2023 Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 VGT MT Premium Review

As one of the most popular pickup trucks in the Malaysian market, every update of the Mitsubishi Triton catches the eye of users. The 2023 Triton 4x4 VGT MT Premium targets mid-range pickup users who need practicality for daily commuting and also value off-road capabilities. Consumers in this segment often focus on the balance of power, features, and price. This time, we tested the vehicle primarily to verify whether its diesel engine performance, 4WD system reliability, and daily usability truly meet users' needs.

First, let's look at the exterior. The overall style of the 2023 Triton 4x4 VGT MT Premium retains the rugged feel typically associated with pickup trucks, but there have been some adjustments in detail. The front grille features thicker chrome strips, paired with halogen main headlights and LED daytime running lights on either side, offering noticeably higher recognition than the previous model. The body has straight lines along the sides, with a waistline running from the front to the rear that makes the vehicle appear longer. The muscular design around the wheel arches enhances its off-road appeal. At the rear, the taillight design echoes the front, and the skid-proof design below the rear bumper adds practicality. The overall appearance is neither too extravagant nor overly plain, aligning with the positioning of a mid-range pickup.

Inside the cabin, the interior design leans towards practicality, avoiding excessive flashy elements. The dashboard is primarily made of hard plastic materials, but the trims are refined, and areas within reach don't feel significantly cheap. The infotainment screen measures 6.1 inches, supports touch operation, and has a simple interface equipped with navigation and Bluetooth connectivity for daily use. The responsiveness is average—not particularly fast but not laggy either. The multifunction steering wheel integrates buttons for volume adjustment and call answering, making it easy to operate. The seats are manually adjustable; though lacking the convenience of electric adjustment, the range of adjustments is sufficient to accommodate most users' preferred seating positions. The front seats have firm cushioning but offer decent support, and the rear seats come with a foldable armrest to alleviate fatigue during long drives.

In terms of space, the vehicle dimensions are 5305mm×1815mm×1780mm, and the wheelbase is 3000mm, which falls within the mainstream range of pickups in its class. The front-row seating space is ample; a 180cm tall passenger has more than a fist’s worth of clearance for head and legroom. The rear seating space is also relatively spacious for a pickup; a passenger of the same height would have around two fists’ worth of legroom and enough headroom without touching the roof. For storage, the door pockets can hold two 500ml bottles of water, the center armrest compartment is deep enough, and there are hidden storage spaces under the rear seats, which are convenient for storing small items in daily use. The rear also comes with air-conditioning vents, a practical feature for pickup trucks, enhancing the comfort of rear passengers.

When it comes to power, this vehicle is equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 181PS and maximum torque of 430N·m, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission. Upon starting, the diesel engine's low-end torque performance is quite noticeable—you can feel the power output with just a slight press on the accelerator. Even when fully loaded, it doesn’t feel strained during takeoff. During acceleration, the gear shifts are precise, the shifter's travel is moderate, and the clutch's bite point is easy to find, making it user-friendly even for beginners. When switching to 4WD mode, the power distribution is more even, and there is a significant reduction in wheel slippage on muddy or light off-road terrains. For daily commutes, engine speed maintained around 2000rpm is sufficient to meet driving needs. Fuel consumption is average, with urban driving consuming about 9-10L/100km and highway driving reducing it to about 7-8L/100km.

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. During daily driving on smooth roads, the chassis dampening effect is average, and small vibrations from the road are transmitted into the cabin, but this is considered normal for a pickup. When encountering speed bumps or rough roads, the rear suspension is quite resilient, without obvious bouncing, and the vehicle's stability is commendable. The steering system features hydraulic assistance, with a slightly heavy steering wheel, but the steering is precise, and the vehicle does not feel unstable at high speeds. For off-road performance, the four-wheel drive system supports both high-speed four-wheel drive and low-speed four-wheel drive modes, allowing the vehicle to smoothly pass through mild cross-axle or inclined terrain, with off-road capability meeting expectations.

The comfort in daily driving is also worth mentioning. The vehicle's noise control is quite decent, with wind and tire noise remaining within an acceptable range during high-speed driving. The diesel engine noise is relatively noticeable at idle, but it is overshadowed by wind noise while driving. The manual transmission offers smooth shifting with no noticeable sense of jamming, and the clutch pedal has moderate resistance, making long drives less tiring. The seats provide good support, and even during two-plus hours of continuous driving, fatigue in the lower back and legs is not particularly pronounced. The rear air conditioning vents effectively regulate the rear temperature, which is very practical in Malaysia's hot weather.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 VGT MT Premium are very evident: the strong low-end torque of the diesel engine makes it suitable for carrying cargo and off-roading; the four-wheel-drive system is reliable and can handle mild off-road needs; although the configuration is not luxurious, it is equipped with practical features that meet daily requirements. Compared to the Toyota Hilux 2.4G 4x4 MT in its class, this Triton is priced lower but has similar features, offering better value for money.

Its target user groups are very clear: firstly, small business owners who need a pickup as a utility vehicle and occasionally go off-road; secondly, outdoor enthusiasts who need a vehicle that can carry equipment and handle rough roads; and lastly, pickup enthusiasts with a budget of around 120,000 RMB, who prioritize power and practicality.

In conclusion, the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton 4x4 VGT MT Premium is a well-balanced mid-range pickup with no significant shortcomings. It strikes a good balance between power, features, and price, making it suitable for users who need an "all-round" pickup.