2019 Mitsubishi Triton VGT MT Premium Review

In the Malaysian pickup market, models that can satisfy daily commuting while also handling light off-road demands have always been a popular choice among family users and small-to-medium business owners. The 2019 Mitsubishi Triton VGT MT Premium, as a mid-to-high-end version of the Triton series, enters this segment with its 2.4L diesel engine, manual 4WD configuration, and practical features. Its core selling points lie in balanced power output, reliable off-road capability, and practical configurations with good value for its class. In this test drive, we focused on its comprehensive performance in urban commuting, highway cruising, and rural unpaved roads to see if it can serve as a cost-effective choice for versatile usage scenarios.

From the exterior, the 2019 Triton VGT MT Premium maintains the classic rugged design of Mitsubishi pickups. The front features a large chrome grille, paired with a combination of halogen and LED headlamps, offering high recognition. The silver skid plate under the front bumper not only enhances the off-road vibe but also provides protection against minor scratches. The side profile of the vehicle features straight lines, with a body length of 5305mm and a wheelbase of 3000mm ensuring sufficient interior space. Black plastic cladding around the wheel arches enhances the muscular feel, while 245/65 R17 tires strike a balance between on-road comfort and grip on unpaved surfaces. At the rear, the vertically arranged taillights echo the front design, and the "TRITON" logo on the tailgate is clearly visible. The rear bumper is also equipped with a silver skid plate, with the overall design focusing on practicality over flashy elements.

Inside, the interior style leans toward simple and practical. The dashboard uses a two-tone color scheme, with hard plastic at the top and silver accents in the middle section for highlights. Although the materials are not luxurious, the fit and finish are precise. The 8-inch touchscreen located at the top of the center console supports Bluetooth connectivity and basic multimedia functions, with moderate operation smoothness. Below it is a single-zone automatic air conditioning control with clear physical button layout for easy operation without looking. The multifunctional steering wheel allows volume control and call answering, while the backlit analog instrument cluster offers clear displays. In terms of features, keyless entry, front and rear parking sensors with a camera, rear AC vents, and a 220V power outlet are practical highlights. The rear AC vents and 220V power outlet are especially convenient for family trips or powering devices during cargo transport.

The space performance meets mid-size pickup standards. The front seats are manually adjustable and have wide cushions with decent support. With a height of 178cm, the test driver found ample headroom and legroom when seated. The rear seats are equipped with a foldable center armrest, providing about two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom. While not as comfortable as a sedan for long journeys, it can accommodate three adults for short trips comfortably. In terms of storage, the door pockets can hold two bottles of mineral water, the front armrest box has moderate depth, the front cup holders can fit large-sized water bottles, and there are cup holders in the rear as well. Overall, the storage options suffice for daily usage. The dimensions of the truck bed are not officially specified, but the typical loading capacity of a pickup truck is sufficient for family moving or transporting small goods.

In terms of power, the 2.4L diesel engine delivers a maximum output of 180PS at 3500rpm and a peak torque of 430Nm at 2500rpm. It is paired with a 6-speed manual transmission and a full-time 4WD system. Thanks to the advantage of low-end torque, the diesel engine delivers sufficient power at around 1500rpm, enabling the 1920kg body to move with ease without feeling sluggish. Once in third gear, the power delivery becomes smoother. At highway cruising speeds of 120km/h, the engine maintains around 2500rpm, and noise levels remain within an acceptable range. The manual transmission features clear gear positions, a moderately short shift travel, and a forgiving clutch engagement point, making it beginner-friendly. The 4WD system is controlled via a dial located behind the gear lever, with high-speed 4WD (4H) switchable on the go, while low-speed 4WD (4L) requires a stop for activation. On muddy or lightly off-road terrains, the traction is reliable.

The handling and chassis performance lean towards a comfortable tuning. The steering wheel has moderate weight and minimal slack, making it nimble for city driving and stable at high speeds. The combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear leaf spring non-independent suspension filters out most small bumps on urban paved roads. Passing speed bumps doesn't feel too rigid; however, due to the leaf springs, the rear seats experience more bumps compared to the front seats. On rural unpaved roads, the ground clearance is sufficient, ensuring good off-road capability. When facing uneven surfaces, the suspension quickly rebounds, and the body exhibits minimal swaying. In terms of fuel consumption, it averages about 8.5L per 100 km in mixed driving conditions. The fuel efficiency of the diesel engine is evident, with the 75L fuel tank offering a range of over 800 km.

The driving comfort details are noteworthy. Noise control inside the car is well-done. At high speeds, wind and tire noise are not very noticeable. The noise from the diesel engine is slightly perceptible at idle but gets masked by wind noise during driving, so it doesn't interfere with conversations. As for seat comfort, the front seats are comfortable for extended periods without causing fatigue, while the rear seat angle is relatively upright, making periodic breaks advisable during long trips. The parking brake is a manual handbrake, a traditional design, but it provides sufficient braking force.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2019 Mitsubishi Triton VGT MT Premium lies in its balance: the low-end torque and fuel economy of the diesel engine, a reliable 4WD system, practical features, and spacious interior. Compared to competitors like Toyota Hilux or Ford Ranger, its price is more affordable (RM 112,500), and it offers richer configurations. Although it doesn't have the same brand premium as its rivals, it provides better value for money.

This car is suitable for two types of users: firstly, those who need to balance family commuting with light-duty off-road/hauling, such as taking the family for a weekend camping trip while occasionally transporting goods during the week; secondly, small and medium-sized business owners who need a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle capable of handling various road conditions as a work truck. It is not a model that pursues extreme luxury or off-road performance, but it achieves a balance in practicality and value.

In summary, the 2019 Mitsubishi Triton VGT MT Premium is a practical mid-size pickup truck with no significant weaknesses and balanced performance across all aspects. It's well-suited for multi-scenario users who value practicality and cost-effectiveness. If you need a vehicle that's suitable for both daily driving and occasional off-road adventures, it's worth considering.