2024 Mitsubishi Triton: Engines, Australian launch timing, variants and everything else you need to know about the upcoming new-generation Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger rival

At long last, Mitsubishi has officially confirmed when the new-generation Trition ute will land in Australia, and has included specifics around local trim levels and equipment.

And the new 2024 Triton will enter a hot-selling segment too, competing for a slice of the ute pie against heavyweights like best-selling Toyota HiLux.

While the brand is yet to reveal its local pricing strategy - a key factor to the ongoing success of the ute which faces tough competition from the likes of the new Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok, as well as increasingly popular cut-price rivals like the GWM ute and SsangYong Musso - here’s everything you need to know about it ahead of its early 2024 arrival.

Australian arrival date

Australian-delivered examples of the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton will start being produced in Thailand in December of 2023, for a February 2024 launch date.

The entire range will not arrive at this time - only automatic models are slated for an initial launch in February, with lower-grade six-speed manual models to arrive at a later but as-yet-unspecified time.

Australian variants

Mitsubishi also confirmed that the 2024 Triton will follow a familiar variant strategy to the existing model, consisting of an entry-level 4x2 GLX, lower mid-grade 4x4 GLX+, mid-grade 4x4 GLX, upper mid-grade 4x4 GLS and the top-spec 4x4 GSR.

Only the GLX+ can be had as a ‘club cab’, while all other variants are dual-cabs. The upper mid-grade GLS and top-spec GSR also score the brand’s signature ‘Super Select II’ four-wheel drive system, which allows four-wheel drive at higher speeds as it does not lock the centre differential. The updated Super Select also features a new mud and snow mode, as well as an eco mode.

Cab chassis models will be added at a later date, alongside the six-speed manual transmission.

Finally, Mitsubishi will continue to offer the GLS with a leather interior option from the launch date, an option the brand says is very popular.

New engine

The Triton doesn’t quite feature an all-new engine, instead scoring a “significantly enhanced” version of the existing 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel unit.

Power has been upped from 133kW/430Nm, to 150kW/470Nm thanks to a new bi-turbo setup, making it more powerful than the D-Max and Navara, and lineball with its key HiLux rival.

Peak torque is said to arrive at 1500rpm, while peak power arrives at 3500rpm. Fuel consumption for this new engine is yet to be revealed, but it will have a 75-litre fuel capacity.

New platform which is larger than ever before

Underpinning the 2024 Triton is a newly developed ladder-frame platform, which expands total dimensions for the truck to 5320mm long (+15mm), 1865mm wide (+50mm), and 1850mm tall (+55mm), with an additional 130mm in the wheelbase for a total of 3130mm.

The tray length has also expanded by 35mm for totals of 1555mm long, 1545mm wide, and 525mm tall in dual-cab variants.

The new body, which wears the latest interpretation of Mitsubishi’s ‘Dynamic Shield’ face makes the stance more imposing, but is also said to reduce drag by 8.1 per cent.

For the off-roaders, the new Triton also has an approach angle of 29 degrees, a departure angle of 22.8 degrees, and a breakover angle of 23.4 degrees, with a 222mm ground clearance.

New suspension upgrades towing capacity

Re-designed suspension in the new Triton is said to improve ride comfort as well as durability, but importantly it pairs with the new chassis to significantly upgrade braked towing capacity by 400kg, to an industry-standard total of 3500kg. It continues to consist of coil springs in the front, with leaf springs in the rear.

Mitsubishi says towing was a core focus during the development of the new Triton - in large part thanks to the demands of the Australian market.

Partially developed in Australia

In fact, Mitsubishi executives said the new Triton underwent significant testing in Australia, including towing, hot weather, and off-roading.

As Mitsubishi's global product strategy boss, Koichi Namiki explained: “If we were to just stick with the Thai market [in development] as an example, it would be difficult to upgrade it to the Australian version. So, we’ve considered Australia at the beginning. Yes, we will launch in Thailand first, but Australia has always been in mind.”

Improved cabin and tech

The Triton desperately needed new cabin design, and finally it has one which will be largely familiar from the new Outlander. Expect a more extensive use of soft-touch materials, as well as the brand’s latest multimedia offering, consisting of a 9.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

However, Mitsubishi has also made a note of maintaining physical dials and switches for volume, tuning, and climate functions.

There is also an additional 49mm of shoulder width in the cabin, enhancing space for rear occupants in dual-cab models.

Enhanced safety and a long (if conditional) warranty

The new Triton also has augmented its auto emergency braking system to include pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as junction assist features. As well as the expected items like lane keep tech and blind spot tech, the new Triton also adds a centre airbag and a driver monitoring system to its arsenal of safety gear this time around.

It features ventilated disc brakes at the front and, interestingly, drum brakes in the rear. Expect an ANCAP safety rating closer to its February 2024 launch.

Mitsubishi also continues to offer a 10-year warranty in Australia if the service schedule is strictly adhered to at an approved Mitsubishi workshop. There will be a matching 10-year capped price servicing program, although pricing is yet to be revealed.

No hybrid or EV... yet

There's no word on hybridising the 2.4-litre engine to help trim fuel consumption or emissions this time, and Mitsubishi has even doused the idea that it will build a PHEV version of the ute, saying it doesn't see a market for such a product.

The brand has, however, earmarked a future battery electric ute which will no doubt be based on the Triton's new underpinnings to be revealed at a later date.