Utes traditionally have longer model cycles than cars, and Mitsubishi is an absolute master of wringing the most out of a platform before it replaces it, so it should come as no surprise whatsoever that the latest incarnation of the Triton is the first all-new version of the iconic pick up in a decade.
Where the last generation Triton used a new body on the same old platform, the latest version sits on an all new platform which does several things for the Mitsubishi ute, with the most immediately obvious being that fact that it just looks better.

Now, I am not talking about the chunky new styling - which is awesome, by the way - I am referring to the newly extended wheelbase that adds 130mm, but more importantly - in an aesthetic sense at least - pushes the rear wheel further back into the Triton’s tray further and allows it a proper full-size rear door, as opposed to the heavily tapered rear openings that Triton has long suffered with.
It also has the added advantage of making it look far more cohesive, with a more muscular and purposeful stance, it also goes some way to fix the Triton’s biggest downfall off road: that shorter wheelbase and long rear overhang always restricted its approach, ramp over and departure angles, particularly if a tow bar was fitted.

The GLX-R is a solidly mid-spec modern ute, which means while it scores a lot of the tech goodies from the top-spec VXR, it misses out on the external bling, most notably the gloss black flared wheel arches that give the top-spec Triton a chunkier look.
You get the same new 2.4-litre 150kW/470Nm four-cylinder turbo diesel as the rest of the Triton range, as well as the Super Select II 4WD system that is now standard across the entire Triton range.
The engine is slick and torquey, with a delightfully smooth and progressive power delivery that gives the Triton a relaxed, effortless feel, particularly around town. Out on the open road it is strong and responsive in the mid range which, along with improved ride quality, makes for an impressively relaxed cruiser.

The Triton may not quite be up to the remarkably high ute benchmark set by the Ford Ranger, but it is extremely close and gains an advantage by another feature that is nowhere near the Ranger - its price.
The Triton has long been the quiet achiever in the local ute market and if this newest version does anything, it is a genuine amplification of just how good it is, particularly when you start doing the sums.
While the introduction of an all-new model has seen a price increase for the Triton, it still easily leads the market in value for money. As an example of this, the mid-spec 4WD GLX-R double cab we drove here costs $53,990, which won’t even get you an absolute base model single cab chassis Ranger XL ($56,490).

In fact, the entire Triton range is cheaper than the Ranger XL double cab 4WD, with the top-spec 4WD Triton VRX double cab landing at $59,990, or $2500 less than the base model double cab 4WD Ranger.
To get something close to the GLX-R’s level of spec in a Ranger you will need to go for the XLT which, in double cab 4WD form will set you back $64,990, or a solid $11k more than the GLX-R.
All of which makes the Triton GLX-R a startlingly good deal for a ute from a known and well-established brand that offers all the expected modern infotainment and safety niceties, high levels of ride, handling and off-road ability and a strong warranty.

Downsides? Well, like most modern vehicles, the Triton’s driver attention monitoring can be a bit naggy and inconsistent, but they are far from the worst we have experienced and can be switched off relatively easily if they get too much.
The Triton has long been the quiet achiever in the local ute market and if this newest version does anything, it is a genuine amplification of just how good it is, particularly when you start doing the sums.
What are the key statistics for the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R?
All Tritons now use Mitsubishi's new 150kW/470Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo diesel engine hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission. The GLX-R also gets Mitsubishi's Super Select II 4WD system and a drive mode selector that offers Normal, Eco, Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock modes, while it uses double wishbone coil spring suspension up front and leaf springs at the rear.
Is the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R efficient?
Mitsubishi claims a combined average fuel consumption of 8.8l/100km for the GLX-R, which is slightly better than average for the segment. It is also relatively easy to see those sorts of numbers in daily driving, with even mainly urban driving returning around 10, while adding in some open roads effortlessly brought the average down into the single figures.
Is the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R good to drive?
The Triton has always been one of the better steerers in the ute segment, and the new model maintains that tradition. While its ride quality might not be quite up with the likes of the Ranger, it is still exceptionally good for a ute and the ease with which the engine responds to both urban and open road driving makes it a delight to live with.
Is the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R practical?
It's actually more practical than ever, thanks to that bump in wheelbase that allows for easier access into the rear and a better rear seating position as well. With a full 3500kg towing capacity and a 1095kg payload, the Triton is every bit as practical as a ute should be in the load-hauling regard.
What do we like about the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R?
With its new chunky styling and longer wheelbase the Triton looks great, with a tough truck stance that suits the segent. The interior is well laid out with a nice blend of quality materials that still feel rugged and capable of standing up to the work-day rigours of your average ute. The engine may not be the most powerful in the segment, but its power and torque are perfectly placed for smooth and effortless progress, while ride quality and handling is excellent as well.
What don’t we like about the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R?
We personally think the Triton looks better with the black wheel arches of the top-spec VXR, but that is a matter of personal taste. The driver monitoring can be a bit annoying, but it is far from the worst example today.
What kind of person would the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R suit?
Somebody who wants a quality ute that offers 90% of the excellence of a Ranger but at a significantly smaller price tag. Or somebody who has owned many Mitsubishi utes over the years and wants to stick with what they know - you won't be disappointed.