2024 Mitsubishi Triton GLX+ off-road review

The GLX is the working-class base grade in the new four-model Triton line-up, but the GLX+ pretties it up a bit by replacing the standard steel wheels with alloys, and adding side steps, rear privacy glass, front fog lights and some silver stitching to jazz up the plain cloth interior trim. Mechanically, it adds a differential lock to the rear axle.

Even at this level, the Triton gets the nine-inch multimedia screen in the centre stack and seven-inch info panel in-between the gauges in the dash binnacle. The interior is a big step up from the previous model as it’s bigger, more spacious, more modern and is particularly well laid-out.

The multimedia screen is placed high on the centre stack where your eyes easily find it, and it is easy to use. The screen includes phone mirroring with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, inbuilt sat-navigation and two USB inputs. Another two USB outlets at the back of the console for rear seat occupants come with the GLX+ but are missing on the regular GLX.

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The screen has user-friendly dials for volume and track selection control, with large buttons below the central vents to control the climate system. You’ll need to press a button on the key fob to unlock the doors, and then put the key in the ignition to start the engine – plus there’s a good, old handbrake lever to release before you can move away. The GLX+ is an honest workhorse with everything you need and nothing you really don’t.

Like the cabin, the cargo tub of the new Triton has grown and is now similar in size to most of its competitors, even larger than some. In this trim the rear compartment is fairly spartan, with tie-down points down low in the rear corners where they are most useful, but also up higher in the front where they are less than ideal. The tray in the GLX+ has no lighting, power outlet or protective liner.

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The GLX and GLX+ models get a heavy duty leaf pack in the rear suspension for better load-carrying, while the models above them get a softer leaf pack for more comfort. The GLX+ comes wearing Toyo all-terrain tyres. This could be the perfect specification on which to build your Triton tourer, with a service body on the back.

All new Triton 4x4s are powered by a 2.4-litre diesel engine which now uses a pair of turbochargers to increase outputs to 150kW and 470Nm, bringing it closer to the class leaders if not matching their 500Nm peaks. It’s enough to make the Trion get along nicely, with swift acceleration and pulling power.

While four-cylinder diesel engines are never really quiet and refined, we did find the Mitsubishi engine to be a bit raucous when compared to some of its competitors with similar engines. This harshness is amplified with the automatic stop/start system that is particularly rough and will have the driver quickly looking for the button that turns the system off. We expect the aftermarket will release a mod that permanently disables stop/start in the Triton as it has for other vehicles, and it will be welcomed by new Triton owners.

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The Triton’s six-speed automatic transmission can feel a bit aggressive in its shift patterns, particularly its keenness to downshift on deceleration which is really noticeable – it’s like the transmission is in a sport mode when you really don’t want it to be. It does its job well but it’s a bit too aggressive at times.

The GLX makes do with a part-time dual-range 4x4 system, and you have to step up to a GLS or GSR grade if you want Mitsubishi’s Super Select II which adds full-time 4x4 to the transfer case. Some might see this as essential and it is a handy feature to have, but it’s certainly not a deal breaker. There’s nothing wrong with the part-time system and we found it quick to engage both low range and the rear differential lock. You can shift the transfer case from 2WD to 4x4 high on the move when you hit the unsealed roads, as we did on the forest tracks. The electronic traction control was sufficient for most of our travels and it worked well when crossing rutted tracks where tyres lost traction.

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The new Triton has achieved a five-star ANCAP safety rating and is the first and only 4x4 ute to get this under the latest 2024 standards. The safety package includes all the regular technologies such as AEB, ABS, ESC, ETC, lane departure warning and intervention, and rear cross traffic alert. It has nine airbags. However, the GLX+ misses out on the Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and front cross traffic alert system that is included with GLS and GSR variants.

A new feature is the driver monitor, which beeps if you block its view of your face with your hand on the top of the steering wheel, or if you’re looking to the centre stack/screen to adjust the settings, temperature or music. Some drivers have said they found this a constant annoyance, but it’s not as intrusive or annoying as other driver monitors I’ve experienced. That said, I still have a problem with having a camera pointed at my face whenever I am driving, and unfortunately this style of camera will become more prevalent in new cars for manufacturers to get the maximum safety rating.

The size and comfort of the new Triton will put it back on the radar of any 4x4 ute buyers, and deservedly so. It’s a better car to drive, and the bigger interior is so much more functional and user-friendly. As a GLX, it’s a no-frills car that still has all of the essentials you want in a ute.

There was a time not that long ago when the Triton was a lock as the third best-selling 4x4 ute in the country. That position has been lost to the Isuzu D-MAX, and with more new metal coming in 2025 in the form of the Kia Tasman and new Nissan Navara, the battle for sales is sure to heat up.

Specs