Safe, Smart & Helpful Pickup Truck
It was with some trepidation that I got behind the wheel of the 2025 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 4WD automatic transmission (A/T). You see, I still have the old mentality where I view pickup trucks simply as workhorses that can do without electronic wizardry. I long for the days when pickup trucks were composed of a single cab that fits three people, a bed that can fit sheets of plywood, a chassis that can withstand the load, and a power train that can take the truck, its occupants, and its load from Point A to Point B without fuzz or muss.
Known internally as the LC/MV-series, the Triton was unveiled at the 2023 Bangkok International Motor Show as the “Beast Mode” design/XRT Concept, featuring the “Horizontal Axis” interior concept. It was launched here in January 2024 as the Mitsubishi Triton with six variants – GL 2WD, GL 4WD, GLX 2WD, GLX 4WD, GLS 2WD, and Athlete 4WD, which is the subject of our review.
Exceeding the bar
Mitsubishi over-engineered the Triton by installing a 4N16 2.4-liter turbocharged (T/C) direct injection (D/I) diesel engine that meets Euro 4 emission standards. For the Athlete 4WD, Mitsubishi added a two-stage turbocharger that helped the 4N16 2.4L I/C 2T/C D/I engine meet Euro 5 standards while churning out 201 horsepower and 470 Newton-meters of torque.
Its 6-speed automatic transmission is connected to Mitsubishi’s proprietary Super Select 4WD-II with a console selector offering 2H (2WD high range) for normal road conditions; 4H (4WD full time) for rough roads and hazardous conditions, 4HLc (4WD high range with locked center differential) for rugged terrain with low-grip or slippery surfaces; and 4LLc (4WD low range with locked center differential) for steep hills, mud, sand and deep muck; in seven Drive Modes.
Surprisingly smooth ride
The Triton’s high-tensile box frame with increased cross-sections, independent front suspension composed of double wishbones with coil springs, rear rigid axle with leaf springs, and meaty 265/60R18 tires mounted on black 18×7.5J alloy wheels all conspire to provide the Athlete with a smoother ride than any pickup truck I have tested. It delivers an almost car-like ride inside, but it feels much smoother when there are four or five occupants on board or when there’s a load at the back.
Two ergonomic front seats and a rear bench seat (with folding center armrest) are covered in a two-tone orange synthetic leather with black suede inserts that add a sporty vibe to the black/dark gray interior. A thickly padded leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with control buttons for the infotainment system, featuring a 9-inch touchscreen, enhances the car-like driving experience. While the interior is comfortable and ergonomic, the cockpit is cluttered with numerous buttons and switches surrounding the driver.
Driving assistance galore
Aside from the now-common active stability and traction control, the Athlete is equipped with Active Yaw Control, Hill Descent Control, Emergency Assist for Pedal Misapplication (EAPM), Auto High Beam, and stalk-mounted Adjustable Automatic Wiper Control, which would prove itself indispensable during the rainy season.
The Forward Collision Mitigation System (FCM) with Pedestrian Detection helped me avoid hitting an errant motorcyclist who darted in front of the Triton Athlete while I was merging onto a highway. I got a bit jarred when the brakes were applied automatically while my foot was on the gas pedal, but it’s a better feeling than getting jarred because I accidentally hit something in front.
The better to see you with, my dear
The Blind-spot Warning System (BSW) with Lane Change Assist (LCA) helped avoid hitting another errant motorcyclist who was lane-sharing along the highway. The Lane Departure Warning (LDW) emitted a buzz when I inadvertently began to move into another lane without using the turn signal.
The Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) helped avoid a rear-end collision when a lowered, modified car sped behind the Triton Athlete while I was backing out of a parking space, taking into account all the parking sensors and the 360-degree camera. If not for the RCTA, I would have backed into the front of that low car and driven onto its hood.
If I had P1,909,000 burning a hole in my pocket, I would rush to a Mitsubishi dealer and get a 2025 Triton Athlete 4WD AT, preferably in the same finish as the Yamabuki Orange Metallic of this media test drive unit. And by the time my kids get their driver’s licenses, I will gladly hand them the keys to this safe, intelligent, and helpful pickup truck.
