RD Drives the Mitsubishi Triton: Does Things You Wish Your SUV Can Do

4x4 trucks, once the staple vehicle for tradesmen, now have become a lifestyle choice for those who see themselves as the active-outdoorsy types. In its standard form, 4x4 trucks look more suited to carry step-ladders than mountain bikes. Enter the Mitsubishi Triton Athlete to attract more than just your vanilla weekend warrior.

Beginning with the front, the once-shiny dynamic shield is now finished in gloss black, complemented with black accent bi-LED headlights and DRLs. At the same time, a dark-coloured under-cladding is fitted to add ruggedness to the aggressive front.

Extending from the back of the cab to the truck bed, the flying sports bar catches the eye with its sleek aesthetics. Rounding off the 4x4 is the gloss black side-step and 18-inch wheels in the same colour. And let’s not forget the side graphics with the nameplate to let pedestrians know what this truck is.

Inside, the Triton Athlete is anything but complicated. The chrome-accented black interior trim is as functional as it looks with every switch dial and push-buttons are exactly where you need it to be. Physical buttons still find their place here giving you the convenience of adjusting the aircon fan speed without looking.

The screen is reserved for displaying the entertainment media, navigation and 360-degree parking camera. This is for the best. Spaciousness is also something to]expect from the Triton, especially in the rear where three can sit in relative comfort. Ceiling air vents offer better air circulation and cooling to the back. In addition, a rear smartphone charger and storage, found at the end of the transmission tunnel, elevates the creature comforts that no other truck offer.

The Triton Athlete is powered by the proven 2.4-litre MIVEC turbo diesel engine that produces 181ps and 430Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. The powertrain features VVT and VGT that gives the engine smooth operation across the rev range, even as you drive from road to gravel to mud. The six-speed automatic transmission distributes power smartly, and acceleration stays seamless on any terrain.

All Mitsubishi Tritons have excellent off-roading capabilities; this new one has inherited the genes. There are two ways you can set up the 4x4 for fun in the dirt, with the first being four drive modes that give you four levels of traction – gravel, sand, muddy and rock. Engaging a drive mode sets up the engine power, transmission and braking to control the wheel spin, especially in tricky areas. Hill descent control is also found here, which automatically applies the brakes, letting the driver focus on negotiating the terrain.

Of course, you can manually tinker with the traction and handling of the Triton via the Super Select 4WD-II. You can force the Triton from its default rear-wheel drive to full-time 4WD. You can also lock the centre differential to traverse slippery roads and other terrains with slippery surfaces. On the tarmac, the Triton rides and handles like a more capable compact SUV, in that it is comfortable, takes corners with light body roll, and the steering is effortless while having plenty of feel.

The chassis nicely soaks up all of the road’s holes and bumps without giving it another thought. That doesn’t mean you’re completely alienated from the road. Bigger holes and humps on the tarmac give the 4x4 a chance to flex its spring and dampers but only just. You will need to hit the jungle and its uneven, muddy terrain to give this Triton a challenge.

Since the Triton will spend more of its days in the concrete jungle, Mitsubishi has fitted the 4x4 with modern safety systems. Auto high beam, forward collision mitigation, blind spot warning with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert comes with the 4x4. The highlight here is Ultrasonic Misacceleration System that tries to stop the driver from accidentally stepping on the accelerator when stationary from hitting things in the front and rear. A dashcam and 7 SRS airbags are also fitted to the truck.\