This is the most frightening Mitsubishi Triton yet, but is the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme worth its whopping price tag?
2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme
It’s no secret that Mitsubishi has been pining for an off-road-focused version of the Triton for a while. Mitsubishi told us so last year, but the company has remained quiet on developments ever since.
Well, wonder no longer, the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme finally gives the enduring dual-cab ute model the tough-truck treatment it’s long deserved. With the engineering know-how gleaned from second-stage manufacturer Walkinshaw, which also brought us the Volkswagen Amarok W580 rival, the Triton Xtreme sees out the current generation with the most hardcore variant we’ve seen to date.
But, has Walkinshaw done enough to rejuvenate the tired model this late in the generation’s life? Walkinshaw invited Drive to the firm’s home turf, the Lang Lang proving ground on which it used to develop and test HSV models, for a first taste test of the limited 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme.
How much does the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme cost in Australia?
The first thing you need to know about the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme is the fact it’s based on the top-spec $56,940 (plus on-road costs) Triton GSR model grade. Now, note the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme costs $71,990 (plus ORCs).
That’s a sizeable price jump this late in the Triton’s life cycle, because a likely replacement for the ageing model is due to be revealed later in 2023, and a launch is likely early 2024. Especially when its rivals, including the $67,515 (plus ORCs) Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior and $70,200 (plus ORCs) Toyota HiLux Rogue, are more affordable.
To take the fight to the above, Walkinshaw has applied its own rough-and-ready look to the Triton Xtreme. First of all you’ll notice the obvious Triton Xtreme decal package, which is said to have mimicked Mitsubishi’s own Dynamic Shield styling language. It also gets a set of custom-designed 18-inch forged aluminium wheels wrapped in BFGoodrich K02 A/T tyres, accentuated black fender flares, a Triton sports bar, and an LED light bar.
Deeper, the Triton Xtreme is customised with a bright red bash plate (which incorporates the LED light bar) and a revised suspension system with beefed-up Supashock dampers and remote canisters.
Notably absent, there are no changes to the powertrain as it would have been prohibitively expensive to emissions test. As before, the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine is in use, which makes 133kW and 430Nm. The six-speed automatic gearbox remains unchanged, the Super Select II four-wheel-drive system continues, and no changes are made to the brakes.
Walkinshaw says the Triton Xtreme’s towing capacity is 3100kg braked and it has a 5885kg gross combination mass rating – these figures remain the same as the unmodified Triton Xtreme.
| Key details | 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme |
| Price | $71,990 plus on-road costs |
| Colour of test car | White Diamond w/ Black roof Sunflare Orange W/ Black roof |
| Options | None |
| Price as tested | $71,990 plus on-road costs |
| Rivals | Nissan Navara | Mazda BT-50 | Volkswagen Amarok W580 |
How much space does the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme have inside?
There are no changes inside the cabin (aside from the Triton Xtreme build plaque), which makes the Triton Xtreme’s interior feel old in comparison to its newer rivals. Where other utes have tried to incorporate more soft-touch materials and leather accents to surfaces, the Triton soldiers on with durable hard plastics.
There’s adjustability between the electric seats and steering wheel (tilt and reach adjustable) to slide into a high driving position, while the seats themselves are firm and supportive. The leather upholstery isn’t particularly plush, but there’s bolstering in all the right areas to hold the driver in through corners.
At-hand cabin storage is good, with two cupholders, a leather-wrapped centre console bin, and a slot in front of the shifter for wallets and such – no wireless phone charger, however.
Back seat passengers have good headroom and legroom, but there’s not a lot of space side to side. Air vents sit within the roof, while there are two USB ports for charging devices in the second row.
| 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme | |
| Seats | Five |
| Capacities | 900kg payload 2900kg GVM 5885kg GCM |
| Length | 5305mm |
| Width | 1815mm |
| Height | 1795mm |
| Wheelbase | 3000mm |
Does the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
The Triton’s 7.0-inch infotainment system offers basic functions such as digital radio and Bluetooth phone connectivity, but it does without native satellite navigation. However, the system can run wired Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which brings back some handy features like navigation.
The Mitsubishi’s system is simple to use in its own right with handy icons to skip between functions and shortcuts alongside the screen. Annoyingly there’s a touch slider to adjust volume instead of a traditional knob.
There’s a tiny TFT screen within the instrument cluster to display the four-wheel-drive system’s status, fuel data, and maintenance information, though it doesn’t show a digital speedometer.
Is the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme a safe car?
The current-generation Mitsubishi Triton was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating back in 2015. This rating expired at the end of 2022, meaning the Mitsubishi Triton now goes unrated and can’t be compared to its newer contemporaries.
A new model is due to release within the next 12 months, so (a) this one is not likely to be retested, and (b) the coming Mitsubishi Triton will likely be upgraded to address the more stringent safety criteria ANCAP applies in 2023.
| 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme | |
| ANCAP rating | Unrated |
What safety technology does the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme have?
