Introduced at the Bangkok Motor Show, the Mitsubishi Triton Absolute Concept truck is a proposed rugged and performance-orientated off-roader equipped with beefed-up fenders, 2-inches of extra ground clearance, and many off-road worthy additions. Although only a concept, the Triton Absolute gives us a glimpse into what may well become the competitor to the trucks like the Ford Ranger Raptor or the Toyota Hilux Rugged X. While the fate of its production rests in the hands of the interested public, the Triton (L200) Absolute may present the starting point for development of the sporty, hardened version of the next generation Triton. The name Absolute evokes clear notes of enthusiasm and playfulness that characterizes all modern off-road-centric trucks. Unfortunately, even if it reaches production, the Mitsubishi Triton Absolute will not be available in the U.S.

2019 Mitsubishi Triton Absolute Concept

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2019 Mitsubishi Triton Absolute Concept
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

- 270 millimeters of ground clearance - Large off-road tires - LED bars on the roof - Carbon-fiber fenders - Novel tonneau cover - Thick protective skid plates

Just look at its appearance! It has all the essential pieces to stand out, including protective skid plates with silver and red details, and a cool LED light bar on the roof.

So cool, in fact, that some Mitsubishi dealers in Australia commissioned aftermarket specialists to make similar mods to the Triton trucks they sell. See, the Australian market is one of the biggest for the Mitsubishi Triton. Moreover, it is one of the major markets for performance-focused pick-up trucks such as the Ford Ranger Raptor. This Triton Absolute certainly feels like a worthy competitor to the American pickup. In fact, Mitsubishi Motors Australia CEO, John Signoriello said a word or two about the new Triton Absolute.

He noted, "The Triton Absolute concept is more robust, dynamic and powerful. It demonstrates our commitment to exploring a vision of the future Triton that will deliver on our 'engineered beyond tough' commitment to the Triton series - bold enough to be taken on even more adventurous treks to explore Australia's rugged outback, which is one of Mitsubishi’s defining strengths."

Now, the Australian market, although more than in love with these kinds of trucks, is not big enough to justify the Triton Absolute going into production. In that regard, to entice buyers and excite the market as a whole, Mitsubishi plans to extensively showcase the Triton Absolute Concept all over the world for the next 12 months. If there are enough curious questions asked, I don't see why they wouldn't put it into production.

It is not a coincidence that the Australian actually presents this vehicle. The Triton Absolute is partially developed down under. Later, it won the 4x4 of the Year Award at the Australian Motoring Awards. This only goes to show that Australians are into cool trucks. I am sure that without them, the Triton Absolute Concept would not even exist.

So, apart from the cool exterior touches, the Mitsubishi Triton Absolute Concept features a two-inch lift kit and a suspension with longer travel. It sits on Falken Wildpeak tires measuring 285/65 R18. As for other notable additions, I can see an excellent tonneau cover that complements the truck nicely with the roof assemblage that carries light bars.

With such pleasing additions, the Mitsubishi Triton Absolute Concept gives a certain aura of accomplishment. In fact, I liked the Triton/L200 redesign from the start. Who knows, the Triton Absolute, if it ever comes to fruition, may bear one more special 4WD mode.

Interior

- Softer surfaces - 7-inch central display - Grab handle - Apple Car Play and Android Auto support - Powered seats - Paddle shifters behind the wheel (cool ones at that)

While Mitsubishi did not provide any details on the interior changes for the new Triton Absolute Concept, I have to believe this bespoke truck got some. After all, when Mitsubishi introduced the Triton in its latest guise in late 2018, it did have more delicate features in the cabin. Padded soft surfaces, fine stitching, and cool roof-mounted vents summed up the most significant changes, but it also gained 7.0-inch display in the middle, USB plugs, grab handle, and Apple Car Play and Android Auto support.

Now, if the Mitsubishi reworked the cabin for the Triton Absolute, then it must have received red stitching to go along with the exterior details, some cool relief on the seats, and, I hope, some cool graphic on the instrument panel.

Drivetrain

- A capable 4WD system with 4WD Low mode - 2-inch lift kit - 317 pound-feet of torque - Full Driving Safety Suit - At least five drive modes - gravel, mud, snow, sand, and rock - Thick protection plates protect the drivetrain

Mitsubishi did not disclose any information about the powertrain in the Triton Absolute. However, I do believe that it features the same 2.4-liter, turbodiesel engine with 178 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque as the standard 2019 Mitsubishi Triton/L200. As everyone will compare it with the newest world's favorite - the Ford Ranger Raptor, I give you a nice comparison table between the two:

Mitsubishi Triton Absolute Concept

Ford Ranger Raptor

Engine

2.4-liter, turbodiesel

2.0-liter, turbodiesel

Horsepower

178 horsepower

213 horsepower

Torque

317 pound-feet

367 pound-feet

Ground clearance

270 millimeters

283 millimeters

Tow Rating

6,843 pounds

5,511 pounds

Suspension

2-inch lift kit

2.5-inch FOX Shocks


However, would you take the Mitsubishi Triton Absolute instead of the Ford Ranger Raptor in real life?

Well, the Triton Absolute could be considerably cheaper, definitely narrower, more civilized even, but, if appropriately motivated, I believe that it's Super Select 4WD system with 4WD Low mode could do some fantastic things off-road. It can not be as fun or as capable as the Ranger Raptor tough.

Regardless of a tad smaller tires compared to the Triton Absolute, the Ranger Raptor (285/70R17 BFGoodrich), with forged aluminum control arms, and Watt's linkage in the rear, seems to be a better fit overall. More power, more gears of its transmission, better interior and, let's face it, better looks, does not hurt either.

Final Thoughts

Although it is only a concept truck, the Mitsubishi Triton Absolute is an exciting prospect in the world of performance-geared mid-size trucks. If Mitsubishi and its Renault-Nissan overseers manage to massage its engine to deliver more than 200 horsepower and put it into production in 12 months or so, then the Ranger Raptor would get its closest competitor. The journey from the concept phase to the production is not that surprising nowadays. This kind of evolution became a common practice sometime in the nineties. You may remember the Plymouth Prowler Concept fruition going into production. Lately, we have seen the Land Rover LRX Concept growing into the Evoque, or the Kia Soul Concept transforming into a production Soul.

Of course, I am talking here about the complete vehicles. The Triton Absolute Concept is basically only an off-road package, which makes it even more likely to reach production. If not for this generation of the truck, then most certainly for the next one.