Is the Mitsubishi MR Triton the best value USED ute/pickup?

Among the mainstream ute/pickup brands in Australia, the Mitsubishi Triton is commonly thought of as the best of the budget utes. Offering pretty much all the tech you need, while escaping the premium asked by the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok.

But is that still true when it comes to buying used? We do a deep dive to find out what goes wrong with them, what are they like to drive and whether you should consider buying one.

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Skip ahead:
00:00​​​​​​​ - Intro
00:16 - What is it?
03:37 - Exterior issues
05:28 - Interior issues
07:19 - Practicality and features
12:34 - Safety
13:36 - What's it like to drive?
17:23 - What goes wrong?
21:03 - Should you buy it?

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#mitsubishi #triton #mitsubishtriton #4x4 #offroad #carreview #automobile #carexpert #offroading

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Listen to the podcast!

[michaelroberts]

Super select 4x4 is brilliant. Mechanically very reliable.

[stevenalexander]

I'm surprised by some of the negative comments but it's true if you don't take care of any vehicle it's gonna have issues, and as for design, it's subjective because different people like different things.

Triton has been around since the 1970's and for good reason, it's really tough, it's reliable and has an excellent and unique 4WD system.

I know of someone who's owned the past four generations of Triton and he's about to upgrade to the all new generation and that tells me a lot.

Also my son owns this shown model, and for the past two years he's not had any issues at all, not even with multimedia system, not yet anyway.

Our personal experiences have been very good and the same can be said for our local Mitsubishi dealership.

Those that are threatened are haters, so haters are gonna hate.

Nothing frightens a ( humble ) Triton

Nothing pretentious here, no tarted up Rangers, or overpriced and very old Hilux's either.

[JuanLopez-vjki]

As an Ex mitsubishi tech. Yeah the infotainment is shit but if you think the SDA2 (as shown) is bad the covid fitted Mi-Display is worse, the sunglasses holder is usually covered by warranty for premature failure and the auto locking can be disabled with a standard scan tool but just ask the dealer nicely. My pick of Tritons is anything post October 2020 when they had the 10/10 warranty, just make sure services have been done on time and mileage by a dealer.

[SuperZane]

As Triton owner of the last three generations with not an issue, they are a great reliable truck. I drop my oil myself every 6 months and dealer does it at 12 months for warranty purposes regardless of klms money in the bank with Castrol 5w30 C3. Bullet proof drive train. Money was not my issue when buying a ute it was knowing what i was getting.

[Cdog]

Had my 22 GLS since new. I absolutely love it, it’s traction control system is fantastic off road and it’s a nimble mountain goat on the tough tracks. Only negatives are the headlights are definitely shit and it’s a bit laggy down low. It’s solid on road but more impressive off road. I’ve driven most 4x4 Utes and the triton is definitely no disappointment.

[johnphaceas]

Interesting to hear the issues of cracked heads etc - I work in mining and we started switching to Tritons about 18 months ago as our existing Toyotas have needed replacing, mainly because it was taking much longer and costing too much to get hold of Toyotas (LCs and Prados), while the Triton could be sourced and fitted out to mine spec pretty quickly and cost effectively. Because we operate in a hyper aggressive environment (heat, tropical, mud, coastal, extreme terrain) we don't keep LVs all that long (accelerated corrosion the big killer). So far the reports on the Triton have been solid but will be watching to see if we get any premature mechanical issues emerging before they reach their expected hours cut-off.

[bling]

I have the MR glx for my work vehicle. Absolute amazing vehicle for the price, highly recommended for the value price point. Just don't tow heavy things unless you plan on getting a tune done. I replaced the brakes as the factory ones where too squealy. Also grab a throttle controller and upgrade the cooler hoses to silicone ones

[Tk-ouec]

I work at a dealership that sell Toyota and Mitsubishi!
They sell more Mitsubishi due to the fact that they are much cheaper than the Toyota equivalent but are still a great car/ute and are very capable off road.
Their warranties are better than Toyota also.
Same goes for Mitsubishis smaller cars, the dealership sells more ASX and Outlander than what Toyota sells Yaris and Corolla!
Mitsubishi has always been a good brand.

[Ageratos]

Anytime the dpf light comes on, and you have driven it on long drives its most likely the intercooler pipes. First mod, upgrade them!

[danielnicoll]

I also have a 22 GSR, now with about 60, 000km. I have experienced some of the issues highlighted. My sunglass holder has already been replaced under warranty. The paint is not too bad but it does scratch easily. I tow a caravan on road trips. My caravan has a GVM of 2.5t but it was weighed at 2.3t with all our gear in it. The Triton weighed 2.5t with 2 adults on board and all the gear. It tows okay but i wouldn't tow anything heavier despite the 3.1t tow rating. The rear shocks had to be replaced at 45, 000km and I am about to fit stronger rear spring despite being well under weight specs. Mechanically, it has been very reliable and Mitsubishi have been great to us. We also have a 2010 Pajero with 370, 000km with no issues. We have owned it since new and my wife won't let it go. Hopefully, the Triton will last as long as the Pajero.

[samartz]

Two of my best friends are triton owners, thats says a lot how good they are!

[carllrac]

Just so you know, the complete quote is... A Jack of all trades is a master of none but often times better than a master of one!

[FreestyleCab]

Back in 2007 I purchased an ML Triton, basing my decision on price and specifications. I drove all the other brands and the short list was Triton and Hilux. I went with the Triton because I considered it to be almost as good as the Hilux for 75% of the cost. I purchased and fully kitted out my Triton with bar work front and back, canopy, roof rack, suspension and tyres for the same price as purchasing a SR5 Hilux. I Had the Triton for 10 years and had no problems. The ML had the shorter tub so it had much less rear overhang and this was the only reason I never replaced it with another MQ or MR Triton….the wheelbase just looks too short for the tub. The only thing I didn’t like about my ML was steering wheel kickback on rough roads.

[MrThuggery]

Finally, thanks for saying what I and most smart unbadged people have known all along. 4x4 ute are these days, mostly very good and yes still some crappy things to deal with. All are capable. I am sick to death of toyota fanboys/girls talking horseshite. Mitsubishi has always made a very good product.

[hatman]

My 2020 Triton (club cab) has been great. No issues at all.

[mrnicktoyou]

You should test cars on the freeway to talk about overtaking ability and suspension comfort at high speeds, as that is a different thing compared to around town.

[stephenbeyer]

I have a 22 GSR and love it. A close friend of mine also bought one at the same time. Love them. I'll agree about the paint and headlights, a bit poor. I disagree about the head unit though, never had a problem. I love the ride. For work (a tradie) in the last 12 months I've had a D max (hated it, and the head unit was so bad I actually backed into something because the screen was so dim I couldn't see behind me), a new Triton (yep. Loved it just like my own), and recently I've started a new job that has given me a Hilux, and I don't hate it, but I'm not really fussed with it either. It's just a ute. But again, the head unit is pretty crap.

[stuartsmith]

My 2017 exceed triton was awesome. Never had a issue. My 2024 triton i can't say the same

[ben]

Never had issue with my triton solid nothing flash gets job done

[themindofthemechanic.]

I have had my MR for just two years now from new, I do love it. Is it perfect?...most definitely not. The only real issue I have is the seats, I have the VRX and on a long journey the seats kinda killed my back a bit. I have actually been thinking about trying to retrofit some Pajero sport front seats as they are way more plush, comfortable and seem more "luxurious". Do I Recommend this ute, undeniably yes!👍👍