Drilling down to specifics, the Mitsubishi Triton gets active safety equipment such as autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot warning, parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, and a parking camera.
It misses out on handy features other more modern dual-cab utes receive such as speed sign recognition, driver fatigue detection, adaptive cruise control, and tyre pressure monitoring.
How much does the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme cost to maintain?
Walkinshaw has stated the upgrades made to the Triton Xtreme do not impact Mitsubishi’s strong 10-year, 200,000km (whichever occurs first) warranty. Do note, this warranty only applies if the car is serviced within the Mitsubishi network of dealerships.
Mitsubishi provides capped-price servicing for the full 10 years, with the first three visits costing $1547 and five worth $2895. These services should be completed every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever is sooner.
As well for owners, Mitsubishi provides four years of roadside assistance as long as you continually service within the Mitsubishi network.
| At a glance | 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme |
| Warranty | 10 years, 200,000km |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000km |
| Servicing costs | $1547 (3 years) $2895 (5 years) |
Is the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme fuel-efficient?
Our time with the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme was limited and the example on test counted a mere 400km on its odometer, meaning any fuel numbers are likely to be inflated as the engine is not worn in. In any case, Mitsubishi claims the Triton uses 8.6 litres per 100km on a combined cycle. We’ve seen figures nearer 9.5L/100km in the past on a Triton GSR.
We hope to spend more time with the Triton Xtreme in the future and glean some reliable fuel figures.
Fuel Consumption – brought to you by bp
| Fuel Useage | Fuel Stats |
| Fuel cons. (claimed) | 8.6L/100km |
| Fuel cons. (on test) | Not recorded |
| Fuel type | Diesel |
| Fuel tank size | 75L |
What is the Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme like to drive?
As one of the oldest dual-cab ute models on the Australian market, the Mitsubishi Triton is well due an entirely new model to bring it back up to speed and competition with its peers – especially in on-road driving conditions.
The outputs of the 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine are down on rivals, many of which produce more than 140kW and 450Nm, while the tow rating falls below the more common 3500kg standard for the class. As well, the engine clatters and rumbles with noise translated through to the cabin.
To its credit, the Mitsubishi Triton remains one of the smaller dual-cab utes on the market, meaning its 5305mm-long body is straightforward to manoeuvre about town. It also has a tight 11.8m turning circle even with the upgrades to wheels and suspension.
The steering is particularly heavy for slow suburban manoeuvres, though this is less of an issue through successive bends at speed. Its suspension continues to feel jittery over sustained undulations, meaning the upgraded Supashock dampers haven’t made much of an impact for on-road use. That said, our Triton Xtreme test drive was limited, so we’d like to spend more time behind the wheel before casting final judgement.
After it leaves the blacktop, the Triton Xtreme starts to shine. The standard Triton was already a proven performer when it comes to off-road ability, but additions including the Supashock dampers have rounded off impacts and they afford an extra layer of stability.
As well, the underbody protection provides added peace of mind when traversing rougher terrain and ruts.
Of course, the Triton also has the Super Select II four-wheel-drive system which, in addition to running high-range two- and four-wheel-drive modes, can run in four-wheel-drive configuration on high-grip surfaces without binding up the centre differential. It’s possible to lock the rear differential when in low-range four-wheel drive, and there are also electronic aids such as hill descent control and a drive-mode selector.
Though the Triton Xtreme still offers a good compromise between on-road dynamics and off-road ability, Walkinshaw’s upgrades are better felt when driving the vehicle off the beaten track.
| Key details | 2023 Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme |
| Engine | 2.4-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder |
| Power | 133kW @ 3500rpm |
| Torque | 430Nm @ 2500rpm |
| Drive type | Four-wheel drive |
| Transmission | Six-speed automatic |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 66.5kW/t |
| Weight (kerb) | 2000kg |
| Spare tyre type | Full-size |
| Tow rating | 3100kg braked 750kg unbraked |
Should I buy a Mitsubishi Triton Xtreme?
In the lead-up to the next generation, this Triton Xtreme project could have been forgotten all too easily. But we’re glad at least someone (Walkinshaw) has made the effort to apply some incremental upgrades to make the Triton better, and to send off the current generation.
It’s not just a sticker-pack-special either. There’s real work done here under the skin to make an already capable ute that little bit better. However, obviously not every aspect of the Triton has been touched, including the outdated powertrain, and the car continues to lag behind its competitors, particularly when comparing the in-cabin experience. We wonder what the Triton Xtreme would have looked like had Walkinshaw gone even further.
There’s no way around the sizeable price jump between a Triton Xtreme and its donor car, the Triton GSR. However, this is a limited edition that will appeal to the Mitsubishi diehards and it’s undoubtedly a high point for the Triton nameplate. Whether all 500 examples will find driveways is another story.
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