Ladder frame, live rear-axle, leaf springs, manual transmission—the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton screams perfection in the minds of some U.S. pickup truck buyers. Heck, it even comes in single cab and “Club cab” configurations along with the double cab. With Mitsubishi practically non-existent here in the U.S., a pickup truck like the Triton would really help the Diamond Star brand right now. Unfortunately, it’s not meant for any part of this hemisphere.
The Triton really would bring Mitsubishi back into relevance here in the U.S. After such a lackluster attempt to rebrand itself for EVs with the i-MiEV and then the poor reception of the Eclipse Cross, the Diamond Star needs something to bring it back from this brink of irrelevance. With the small and midsize pickup truck market being as hot as it is right now, the Triton would really help bring back the good days of Mitsubishi (especially if they go bold and bring it as the Mighty Max or maybe as the Raider). We’re going to make the case on why it would be a good idea.
It’s A “Proper” Truck
The Triton is a true, ladder-frame truck with a leaf sprung live rear axle. It’s what many truck enthusiasts claim is a “proper truck” without ever actually trying anything else. It also means that the Triton wouldn’t be based on a CUV platform and will be a “proper” RWD platform. We’ll admit that many of these “proper truck” features do make the Triton perfect for a work truck or hauling overland gear and would serve it well in the U.S. market.
It Comes With A Six-Speed Manual
It’s also not “compromised” by only having an automatic transmission as many other midsize pickups are saddled with. Even with 4WD and its most powerful version of its 2.4 liter turbodiesel 4N16 I-4 engine (204 hp with 346.7 lb-ft of torque from 1,500 to 2,750 rpm), you can still row your own gears. The interesting trick about the six-speed is that it’s a “shift by wire” shifter. There is no direct connection between the shifter stalk and the transmission. It would be interesting to see how well that works. Shifting into 4WD is also remote with a dial selector, but you do get several modes and the ability to lock the center differential and low gearing. It’s also a full-time AWD system and not just a traditional 4WD, but it also has a 2WD mode for fuel economy driving. Again, many things that would sell well to a U.S. buyer.
Functionality
The Triton’s bed height is just 32.28 inches high while the bumper corners offer real space and strength to step on. Inside, the automatic transmission version has the ability to hold tablets in its center console, but both transmissions are capable of holding four 600 mL bottles in their cupholders. The interior storage is also designed for people who wear gloves regularly as the glove box, smartphone holder, and small storage areas are made to have space for and operate while wearing them. You’ll also get USB A and C chargers as well as a wireless charger in the bottom of the central instrument panel. The Triton also features advanced ADAS features like adaptive cruise control, Forward Collision Mitigation, Blind Spot Warning with Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Going Beast Mode
Mitsubishi even made a version that would really appeal to U.S. buyers, too. The Triton Beast Mode design concept adds in features to the four-door version like contrasting fender flares, a sport bar, bed liner, roof rails, and more. While a concept, Mitsubishi does offer many of the same accessories for the Triton, including a factory bed liner.
Additionally, the Triton is going racing in Cross Country Rallies in and around Asia with Team Mitsubishi Ralliart. A Ralliart version of the Triton here in the U.S. would prove it has the off-road chops that the Ford Ranger and Chevrolet Colorado have in their own off-road racing programs. It would be awesome to see it also come with the same Work Crag T-Grabic II wheels and maybe some of the carbon body bits, too.
We also wonder if the Delica D:5 support van wouldn’t do well as a compliment vehicle, too. But that’s probably just us and our slightly weird obsession with the tiny off-roading van.
North America Should Get The Triton
Right now, the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton is already on sale in Thailand and will be rolled out into the ASEAN and Oceania markets not long after. This includes Japan, which hasn’t happened in 12 years. It’s been over 14 years since the U.S. had a Mitsubishi pickup truck and it’s time for it to make a return. We think the new Triton would be the perfect vehicle for the Diamond Star’s revival in North America.
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