Mitsubishi Triton 2021 Review

The pickup market in Malaysia has been booming in recent years. Consumers' demand for pickups is no longer limited to their utility; models that combine home comfort and off-road capability are more favored. As the top-tier version of the series, the 2021 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete focuses on enhanced safety features and sporty details as its core selling points, targeting user groups pursuing a balanced performance. The main purpose of this test drive is to validate whether this top-tier model can truly meet users' expectations of being a "versatile pickup" in daily driving, family use, and light off-road scenarios.

In terms of appearance, the design of the 2021 Triton Athlete continues the family style while incorporating numerous unique details to enhance its identity. The front face features a large trapezoidal grille paired with a black honeycomb mesh and chrome accents, giving it a tougher visual impression. The LED headlamp assembly on both sides is connected to the grille, and the standard automatic headlights and daytime running lights ensure practical functionality. The body side lines are straight, with 18-inch alloy wheels paired with 265/60 R18 tires. The tire wall thickness strikes a balance between road comfort and off-road passability. The fender flares and side skirts use black plastic material to reduce scratch damage while reinforcing the off-road feel. At the rear of the vehicle, the LED taillight assembly has a square design that echoes the front design. The rear bumper integrates parking sensors, but it is not equipped with a parking camera, so daily reversing relies on the sensors and rearview mirrors for judgment.

Inside the vehicle, the interior uses a dark color theme, and the center console layout is simple and practical. The steering wheel adopts a multifunction design and comes standard with shift paddles, with clear operating logic. The instrument panel features a high-contrast traditional design, displaying information such as RPM and speed intuitively, but it lacks the futuristic sense of a fully digital screen. The central control area is equipped with a 7-inch touchscreen that supports the Sound Plus function. The 6-speaker audio system is average in sound quality compared to other pickups in the same class. Although it does not offer vehicle connectivity features, basic functionalities such as radio and Bluetooth connection can satisfy daily usage needs. In terms of materials, the top of the dashboard is primarily made of hard plastic, while the inner sides of the door panels are covered with soft-touch materials, providing decent tactile quality in accessible areas. For features, the front row has manual single-zone air conditioning, while the independent rear air conditioning vents are a highlight, improving comfort for rear passengers. The driver’s seat supports electric adjustment, while the passenger seat is manually adjustable. The rear seats are equipped with a foldable armrest, which can help reduce fatigue during long trips. Regarding storage space, the central armrest box and door panel storage compartments offer enough capacity for daily items, and the inclusion of a 220V/230V power outlet is convenient for using electrical devices outdoors.

As for space performance, the dimensions of the 2021 Triton Athlete measure 5305mm×1815mm×1795mm, with a wheelbase of 3000mm, placing it at the mainstream level among pickups in the same class. The front-row seating space is ample, and after adjusting the seat for a 175cm-tall individual, there is still two fists’ worth of headroom. The rear-row legroom is approximately one fist and two fingers, with one fist of headroom. For family users, short-distance rides pose no problem, but rear passengers may feel cramped in the leg area during long journeys. The seats provide good support, with seat cushion length that adequately supports the thighs.

Powertrain: The 2021 Triton Athlete is equipped with a 2.4L turbocharged diesel engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 181PS and a peak torque that kicks in at 2500rpm, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the engine can deliver sufficient torque at around 1500rpm, allowing for a responsive start and a linear throttle response. When accelerating in the mid-to-high range, stepping on the gas pedal will prompt the transmission to downshift eagerly, providing sustained power output. However, due to the characteristics of diesel engines, some planning is required for overtaking at high speeds. The driving modes include 2H, 4H, and 4L, and when encountering lightly unpaved roads, switching to 4H mode noticeably enhances the vehicle's grip, making it easy to navigate gravel roads and small slopes.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the front MacPherson independent suspension can filter out most of the minor bumps on paved roads, and the impact of speed bumps is within an acceptable range. The rear suspension uses a leaf spring structure, which feels slightly stiff when unladen on uneven roads but improves significantly when fully loaded. The steering wheel has moderate weight, minimal play, and offers precise control. The car's response during lane changes and turns is impressive. At high speeds, the vehicle remains stable without any noticeable floating sensation. However, the high center of gravity typical of pickup trucks leads to significant body roll when cornering quickly, so speed must be controlled appropriately.

Regarding fuel efficiency, this test drive covered urban traffic congestion, highways, and light off-road segments, resulting in a combined fuel consumption of about 8.5L/100km, which is mid-range among diesel pickups in the same class. With a fuel tank capacity of 75L, the vehicle can achieve a range of approximately 850km on a full tank, meeting the needs of long-distance travel. As for noise control, the engine noise is minimal at idle, and the cabin remains quiet at speeds below 60km/h. However, once the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind and tire noise become more noticeable, though they don’t hinder normal conversations.

Safety features are one of the core advantages of the 2021 Triton Athlete. It comes standard with seven airbags (including knee airbags and front and rear curtain airbags), lane change assist, active braking, forward collision warning, and other active safety systems. Compared to similarly equipped models like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger in mid-to-high trim levels, the safety features of the Triton Athlete are more comprehensive. In terms of pricing, the RM154,900 price tag is higher than the AT Premium version (RM134,900). However, the additional safety features and sporty details offer fairly good value for users who prioritize safety.

Overall, the 2021 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete is a versatile pickup truck that balances family use with light off-road capabilities. Its core strengths lie in its comprehensive safety features, practical space, and stable powertrain, making it suitable for families who need a vehicle for both daily commutes and occasional outdoor adventures, as well as small business owners with high safety requirements. However, for users who are more budget-conscious, the AT Premium version, with the same powertrain but fewer safety features, offers a more affordable option.

Overall, the 2021 Triton Athlete is a pickup truck with "no obvious weaknesses." It may not be the most powerful or the most comfortable in its class, but it strikes a good balance between safety, space, and practicality, making it a reliable choice for users who value balanced performance.