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Strada no more: The All-New Mitsubishi Triton

The new Triton has shed its old name and donned a new face. It’s no longer the Strada that we used to know.

Earl Lee on Dec 06, 2023

Pickup trucks are rarely updated, but when they are, things can get quite fantastic. The Mitsubishi Triton is a new name for Mitsubishi Philippines’ mainstream midsize pickup truck, but an old one in other countries. The Strada nameplate once carried the honor of being Mitsubishi’s frontrunner in the Philippine market the segment, but that honor has now transferred over to the Triton.

With a new face, new features, and simply a full nameplate refresh, the Triton will usher in a new era for Mitsubishi in the pickup truck segment of the Philippines. Much to the delight and surprise of long-time Mitsubishi fans (some team members included), we have high hopes for what the model can accomplish.

From the Strada to the Triton

Looking back, the Strada was never the most groundbreaking. Sure, it had one of the most futuristic looks of any truck in its class, but the model fell behind a few places whenever we’d compare it to the others because it lacked features, it wasn’t the most powerful, and it was never really given an update over the years.

Mitsubishi Philippines would roll out a few special editions like the Athlete and Limited to keep things fresh, but at this point, everyone wanted an all-new model with an all-new powertrain and a new face to love. All of that and more is waiting for you in the new Triton. This is more than just a facelift.

All-new Bi-Turbo engine

2024 Mitsubishi Triton Bi-Turbo 2.4-liter diesel engine

The new 2.4-liter Bi-Turbo diesel engine is the biggest update to the brand’s midsize pickup. Prior to this generation, drivers were working with a 2.4-liter single-turbo diesel engine that pushed out about 180 hp and 430 Nm of torque. While it was no slouch at the time, it fell short compared to the rest of the market. Other brands were fielding diesel mills with around 200 horses and over 450 Nm of torque for their top-of-the-line engine offerings. Now, however, the additional turbo and added refinements to the engine give the Triton in its 4x4 variant a competitive 201 hp and 470 Nm of torque. That’s more than other rivals like the Nissan Navara or the Isuzu D-MAX.

Lower variants of the Triton with 4x2 powertrains will have 181 hp and 430 Nm of torque from a single-turbo 2.4-liter diesel engine. Either way, you go, whether single or Bi-Turbo, the engine will come mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, and you will have the option to go with either a 4x2 or a 4x4 system with Mitsubishi's advanced Super Select 4WD-II system with Active Yaw Control (AYC).

An all-new look

Mitsubishi is staying true to its Dynamic Shield design language. The brand will continue to stay in its lane, delivering a futuristic and forward-thinking exterior that challenges what’s normal, just like the Strada. The Triton is a big step up in line with the Dynamic Shield design, and it’s sure to ruffle a few feathers or tickle a few fancies when it comes to looks.

The large grille is more daring than before, but it lets go of the modern sleekness that the Strada delivered. Now, it’s a mix of futuristic design, but with a rugged twist and it works out in the Triton’s favor. More squarish, brutish, and beastly than before, it looks ready to be a workhorse or a lifestyle pickup. The new details make us wonder how the model would look like if ever Mitsubishi were to translate it onto the Montero Sport.

An all-new and refined chassis

What the previous generation lacked in its payload is made up for in the new Triton. The Triton is now stronger with up to 1,090 kg of max payload depending on the variant, with the top-of-the-line Athlete delivering up to 985 kg of payload because it is laden with accessories and features.

The Strada was also known for being one of the more comfortable pickup trucks out there, and Mitsubishi was able to update the Triton with a more rigid ladder frame. this nets more load capacity, and better behavior while driving. It's something that Mitsubishi was speaking highly of, and something we cannot wait to get our hands on for a thorough review.

All new and important tech and safety features

2024 Mitsubishi Triton Infotainment Display

The Triton comes with a bunch of features that were carried over from Mitsubishi’s other models. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are now available in the brand’s pickup truck. Also, the model now sports an up to nine-inch touchscreen infotainment display. TThe system varies between variants with the more entry-level units receiving wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in an eight-inch screen while the top-spec trims get the nine-inch screen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

On top of that, there is also the inclusion of the Advanced Driver Assist System, otherwise known as ADAS, which enables adaptive cruise control features. Expectedly so, the top-of-the-line model comes equipped with this, and that brings it in line with the other competitors’ feature sets. Other features included in the set are lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, automatic high beam, lane-change assist, rear-cross-traffic alert, blind-spot monitoring, and hill-start assist.

A multi-view monitor is also available on select variants, allowing the driver to see everything around them, on top of that it’s a bunch of standard inclusions like ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, stability control, brake assist, parking sensors, a reverse camera, and also a full suite of airbags from driver, front passenger, side, and curtain units.

Reservations are open to all!

As of the time of writing this article, the Triton’s reservation books are now open. Deliveries will take place next year, but from now to January 25, 2024, the brand is taking note of all those who want to have the latest and greatest pickup truck from its stable right away—and we hear that the list is getting quite long as we speak.

The price of the pickup (for now) starts at just P1,134,000 and it tops out at P1,915,000, making it one of the most affordable and value-packed pickups in the Philippines.