2026 Mitsubishi Triton Australia Review – The Ute With a Point to Prove

Is the 2026 Mitsubishi Triton Australia’s next big dual-cab player? Read our complete in-depth review with specs, towing capacity, performance, interior features, price, pros & cons, and ultimate verdict.

From Dusty Worksites to Modern Motorways – The Triton’s Journey

Back in the day, utes were barely more than farm hacks with trays. Comfort didn’t matter. Safety features? Don’t make me laugh. If you were lucky enough to get air-con, you were living high. But Aussies adored them because they were tough, dependable, and could haul a truckload of fence posts without sweating.

The Mitsubishi Triton began its life in the late 1970s as the L200, a humble ute that made its name by being obdurately reliable. It wasn’t the glitziest ute on the street, but it was always available, ready to fire up each morning and drive through whatever task you thrust at it.

Fast forward to 2026, and the Triton has evolved into something far more sophisticated. Mitsubishi hasn’t just polished the old workhorse; they’ve rebuilt it from the ground up to take on the big names — Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max. The battlefield has changed. Utes aren’t just tools anymore — they’re family cars, lifestyle vehicles, and status symbols. And the new Triton is Mitsubishi’s battle cry.

First Impressions – Bolder, Larger, and More Assertive

If you stacked up all the Tritons since the 1980s, the 2026 model would look like it had been at the gym for a year. The more chunky stance, squared-off bonnet, and aggressive LED headlights project a harder, more muscular feel. Mitsubishi obviously had no desire to be seen as a “budget ute,” and the outside design shouts confidence.

Park it alongside a Ranger or Hilux, and for the first time ever, the Triton doesn’t appear to be the ugly cousin — it appears to belong.

Inside the 2026 Triton – A Cabin That Gets You

The most surprising thing greets you when you get inside. Previous Tritons were utilitarian but a bit. bland. Hard plastic, old infotainment, and limited creature comforts. The 2026 Triton turns that on its head.

The cabin is wider and airier, and more luxurious. Materials are still tough (tradies require that), but there’s a premium feel to the touch points. Seats are larger and more comfortable, and the rear row in the dual-cab finally provides enough space for adults to fit without knees digging into the back of the driver’s seat.

Interior picks:

A huge infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Added insulation for a noticeably quieter ride.

Intelligent storage bins for water bottles, tools, and yes, that unavoidable bag of Macca’s.

Dual-zone climate control on upper trims so your mate can cease messing with the air-con knob.

It’s not a luxury SUV interior, but it’s finally a space you won’t begrudge spending hours in — whether it’s a Sydney commute or a lengthy drive to the Gold Coast.

Under the Bonnet – The Pulse of the New Triton

The 2026 Triton features a 2.4-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine with 150 kW of power and 470 Nm of torque.

Now, let’s face the elephant in the room: certain competitors are offering V6s and even hybrid setups. Mitsubishi is holding to a four-banger — but it’s not the old school engine. Twin-stage turbocharging provides it with oomph down low for towing and sufficient top-end grunt for passing on the highway.

Driving impressions

Around town: Steering is light, suspension absorbs bumps, and it is surprisingly civilised for a work ute.

Highway: Journeys comfortably at speed with steady handling, even under load.

Off-road: With the Super Select 4WD-II system, various terrain modes, and a locking rear differential, the Triton is no soft-roader. It’s designed for sand trails, rocky ascents, and everything in between.

The gearbox? You have a 6-speed manual if you desire the old-school feel or a 6-speed auto if convenience matters. Some may grumble about just six gears, but the spread is acceptable for most Aussie conditions.

Safety – Smarts That Keep You Awake (Literally)

This is not the old bare-bones ute with minimal airbags and ABS. Mitsubishi has jammed the 2026 Triton full of next-generation safety gear, one of the most sophisticated in its segment.

Key features:

Forward Collision Mitigation with pedestrian, cyclist, and intersection recognition.

Driver Monitoring System – the Triton actually monitors your eyes.

Lane Departure Warning with assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

Seven airbags and robust body structure for ultimate crash safety.

In anute market where ANCAP stars count, the Triton is now going toe to toe with the best.

Ability – Because Specs Still Count

That’s where the Triton retains its blue-collar heritage:

Towing capacity: 3,500 kg (braked).

Payload: Approximately 1,000 kg depending on trim.

Off-road kit: Terrain modes, hill descent control, locking rear diff.

Body options: Single Cab, Club Cab, and Double Cab to cater to tradies, fleets, and families.

In everyday terms? Need to tow a jet ski to the beach, bring a trailer full of gear to a work site, or stock up for a camping adventure? The 2026 Triton is ready.

Pricing and Availability – The Value Play

The Triton has always had one trick up its sleeve: value. And that remains unchanged.

Basic entry level GLX 4×2 manual: From approximately $30,740 AUD.

Range-topping GSR 4×4 Double Cab: Around $63,840 AUD.

Given the Ranger and Hilux exceed $70k in higher variants, the Triton’s price is a welcome relief. And with Mitsubishi’s capped-price servicing and 10-year warranty, it’s one of the lowest-cost utes to own long-term.

Pros and Cons

What we like:

Brutish new look that finally feels premium.

Roomy, more comfortable interior.

Powerful Bi-Turbo diesel acceleration.

Tough off-road and towing credentials.

Loaded with latest safety tech.

Savvy pricing with unmatched warranty.

What we don’t:

No hybrid or V6 option (yet).

6-speed auto is outdated compared to its rivals’ 10-speeds.

Upper trims venture into premium price tags.

Final Verdict – A Ute That Deserves Respect

The 2026 Mitsubishi Triton is no longer the cheap underdog — it’s a real contender. It’s more rugged, safer, more comfortable, and still cheaper than the Ranger and Hilux.

For Australians who need a ute that can work during the week and play on the weekends, the Triton finally ticks both boxes. It’s not perfect — a V6 would silence critics — but it’s proof Mitsubishi listened to what drivers wanted.

If you’ve always dismissed the Triton as second-best, 2026 might be the year to give it a second look.