Mitsubishi Triton 2018 review: Exceed

There can be no denying the Triton’s sticker price jumps off the page and slaps you in the face. Our test vehicle was the premium grade Exceed, which is available only as a dual cab ute with automatic transmission for only $48,000.

Compare that with other top-shelf 4x4 dual cab utes like the Amarok Ultimate V6 ($68,490), HiLux Rugged X auto ($63,690), Ranger Wildtrak auto ($61,790), Colorado Z71 auto ($57,190) and Navara ST-X ($54,490). Obviously, many Aussies have done this and concluded that being able to buy a high quality Japanese ute with all the fruit for under $50K represents outstanding value for money.

Inside the premium grade Exceed are leather seat facings, steering wheel and gearshift plus paddle shifters, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and a multi-connectivity six-speaker audio system with 7.0-inch control screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Outside there’s keyless entry, dusk-sensing HID headlights, LED daytime running lights and fog lights, door mirrors with integrated turn indicators, alloy side steps and chrome sports bar, unique 17 x 7.5-inch diamond alloy wheels with 245/65R17 tyres and a full-size spare, rear differential lock and rain-sensing wipers to name a few, with tasteful chrome accents throughout. Our test vehicle was also equipped with the optional tow bar.

The Exceed comes with 17-inch diamond alloy wheels. (image credit: Mark Oastler)

Mitsubishi’s trusty 4N15 D4 MIVEC four-cylinder turbo-diesel is a gem of an engine for this application. Although it’s only 2.4 litres in capacity, it goes about its business with a minimum of fuss and its impressive refinement provides smooth and quiet operation that is among the best in class.

Maximum power of 133kW at 3500rpm is matched with an excellent 430Nm serving of torque, which peaks at 2500rpm but starts flowing strongly from 1500rpm. That robust torque figure is identical to Toyota’s 70 Series Land Cruiser with its much larger 4.5 litre V8, so the 2.4 litre four with its MIVEC variable valve timing is high on efficiency.

The turbo-diesel 2.4-litre four-cylinder produces 133kW /430Nm. (image credit: Mark Oastler)

The Exceed’s venerable Aisin five-speed is now the only automatic transmission with less than six speeds among its main competitors, but it doesn’t noticeably hinder performance as the ratios are well spaced and the over-driven fifth gear provides good fuel economy at highway speeds. Exceed offers the choice of fully automatic operation or sequential manual shifting with either the stick-shift or F1-style paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

The Exceed is also equipped with Mitsubishi’s excellent Super Select II 4x4 system featuring a centre differential that provides full lock-up for high/low range off-road driving, plus (when unlocked) the option of full-time 4x4 for road use. Exceed also has a locking rear differential.

The Triton exudes refinement, particularly at Exceed level with a nice whiff of leather each time you open the door and the high quality look and feel of the dashboard, instruments, controls and surfaces. And even a tall adult can find a comfortable driving position. 

NVH levels are pleasantly low, braking is strong and consistent and the steering has a light but responsive feel. This is aided by the Triton’s compact dimensions, relatively light kerb weight and short wheelbase which provide agile handling and easy maneuverability in tight city car parks or on narrow bush tracks.

The Exceed is a surprisingly nippy performer around town. You can use the sequential paddle shifters if you wish, but the five-speed automatic provides more than adequate performance when left in auto mode, as the generous 430Nm of torque effectively smooths over the ratio gaps which are larger than those found in rival six-speeders.

To test its GVM rating we fork-lifted 770kg into the load tub, which with tow bar, driver and full tank of fuel was nudging its 945kg peak payload rating and 2900kg GVM. The rear leaf springs compressed 57mm and the nose rose 19mm but steering response was unaffected. A quick look under the tail also revealed about 50mm of rear axle bump-stop clearance, instilling us with confidence in its load-carrying ability.

The rear leaf springs compressed 57mm with 770kg in the load tub. (image credit: Mark Oastler)

It loped along the highway on cruise control with only 1950rpm at 100km/h and 2100rpm at 110km/h and also made light work of our 13 per cent gradient 2.0km set climb in automatic mode, self-shifting back to third and maintaining the 60km/h limit at 2500rpm peak torque all the way to the top. Engine braking on the way down wasn’t as strong, but we have come to expect this lack of retardation from sub-3.0 litre turbo diesels with big packs on their backs.

On a variety of sealed and unsealed roads the Exceed also maintained good ride and handling composure, even though it felt slightly more jittery over bumps than larger and heavier rivals.  A pleasant surprise was little if any G force-induced tail-wagging through corners, which we were anticipating given the bulk of the forklift load was being carried well behind and above the rear axle line.

Five-year/100,000km warranty plus five-year corrosion perforation warranty. Capped-price servicing for three years in intervals of 12 months/15,000km ($430), 24 months/30,000km ($530) and 36 months/45,000km ($550), whichever comes first.