore, the tires’ grip is clearly felt even though they are leaf springs, which is also very good.
The addition of Active Yaw Control (AYC), which is linked to brake control, also contributes to this handling performance, but it is also the result of the car’s good qualities to begin with.
Of course, there is still a feeling that reminds you that this is clearly a model with a separate ladder frame and body. For example, the 18-inch wheels, which are too large in diameter even for design purposes, flap about when the road surface is rough, and this ‘shaking’ is transmitted as vibration to the cabin, even though it is removed from the suspension via bushes. The same goes for engine noise.
Although the noise is blocked and insulated by bushes, the noise is still being flown into the cabin and the vibrations are transmitted to the occupants through the floor. However, the direct feel of the ride and noise has been successfully eliminated, and it has a newly acquired passenger car-like feel, rather than the “it can’t be helped” excuses of the pick-up trucks of the past.
There are ambiguities in all of them from that point of view, but the impression is that they dared to leave a few ambiguities. Of course, these are different from laxity, and from the engine to the suspension, a sense of ‘straightforwardness’ can be felt. And when you realize that the Triton is not only reassuring, but also full of the Mitsubishi style of fun to drive, your confidence in the Triton will increase and you will be intoxicated by the interactive nature of the car.
Off-road drivability is at a high level
The Super Select 4WD drive system features a large dial on the center console that allows the driver to select between 2WD, 4WD mode with center diff on/off and 4WD low range (center diff lock), as well as a A rear differential lock mode is available.
This alone shows the toughness of the off-roader, but combined with snow, lock and seven other drive modes, the performance is tailored to suit any situation. Personally, I am of the generation that would like to say that drive modes are unnecessary and off-roading is all about technique, but I was surprised at the control available. Even in situations where the tires are a little floaty, the driver can use the technique to get through with 4WD (center diff free) + normal, but even for users not used to such situations, if the accelerator pedal is kept gradually depressed, the traction control will eventually intervene and the car will slowly move forward. The car will then slowly move forward.
There was none of the abruptness of the “just get out of the car” control of crossover models, but exactly the kind of control that off-roaders are looking for, as if the car were advancing gradually at the speed of a person walking. In other words, it gives a sense of security and dependability. To begin with, it is very easy to use the accelerator for off-roading at very low speeds. When we asked the development team, they told us they did not dare to use such a setting. Units that are supercharged from low revs can cause torque fluctuations, making them difficult to handle, but we would like to report that the vehicle was controllable even in operations such as pressing down on the accelerator pedal a little in rock sections and releasing the accelerator once traction is gained.
The new Triton is not only practical, but is also full of fun as a car, with comfort in the everyday range and exhilarating handling. Many people used to choose pick-up trucks because they wanted to load something, but from now on, you may want to think about what you want to load later and choose it as a partner to enjoy your daily life and expand your lifestyle and hobbies.
translated by DeepL