2025 4x4 Ute of the Year contender: Mitsubishi Triton GSR

The Mitsubishi Triton is one of the stalwarts of the midsize 4×4 ute segment, and the current generation is still one of the newer models on the market, approaching two years since its launch.

The 2024 Triton introduced fresh styling, a larger cargo tub and cabin, and a fully revamped interior, marking a significant step up from its predecessor. It remains a ute that delivers reliable performance, solid build quality, and proven off-road capability, making it a favourite among both recreational users and work-focused buyers.

Its combination of towing ability, payload capacity and well-sorted suspension ensures it handles both everyday work tasks and extended touring with confidence.

JUMP AHEAD

• Key highlights
• How it drives
• Engine and towing performance
• Specs
• Interior
• Verdict

Key highlights

From its twin-turbo diesel grunt to well-sorted suspension and practical, feature-packed cabin, the Triton GSR brings a complete package for work, touring and off-road adventures.

• 2.4‑litre bi-turbo-diesel, 150kW/470Nm
• Super-Select 4×4 system
• Max tow 3500kg, 6250kg GCM, ~1100 kg payload
• Leather seats, powered front seats, rear roof vents
• Nine-inch multimedia display
• Well-sorted suspension, composed on- and off-road

How it drives: On- and off-road

The Triton is genuinely enjoyable to drive on sealed roads. Its well-sorted suspension and chassis deliver a balanced blend of comfort and composure, soaking up bumps without feeling floaty or disconnected from the road.

The 2.4‑litre bi-turbo diesel is lively and responsive, providing strong low-end torque that makes overtaking and merging effortless. Even when carrying a load, the cab feels stable and planted, with minimal body roll and predictable handling. Long highway stints or daily work commutes are handled with ease, making the Triton as comfortable on the bitumen as it is ready for adventure.

When the terrain gets rough, the Triton’s Super Select 4×4 system proves its worth, offering excellent grip and traction across varied surfaces; from loose gravel to wet mud and uneven dirt tracks. The suspension remains composed under pressure, giving drivers confidence and control, while maintaining enough compliance to keep passengers comfortable.

While it didn’t top the Breaking Ground category, the Triton is capable and predictable, allowing you to attack moderate trails with confidence. Mitsubishi’s Dakar-inspired chassis engineering shines through, particularly when navigating rutted tracks or loose surfaces, demonstrating that the Triton can handle serious off-road conditions without compromising everyday usability.

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Engine and towing performance

Under the bonnet, Mitsubishi’s 2.4‑litre bi-turbo diesel received upgraded injection and calibration, producing 150kW and 470Nm.

The sequential turbo setup provides strong low-end torque with the smaller compressor spooled early and the secondary turbo kicking in under higher load, giving the Triton smooth, responsive acceleration whether lightly loaded or towing heavy gear.

“Tip your hat to the engineers of the Mitsubishi Triton GSR for not limiting it too much in its GCM and for keeping its kerb weight down,” said towing judge, Tim van Duyl. “With a max-tow-limit trailer (3500kg) behind it, the GSR still has more than 600kg of headway before it hits its 6250kg GCM. Without a trailer, she’ll haul nearly 1100kg between the tub and cabin too – the GSR is a mighty prospect for towing.

“The rear leaf springs are well balanced for low loads and stiffen nicely with 150kg on the tow ball. It felt neutral and pleasant to ride along in, and its 2.4L diesel did well. The sequential nature of the bi-turbo set up means when towing, the smaller compressor is always fully spooled and the larger secondary turbo comes on at higher rpm and loads.”

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Interior comfort and practicality

The Triton GSR’s cabin is roomy, functional and well laid out, with tactile controls that are easy to use in all conditions. Top-spec features include:

• Leather seats with powered front pews.
• Rear roof vents for passenger comfort.
• Nine-inch multimedia display with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and inbuilt sat-nav.
• Large physical dials for audio and track control.

While the screen is smaller than newer 12.3‑inch units in some rivals, the cabin is practical, spacious and intuitive, with improved ergonomics and comfort over previous generations.

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Why it stands out

Despite being edged out in the Breaking Ground category, the Triton GSR scored high marks for Doing the Job, Built Tough and driver enjoyment, making it a solid all-rounder in the midsize 4×4 segment.

• Proven diesel performance – 150 kW/470Nm with smooth sequential twin-turbo setup
• Capable towing – 3500kg max, strong GCM, and nearly 1100 kg payload potential
• Well-balanced suspension – composed both on road and off, instilling confidence
• Comfortable cabin – leather, powered seats, practical layout, infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto