2021 Mitsubishi Triton GLS Review

Under the bonnet is a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 133kW and 430Nm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.

Those outputs may not match some of the larger engines found in rival dual-cabs, but the Triton delivers its torque in a way that suits everyday ute duties. There is enough pulling power for carrying loads, highway driving and heading off-road without making the vehicle unnecessarily difficult to live with around town.

One of the GLS's biggest strengths is Mitsubishi's Super Select II four-wheel-drive system. Unlike more traditional part-time 4WD systems, it allows the driver to use a four-wheel-drive mode on sealed roads as well as providing low-range gearing for more challenging terrain.

Braked towing capacity is rated at 3,100kg, which is useful for trailers, boats and smaller caravans, although it falls short of the 3,500kg figure offered by some rivals.

Verdict: A flexible turbo-diesel drivetrain with a particularly versatile 4WD system, although serious towing buyers may want more capacity.

Official combined fuel consumption for the automatic Triton GLS sits at approximately 8.6L/100km.

For a turbo-diesel dual-cab with genuine four-wheel-drive capability, that is a respectable figure and helps keep the Triton manageable as an everyday vehicle rather than something reserved purely for work or weekends.

A 75-litre fuel tank also provides useful touring range, particularly for drivers covering longer highway distances.

Real-world consumption will naturally change with payload, towing, terrain and driving style. A Triton regularly hauling equipment or towing a caravan will use considerably more fuel than one predominantly driven unladen.

Verdict: Competitive diesel economy with enough range to suit work, commuting and longer trips.

The GLS specification strikes a good balance between durability and everyday comfort.

The cabin is straightforward and logically arranged, with controls that are easy to operate and materials designed to cope with the realities of ute ownership.

Equipment includes a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry, while the GLS also gains several exterior and convenience upgrades over lower grades.

There is useful storage throughout the cabin and enough rear-seat space to make the dual-cab layout suitable for family use, although the Triton's cabin is narrower than some of the newer and larger utes in the segment.

The infotainment system also looks relatively modest by today's standards, but smartphone connectivity means the essentials are covered.

Verdict: Durable, functional and equipped with the features most buyers actually use, even if the cabin is beginning to show its age against newer rivals.

The MR-generation update gave the Triton a much stronger road presence than its predecessor.

Mitsubishi's bold front-end treatment, high bonnet line and angular lighting help give the GLS a suitably rugged appearance, while 18-inch alloy wheels and body-coloured exterior details provide a more polished finish than work-focused variants.

It still looks unmistakably like a ute, but there is enough styling to make it equally at home in a driveway as it is on a work site.

The relatively compact dimensions compared with some newer dual-cabs can also be an advantage when navigating suburban streets and car parks.

Verdict: Rugged and purposeful without becoming excessive, with styling that still looks contemporary for a used dual-cab.

The 2021 Triton GLS comes with a useful range of active and passive safety technology.

Features include:

Autonomous emergency braking

Forward collision mitigation

Lane departure warning

Seven airbags

Reversing camera

Rear parking sensors

The MR-generation Triton was covered by a 5-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted under earlier criteria, so buyers should keep the age of that assessment in mind when comparing it with newer-generation utes.

Even so, the combination of active-safety technology and everyday assistance features gives the Triton useful reassurance for a vehicle that may serve as both a work ute and family transport.

Verdict: A useful safety package for its era, although newer dual-cabs have moved ahead with more sophisticated assistance technology.

Value has long been one of the Triton's strongest arguments.

When new, it generally sat below equivalent versions of several major dual-cab rivals, while still providing a turbo-diesel engine, four-wheel drive and a solid equipment list.

That advantage continues on the used market.

The GLS is particularly appealing because it adds useful comfort and convenience features without moving too far away from the Triton's value-focused positioning. The Super Select II system is another significant inclusion, particularly for buyers who genuinely plan to use the vehicle away from sealed roads.

When inspecting a used Triton, service history is important. Buyers should also consider how the vehicle has previously been used, looking for signs of heavy towing, off-road use or hard work rather than judging it on kilometres alone.

Verdict: A lot of capability for the money and one of the Triton's strongest reasons for consideration as a used dual-cab.