Let’s be hones - when you think of bakkies in South Africa, Mitsubishi probably isn’t the first name that pops into your head. But maybe it should be. Because the new Triton isn’t here to play catch-up. It’s here to carve its own path—quietly, confidently, and with just the right amount of attitude.
This is a bakkie for the guy who doesn’t need to shout to be heard. The one who’d rather be halfway up Sani Pass than stuck in a dealership queue comparing chrome finishes. The Triton is back, and it’s got something to say.
Design That Speaks Softly, But Carries Weight
The new Triton looks like it’s been hitting the gym—not for bulk, but for balance. It’s longer, wider, and more planted than before, with Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield front end giving it a bold, squared-off face. It’s got presence, but it’s not trying to be a Raptor. And that’s exactly the point.
Special editions like the Athlete, Xtreme, and Edition 46 add flavour—black mags, roof rails, chunky tyres, and even a built-in kitchen if you’re into that sort of thing. But even the base models have a quiet confidence that says, “I’ll get you there. And back.”
Under the Skin: Built for the Real World
Power comes from a 2.4-litre turbo diesel, with two tunes depending on spec. The workhorse GL models push out 81 kW, while the lifestyle-focused GLS and above give you 135 kW and 430 Nm—more than enough to tow your toys or tackle a muddy trail. A bi-turbo 150 kW version is on the horizon, and that’s going to be worth watching.
You get a 6-speed auto or manual, depending on your flavour, and Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system is the real deal. It’s got four drive modes and seven terrain settings, which means you’re covered whether you’re on gravel, sand, or something that barely qualifies as a road.
Cabin Vibes: No Nonsense, All Comfort
Inside, the Triton is refreshingly straightforward. You get an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wired, not wireless), and a wireless charging pad. There’s leather where it counts, and the seats are comfy enough for long hauls without feeling like a lounge suite.
It’s not trying to be a tech palace. It’s trying to be useful. And it nails that brief.
Pick Your Personality: The Editions
Athlete: Think of it as the Triton in activewear—black accents, sports bar, rubberised load bin. Perfect for the weekend adventurer who still needs to look sharp on Monday.
Xtreme: Chunky tyres, black grille, and rugged mouldings. It’s the one you want if your weekends involve more mud than malls.
Edition 46: This one’s for the overlanders. Roof rack, canopy, built-in kitchen, and a 40mm lift. It’s basically a campsite on wheels.
Final Word: The Bakkie for the Underdog
The Triton isn’t trying to be the biggest, the flashiest, or the most talked-about. It’s trying to be the one that gets the job done, quietly and capably. It’s for the guy who doesn’t need a badge to prove he’s been there. He’s got the dust on his boots to show it.
If you’re looking for a bakkie that’s honest, capable, and just a little bit rebellious, the Triton might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed.
Author
Torque Talk is a member of the South African Guild of
Mobility Journalists
