Why the new Triton could be your next tow-tug

Longer, larger, and more powerful than ever, the 2024 model has us asking the question - could the new Triton be your next tow-tug?


August 19, 2023


Longer, larger, and more powerful than ever. The 2024 model has us asking the question. Should the new Triton be your next tow-tug?

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Long a crowd favourite for its excellent value for money, the Mitsubishi Triton has ebbed and flowed from a leader of the pack to an also ran for the last two decades. In recent years, it’s been noticeably behind the eight-ball, due in no small part to a seriously skinny spec sheet. While it’s always represented fantastic value for money, its competitors simply did more.

They towed more, hauled more and did more when you put your foot down. They even offered more when you opened the door. Now, we’re just a few short months away from owners taking delivery of the all-new 2024 Triton, and it’s obvious Mitsubishi have decided they want to be a serious contender.

But are the new promises enough to make it stack up as a serious tow-tug option? Let’s take a closer look at the new Triton.

new triton
Mitsubishi has never been one for conservative styling, but the new next-gen Triton might just take the cake

Better towing

Mitsubishi haven’t released all the facts and figures just yet so we can only make assumptions when it comes to the GVM and GCM. However, there are a few bits of info that are sure to make the new 2024 Triton a serious upgrade with a caravan on the tow ball.

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The biggest headline is undoubtedly an increase from 3100kg braked towing capacity in the outgoing model to 3500kg towing. Of course, there’s more to what you can legally tow than just its maximum braked. But it’s a step that brings it into parity with its competition.

While it can legally tow more load, it should handle it drastically better too. Despite only a 15mm increase in overall body length, the new Triton has bumped its wheelbase out by 130mm, giving a significant boost to towing stability and a more sure-footed drive on the high-speed black top.

That longer chassis is jam-packed with high-tensile steel too. A 40% increase in bending rigidity and a 60% increase in torsional rigidity to be exact. This should give people towing in adverse conditions peace of mind their chassis will look the same at the end of the trip as it did at the start.

The new tray is wider and longer, now accepting a full-size shipping pallet between the wheel arches

Better power

One of the biggest areas the current generation Triton is sorely lacking is the powertrain. With 133kW @ 3500rpm and 430Nm @ 2500rpm, it provided plenty of punch compared to 4x4s 10 years ago. But the competition has moved on. The new Triton still isn’t going to set the world on fire but has made some marked improvements that people are sure to notice when loaded to the hilt with a caravan on the back.

A new 2.4L turbo-diesel 4N16 has found its way under the bonnet with top-spec models featuring twin-turbo power. It’s seen a 17kW and 40Nm boost, pushing total figures up to 150kW of power and 470Nm of torque. It’s still a far cry from the 184kW and 600Nm in the V6 Ranger, but lets the new Triton hold its head higher than the current Dmax and Navara.

One area the Triton has excelled at has been its 4×4 system. Dubbed ‘Super Select II’, the offering allows drivers to switch between 2H for maximum fuel efficiency, 4H for wet bitumen or high-speed dirt, 4HLc, which locks the centre diff for ‘true 4×4’, and finally 4LLc, which locks the centre diff and engages low-range for serious hard yakka.

Mitsubishi will be offering both a good old-fashioned torque converter-style six-speed automatic and a six-speed manual version.

Power is up under the bonnet thanks to a new twin-turbo donk

Better comfort

One area Mitsubishi are confident will make travellers and commuters alike happy is a hugely updated interior. The completely new cab features a 50mm overall width increase leading to a huge bump in shoulder-to-shoulder comfort across the rear seat. This is great for people travelling with older kids, or trying to keep younger kids that little bit further apart.

Up front, the captain and chief map reader are treated to a vastly updated interior. Mid and top-spec models feature a new 9-inch infotainment system boasting satellite navigation, traffic sign recognition, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto making road trip DJing and trip planning easier thanks to the integration of your preferred mapping software.

Mitsubishi claim they’ve overhauled the front pews too. Boasting additional lower back support, a 20mm higher hip point, and easier ingress and egress with a wider door opening thanks to a more upright pillar. Something mobility impaired drivers will surely appreciate.

new triton
50mm wider in the cab will be a sure-fire win for broad-shouldered backseat passengers

So, could the new Triton be your next tow-tug? Well, that all depends on the pricing, doesn’t it? Stay tuned!


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Dan Everett
Dan Everett

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