Mitsubishi->ke58 has been making its pickup truck->ke242 since 1978, though it wasn’t called the Triton until the truck’s second generation came along in 1987. That first generation truck->ke1311 was even sold inside the U.S. as a badge-engineered Dodge->ke28 called the Ram 50. It competed against the likes of the Ford Courier and Chevrolet LUV. Though the story of the U.S-sold trucks continues on, the Triton moved onward in the global market. The second generation lasted from 1987 through 1996 and was styled much like the Toyota Hilux.->ke1957 In the latter parts of 1996, the third generation Triton came out and lasted through 2004. Lastly, the forth-generation Triton debuted for the 2006 model year and was rather stylized by comparison to its predecessors.

Now for 2015, Mitsubishi is bringing out the fifth-generation of Triton trucks -- one that boasts a more car-like interior and more truck-like capabilities. Two turbo-diesel options and a gasoline engine are available A new six-speed manual transmission is now offered, along with a five-speed automatic.

It’s new interior promises more creature comforts with things like a touchscreen infotainment system, a driver’s information screen in the gauge cluster, and much more sound deadening than before.

Though the Triton will never make it to the U.S., the Triton will makes its way into Australia, Thailand, the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Latin American, and other countries in the ASEAN Oceania region.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2015 Mitsubishi Triton.

2015 Mitsubishi Triton

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Mitsubishi Triton
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 133
  • Torque: 317
  • Transmission: six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2015 Triton pickup will come in the standard three cab configurations -- single cab, extended cab, and crew cab -- with bed lengths to fit. Its high ground clearance helps it maneuver well off-road while its SUV-like design helps it fit in among the urban jungle.

A chrome grille and mirror caps along with fog lights and chrome alloy wheels help dress up the truck. Upper trim models get LED daytime running lights. A tailgate-mounted backup camera is also offered.

Interior

The Triton’s interior has come a long way with this generation change. The new digs include available leather seating with a leather-covered steering wheel. A touchscreen infotainment system resides in the dash and the HVAC system enjoys digital readouts. The analog gauges give the driver vehicle and engine speed while a driver’s information screen shows all the other necessary stats. Push-button starting is also offered.

The dash enjoys a dual-tone treatment with the upper section covered in a soft-touch black treatment while the lower section has a grey color scheme. Piano-black accents dress up the center console, air vent surrounds, and door handles.

Drivetrain

The Triton has a total of three engine options, though different markets are generally relegated to one of the three. The newest engine is an all-aluminum, 2.4-liter, MIVEC, four-cylinder turbo-diesel complete with a variable-geometry turbo. It produces 133 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque.

Also on the list are the carryover, 2.5-liter turbodiesel and the 2.4-liter, gasoline engine. The diesel is rated at 175 horses and 295 pound-feet of torque while the gasoline engine is rated at 130 and 148 respectively.

A new six-speed manual transmission joins the powertrain lineup while the six-speed automatic carries over. Like all good trucks, the Triton is offered in both two-and four-wheel-drive configurations.

Prices

Mitsubishi has not released pricing on the new Triton, but we can expect its MSRP to not climb too high over the current tuck.

Competition

2015 Chevrolet Colorado

The Colorado is all-new for 2015 and brings a new level of refinement, versatility, and competitiveness to the rather stale midsize American truck market. Available in extended and crew cab configurations with a standard and long bed, the Colorado offers plenty of choices for buyers.

Three choices in engines lie under the hood. The standard engine is the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, with the 3.6-liter V-6 as the optional unit. Upcoming for 2016 is the 2.8-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel.

Pricing for the Colorado starts at $20,120.

Toyota Tacoma

The Tacoma has long been the stalwart of the category, fighting off the Nissan Frontier every step of the way. The Tacoma offers plenty of versatility with all three cab configurations, two ride heights, and a range of trim levels to choose from.

Under the Taco’s hood lies a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or the optional 4.0-liter V-6. Two- and four-wheel drive are available. New for 2015 is the Tacoma TRD Pro that offers tons of purpose-built off-road goodies, making the truck nearly ready for a Baja 1000-like event.

Pricing for the Tacoma starts at $20,765.

Conclusion

The new Triton offers a great level of versatility and comfort for those folks looking for a hard-working truck. Its high ground clearance, four-wheel drive, and available diesel powertrain gives the truck a strong backbone for work. The updated interior brings a new level of comfort to the Triton line, especially with the added infotainment screen and digital HVAC controls.

While we’re normally raging in jealousy for overseas trucks we can’t get in America, this one just doesn’t seem competitive for this market. That’s especially true considering the new Colorado and Canyon twins coming from GM.