Mitsubishi’s competent pickup makes a case for trucks as urban transport
By Dylan Afuang
DRIVING the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton only within the confines of the city makes one wonder if the number of buyers who choose trucks as urban transport have had the right idea all along.
The latest Triton — the successor to the Strada nameplate — comes in seven variants, with prices ranging from P1.134 million to P1.909 million. Through the Triton GLS 4×2 AT (P1.582 million), a model that’s positioned below the range-topping Athlete, we explored Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp.’s (MMPC) entry to the growing pickup truck market.
Indeed, sales figures (and a personal observation) reflect the market’s growing preference toward passenger pickup trucks, a vehicle category that’s defined by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) as light commercial vehicles (LCVs).
For the first half of 2024, sales of CVs in general rose by 9.8% to 166,404 units from 151,567 units in the same period a year ago, according to a joint report of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) and the Truck Manufacturers Association (TMA).
Occasionally, friends or casual acquaintances would inquire whether a particular pickup truck or midsize SUV would be suitable as everyday transport. We would notice such vehicles’ prevalence in the streets, another sign of that vehicle segment’s rising popularity.
And so the Triton GLS joins the throngs of large vehicles in the city’s heavy traffic and cramped parking spaces. What makes it stand out, however, is the truck’s striking exterior, recognized in the iF Design Award 2024, and body length (plus 60mm) and wheelbase (plus 130mm) increases over its predecessor.
These result in a roomier cabin for five passengers, and a ride quality that’s more stable and better handles road imperfections than before. On the other hand, the vehicle’s larger exterior means that parking becomes a tad more difficult than usual.
However, parking sensors and 360-degree camera offer a fine view of parking building walls and erring motorcycles on the road, and the relatively quick steering makes weaving in traffic manageable. For safety, the model offers regular cruise control, forward collision warning, and blind spot monitoring.
The following convenience features found in the Triton GLS, meanwhile, are expected in the price: Charging ports with USB-C, wireless charging, nine-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote locking, and push-button start. Exclusive to the GLS is a cosmetic package that includes step boards, 16-inch gray alloy wheels, and a bed roll bar.
The cargo bed boasts an unobstructed space that can be maximized by 1,115kg worth of cargo. During our urban-centered drive, the cargo space even proved too excessive for a trip to collect groceries and an office chair. The space is more suited for, say, moving large furniture or hauling heavy suitcases or bags of cement.
The truck’s 2.4-liter, four-cylinder, single-turbo diesel mill is certainly an efficient and strong companion. In a progressive manner, it courses 181hp and 430Nm of torque to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic. The engine consumes 8kpl in crawling traffic, and up to 20kpl on an almost-empty Skyway.
Pickup trucks, by their design, feel too cumbersome for urban duties. These vehicles work better in commercial use cases, and the same can be said for the Triton. Nonetheless, the Triton stands out by virtue of its comfortable cabin, decent equipment with the GLS 4×2, and potentially efficient and reliable mechanicals.
