2019 Mitsubishi Triton VGT AT Review

In the local pickup market, vehicles that balance daily commuting and light off-road needs have always dominated. Most buyers need reliable loading capacity but don't want to sacrifice the convenience of urban driving—this is where the 2019 Mitsubishi Triton VGT AT positions itself. Equipped with a 181PS diesel engine, keyless entry, power-folding mirrors, and other practical features as standard, its cost-performance ratio is quite competitive among pickups in the same price range. In this test drive, we aim to verify: does its performance meet the needs of urban and rural commuting? Is its space practicality suitable for both family and work scenarios? And as a 4x4 model, does it meet basic off-road performance standards?

From a distance, the exterior of the 2019 Triton VGT AT continues Mitsubishi's consistent rugged pickup truck styling. The front face features a large chrome-plated grille, paired with halogen and LED combination headlights on both sides, with highly recognizable daytime running lights when illuminated. The side profile of the body is defined by straight lines, with a 3000mm wheelbase ensuring rear passenger space. The muscular design around the wheel arches enhances its off-road capability, while the 16-inch tires with a 245/70 width balance on-road comfort and traction on unpaved surfaces. At the rear, the vertically arranged fog lights complement the simple tailgate design, and the step below the rear bumper makes it convenient for passengers to get in and out.

Inside the cabin, the interior mainly uses dark hard plastics, with a layout focused on practicality rather than ostentatious design. A non-touch screen is integrated at the top of the center console. Although operations rely on physical buttons, the response is quite direct. Below, the single-zone manual air conditioning knobs have moderate resistance, making daily adjustments easy. The front seats are manually adjustable, and while the cushioning isn't particularly soft, they provide adequate support, reducing fatigue during long drives. The rear seats are equipped with foldable armrests, and for passengers around 175cm tall, there's still a good fist's space between the knees and the back of the front seats, making it suitable for short family trips. Regarding storage space, the door panel compartments can hold two bottles of water, the center armrest box has moderate depth, and there's a hidden storage compartment underneath the rear seats, adding practical value.

Regarding performance, the 2.4L diesel engine delivers a maximum power of 181PS, with a peak torque that kicks in at 2500rpm, paired with an AT transmission. During daily driving, the power response isn't overly aggressive during starts, but as the RPM climbs above 1500, the torque output becomes more robust. When overtaking, stepping on the gas pedal results in the transmission downshifting promptly, delivering sufficient acceleration. When switching to 4x4 mode, the vehicle's traction is noticeably improved on light muddy or gravel roads, and the hill-start assist function offers reassurance during steep uphill starts. The chassis adopts independent MacPherson struts in the front and a leaf spring structure in the rear. While road bumps are filtered to an acceptable degree during highway driving, rear-seat passengers may feel slight jolts when crossing speed bumps. Body roll in corners is kept within a normal range for a pickup truck, and the steering wheel has moderate slack with adequate directional precision.

In terms of fuel consumption, the measured combined mileage for urban and highway conditions is about 8.5L per 100 kilometers, which is reasonable given its weight of 1.93 tons. With a fuel tank capacity of 75 liters, it provides a range of approximately 880 kilometers on a full tank, minimizing the need for frequent refueling during long-distance trips. As for noise control, engine and tire noise can be heard inside the cabin during high-speed driving, but it's considered average among pickup trucks and doesn’t cause significant interference during daily commutes. Although the backseat cushion angle is relatively upright, it offers decent comfort for short journeys, while the foldable armrest enhances passenger comfort.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2019 Triton VGT AT lies in its balance: its power meets the needs of both urban and rural use, its space is suitable for both family and cargo scenarios, the 4x4 system can handle light off-road situations, and the price of RM 107,990 stands out for its value in the same segment — compared to competitors, features such as keyless entry and electrically foldable side mirrors come standard, while similar features often require upgrades in competing models. This vehicle is most suitable for users who need the practicality of a pickup truck while also wanting ease of driving for everyday use, such as small business owners, families frequently traveling between urban and rural areas, or outdoor enthusiasts who occasionally explore the wilderness. If you are looking for a practical pickup truck with no obvious shortcomings, the Triton VGT AT is worth your consideration.