It is quite a shame that we won’t get a new one-ton truck - the 2019 Mitsubishi L200, otherwise known as the Triton. The new Mitsubishi L200 truck enters a competitive segment with the Nissan Navara, the Ford Ranger, the Toyota Hilux, and the Volkswagen Amarok. Yet, this isn’t an all-new truck. Revealed all the way back in 2014, the Mitsubishi L200 received quite a substantial redesign (a facelift if you will) for the new model year. Mitsubishi is keen to introduce it to 150 markets worldwide and aims to sell 180,000 units per year. Obviously, it is a strategic product, meaning that Mitsubishi went out of their way to make it good. Sustainable growth is one of the main aims for the company that recently almost bankrupted, and this is, along with the Eclipse crossover, a key product for it.

2019 Mitsubishi Triton L200

Specifications
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  • Model: 2019 Mitsubishi Triton L200
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2019 Mitsubishi Triton L200 Exterior

Taking inspiration from recent Mitsubishi conventional vehicles (most notably the Eclipse SUV), the Mitsubishi Triton received the so-called Dynamic Shield design language. I do not know if it’s only me, but I definitely can recognize some of the elements on the front that actually look like a shield. Not only on the new Triton truck but also on other Mitsubishi cars. I like it.

Compared to the current L200, the new one did not only receive a new front end, but Mitsubishi designers even reimagined the fenders, the rear lights, and even the basic curves on the sides. This is a thorough effort in reimagining what is, basically a one-ton truck. It is bold, assertive, aggressive and, I believe, nicer looking compared with almost any other truck.

Is it rugged though?

All traits of a rugged vehicle.

Interestingly enough, the bed did not receive any changes whatsoever. In fact, it remained the same as on the outgoing version. So much so it can use the same bad cover from the pre-redesigned L200. It is 57.8 inches square with a depth of 18.7 inches.

2019 Mitsubishi Triton L200 Interior

The exterior did receive a massive redesign, but the interior tells a slightly different story. While it was improved with nicer materials (softer materials for the console, center armrest, and the handbrake), better infotainment system, and comfort creatures such as the powered seats, it is still utilitarian enough to be used on a rugged truck. No major changes there, though.

As before, those who actually drove the car report enough room for five in it. At least, in the four-door version.

2019 Mitsubishi Triton L200 Drivetrain and performance

While the 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine with 178 horsepower remained the same, Mitsubishi did a lot of modifications to the drivetrain and the suspension.

First was a major reinvention of the safety features. The new L200 continues with the blind spot detection, 360-degree cameras, hill descent control, and brake assist. Forward collision detection and rear-cross traffic alert complete the set of active safety equipment. Obviously, the Mitsubishi L200/Triton is a modern and well-equipped car.

And then we move to the really interesting stuff. Engineers imagined two different four-wheel drive setups for the L200. Depending on the selection, one can change throttle sensitivity and transmission behavior thus maximizing the performance in each instance.

Other changes include new dampers, a different suspension setup, and new brakes. Now with larger discs and calipers for improved braking performance.

2019 Mitsubishi Triton L200 Pricing

In the U.K., last year’s version of the Mitsubishi L200 starts at $25,000. The new one will be a tad more expensive for sure. However, if this thing is to even cross the pond to the U.S., I can only imagine its price to be at just over $20,000. After all, it would have to fight with the Colorado, the Tacoma, even the Frontier, and the upcoming Ranger. Can’t be too expensive.

2019 Mitsubishi Triton L200 Competition

Toyota Tacoma

If the Mitsubishi L200/Triton reached the zone of the American car market, one of its biggest competitors would be the Toyota Tacoma. On offer with a 2.7-liter four-cylinder, Toyota found out that the four-cylinder was a bit meaningless for the Tacoma. The company is pushing more for the V-6 now. So will I. Available with the 3.5-liter, V-6, with 278 horsepower, the Tacoma manages with a towing ratio of 6,800 lbs. Plus, you get a payload capacity of 1,540 lbs.

Considering that Mitsubishi is working only with a diesel engine, for the time being, I’d say that the Japanese would have to imagine something better than it for the U.S. car market. The Toyota Tacoma entry price in the U.S. is $25,550. For a four-cylinder, mind you.

Read our full review on the 2018 Toyota Tacoma.

Chevrolet Colorado

The Chevrolet Colorado is probably even a better competitor to the Mitsubishi Triton. This one, in fact, comes with a 2.8-liter, turbodiesel engine with 181 horsepower. A perfect competitor to 187 diesel horsepower of the Triton. Now, this one-ton pickup comes with a 2.5-liter option and a 3.6-liter V-6 option. It will also tow up to 7,000 lbs and provide a maximum payload of 1548 lbs. The least expensive version starts at $20,500.

Read our full review on the 2018 Chevrolet Colorado

Final thoughts

With more than 2,400 changes, the new Mitsubishi L200 does not seem to be only a facelift of an existing truck. Instead, it feels as an evolution focused on reaching as many customers as imaginable. After all, the L200 will remain one of the cheapest entries in this segment of one-ton trucks. Depending on the market, it will be offered as a single-cab, a club, or a double-cab variant. The Mitsubishi L200/Triton can haul up to 2,400 lbs and tow up to 8,000 lbs.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2015 Mitsubishi Triton.