2023 Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 VGT Athlete Review

The Malaysian pickup truck market has been increasingly focusing on the "multi-functional" attribute in recent years—consumers not only demand the rugged capabilities for loading and off-roading but also desire daily commuting comfort and intelligent features. As the flagship model of the Mitsubishi pickup family, the 2023 Triton 4x4 VGT Athlete targets precisely these "all-round demand" users, with its core selling points focusing on the torque enhancement of the 2.4T diesel engine, configuration upgrades including 7 airbags and an active safety system, as well as space design that balances household needs. The core purpose of this test drive is to validate the comprehensive performance of this vehicle in urban commuting, long-distance highway, and light off-road scenarios, to see whether it can truly balance the dual needs of work and life.

From the exterior, the Triton 4x4 VGT Athlete retains the rugged style of pickup trucks but appears more refined in the details. The front face features a large-sized blacked-out grille, paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, with daytime running lights in a C-shaped design offering high recognition; a silver skid plate is added to the lower side of the front bumper, enhancing its off-road flair. The side profile features straight lines and a 3000mm wheelbase, ensuring ample rear seat space and cargo bed length; 18-inch alloy wheels are paired with 265/60 R18 tires, with moderate sidewall thickness to balance on-road comfort and unpaved-road drivability. At the rear, the blacked-out taillights echo the design of the front, and the rear bed is equipped with a black roll bar and a silver skid plate on the rear bumper, presenting a coordinated and robust overall shape.

Entering the interior, the design leans towards practicality, with a symmetrical dashboard layout. The upper section is made of hard plastic, with silver trim in the central area adding a touch of refinement. The multifunctional steering wheel is wrapped in leather, and the left side integrates audio controls and Bluetooth call buttons, while the right side is for cruise control, all designed for convenience. The instrument panel features a high-contrast design, providing clear visibility of core information such as RPM, speed, and fuel level. The central control screen is 7 inches in size, supports touch operation, and is equipped with the Sound Plus feature and six speakers—sufficient for everyday needs. Physical buttons for operating the air conditioning system (single-zone manual AC) are retained below, making it convenient for blind operation while driving. In terms of configuration, it comes equipped with keyless entry/start, electric adjustment for front seats, rear air-conditioning vents, 220V power outlets, and more. The rear seats feature foldable armrests, adding practicality.

Regarding space performance, the vehicle has dimensions of 5305mm in length, 1815mm in width, and 1795mm in height, along with a 3000mm wheelbase, ensuring ample seating space. The front seats offer good support, with headroom of approximately two fists for a 175cm passenger when seated comfortably; the back seat provides about two fists of legroom and one-and-a-half fists of headroom, ensuring comfort even for long rides. In terms of storage, the door panel storage compartments can hold two bottles of water, the center armrest box has moderate capacity, and there are two cup holders at the front. Although the cargo bed dimensions are not explicitly specified, the typical loading capacity of a pickup truck is more than sufficient for everyday hauling needs.

On the power side, it is equipped with a 2.4T turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum power of 181PS/3500rpm and a maximum torque of 430N·m/2500rpm, paired with a 6AT transmission. At startup, the power response is relatively linear, and the advantage of low-end torque in diesel engines is evident, providing ample power output with a light tap on the accelerator, making it suitable for city starts or light off-road climbing. During acceleration, the transmission shifts smoothly with clear shifting logic; stepping hard on the accelerator prompts a quick downshift, offering confidence during overtakes. Although it does not come with a dedicated multi-terrain drive mode, the 4x4 drivetrain system is easy to switch, and when dealing with muddy or gravel roads, switching to four-wheel drive mode significantly enhances its drivability.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the front suspension is a MacPherson independent suspension, while the rear suspension is a leaf spring non-independent suspension. When driving on city roads, the suspension performs adequately in filtering small bumps, but when passing over speed bumps or larger potholes, the rear suspension's bouncing is more noticeable, which is a common characteristic of pickup trucks. The steering wheel has moderate steering effort and accurate directionality, and the vehicle maintains good stability at high speeds without feeling floaty. On curves, the body roll is somewhat controlled, but as a pickup truck, it is not recommended for aggressive driving. In terms of fuel consumption, it offers an average of about 8.5L per 100km in mixed road conditions, and around 7.8L per 100km on highways. The fuel economy of the diesel engine is impressive.

In terms of driving comfort, the seat wrapping is average but provides sufficient support, so the lower back does not feel overly fatigued during long drives. Noise control performance is moderate, with wind and tire noise becoming more noticeable at high speeds. However, vibration from the diesel engine is well-suppressed, so there are no significant shakes inside the cabin. Active safety features are relatively comprehensive, with 7 airbags, forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning, among others, all equipped to improve driving safety. The hill-start assist function effectively prevents rolling on inclines, which is particularly friendly for new drivers.

In summary, the core advantage of the 2023 Triton 4x4 VGT Athlete lies in its balance — the torque output of the diesel engine is suitable for both carrying loads and off-road driving. Its abundant safety and comfort features meet family needs, and the 5-year/200,000 km warranty reduces the cost of ownership. Compared to its competitors in the same segment, its active safety features (such as autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warning) are more comprehensive, and its price (RM 155,900) is within a reasonable range, offering excellent value for money.

This vehicle is suitable for two types of users: first, individual entrepreneurs who need to balance work and family, as it can both carry loads and meet daily commuting needs; second, family users who enjoy light off-roading on weekends, as the 4x4 system and higher ground clearance can handle unpaved roads, and the rear seat space can accommodate family members. Overall, the Triton 4x4 VGT Athlete is an all-round pickup truck with "no significant weaknesses," offering a good balance of practicality and comfort, meeting the needs of most pickup truck consumers.