Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R 2014 Review

The ML-generation Mitsubishi Triton has been on the market since 2006, but it’s still a year newer than the segment-leading Toyota Hilux and Nissan Navara utes.

The Triton GLX-R is the four wheel drive dual cab at the top of the Triton light commercial range, and the big question is whether it can hold a candle to much newer rivals like the Ford Ranger, Mazda BT-50, Holden Colorado, Isuzu D-Max and Volkswagen Amarok?

VALUE

The $48,240 Triton GLX-R auto competes well for value, and significantly undercuts the top-spec $54,490 HiLux SR5, $59,390 Ranger Wildtrak and $61,490 Amarok Ultimate.

The GLX-R comes with carpet on the floor, leather steering wheel and gearknob, an overhead console, power opening rear window, Bluetooth phone connection, a handy multifunction readout, plus chrome detailing, tubular side steps, alloy sports bar, front fog lamps and 17 inch alloys.

Our example also had the optional luxury pack, which adds eight speaker audio, leather seat trim and powered driver’s seat, and a rear diff lock.

It is missing a touchscreen multimedia interface, satnav, a reversing camera and sensors, which are available on the Triton’s newer rivals.

DESIGN

The ML Triton was one of the first dual cabs to really consider back seat occupant comfort, and it’s still a comfortable place to be, but lacks the storage space behind and underneath the seat found in newer models.

The GLX-R auto is rated with a useful 954kg payload, but the 3 tonne tow rating is 500kg less than the category best.

SAFETY

Safety wise, the dual cab Triton scored side and curtain airbags at the start of 2013, but still carries a 4 star rating, unlike the 5 star carried by most competitors.

ENGINE/TRANSMISSION

Under the bonnet is a 2.5 litre turbodiesel, which puts out 131kW and 350Nm with the five speed auto, or 400Nm if you go for the manual.

The auto also carries a 9.6L/100km combined fuel figure, which is 1.3-litres worse off than the $2500 cheaper five-speed manual.

DRIVING

We recorded a consistent 11.0L/100km cruising on the freeway with a light load, so it’s no fuel miser, but it will still manage 650ks between fills of the 75 litre tank.

The low range four wheel drive system is still lever-selected, which is no big issue, but the steering is 4.25 turns lock to lock, which makes tight manoeuvres a chore.

It’s a handy thing for off-roading, with good clearance all round, and the optional diff lock is handy for when it really gets rough.
 
The groan under load from the diesel can be wearisome, but it’s got enough poke to keep up with traffic and overtake.

The Triton GLX-R is a good quality and rattle free drive, but can’t match the newer Ford, Mazda, and VW for everyday on-road refinement.

The Triton GLX-R is a much better car than it was in 2006, and although it is showing its age against the newer competition, it still does all the jobs required of a modern dual cab four-wheel drive.

Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R
Price: from $48,240 (auto)
Engine: 2.5-litre turbodiesel four; 131kW/350Nm
Transmission: 5sp torque converter auto; dual-range 4WD
Thirst: 9.6L/100km; 253g/km