Utes have definitely become the weekend warrior and family daily over the last few years, particularly in the case of dual cabs. As a result, price rises have abounded, but that all stops with the 2022 Mitsubishi Triton GSR.
It’s definitely up there for bang for buck, and now that it comes with a 10-year warranty it’s got to be high on the average pickup fan’s shopping list. Like a fine wine, it’s got better with age, and is now in what the Japanese car maker calls it’s MY22.5 iteration.
In the case of the GSR, everything has been blacked out, from the door handles to the side mirrors, even the 18-inch alloy wheels are dark. To be fair, it does make the ute look more aggressive, especially when paired with Sunflare Orange paint.
The bull bar on our tester though is an optional extra, priced at around $4,000, which at first glance seems steep cost wise, but it’s a factory item. That means Mitsubishi has integrated all the sensors, and it’s covered by the car’s warranty.
If we were building this car, we’d definitely add it though, as it complements the sleek and stealthy LED front headlights, as well as enhancing that aggressive and rugged look the diamond shield grille gives the front of the car. We’d choose the Tan Orange interior too.
Down the side are steel side steps, a refreshing change from the plastic version found on some rivals. The absence of that material continues over the wheel arches, which ensures it’s rather rugged looks, rather than a feeling of cheapness.
At the rear, you are presented with a black rear bumper and LED taillights, as well as a rear brake light that is intergraded into the rear tailgate. You won’t find a retractable roller cover for the tray though, nor is there a gas strut for said tailgate.
In terms of tub capacity, you have a load depth of 1520mm and a load width of 1470mm, as well as a tub height of 475mm. Payload is 901kg, and there are some tie down points and a bed liner.
As you make you way into the cabin, it’s clear that the current spec Triton GSR is starting to look a bit outdated, and that the refreshed 2023 version will be very much welcome when it arrives.
It’s not awful, it’s just not on par with some of its rivals. That translates to a fair bit of harsh plastic and an ageing look. You do still get heated leather seats and dual zone climate control though, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The infotainment system is a paltry 7.0-inches, but it’s not its size that is the issue. It’s the sheer clunkiness of the thing. Smartphone integration is indecisive at best as it struggled to maintain connectivity.
You do get such creature comforts as electric seat adjustment for the driver, two USB ports, a 12V socket, and a HDMI port. The door bins are big enough for a 1-litre Powerade bottle, and there’s two cup holders located in the middle of the console.
You may lose a macchiato down the hole though, if that’s your drink of choice. Pro tip: drink larger coffees. In terms of safety, there’s autonomous emergency breaking, an auto dimming rear vision mirror, and blind spot monitoring.
Lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors and a 360 camera that is as clear as the first ever colour TV (yes it’s that bad) also feature. Rear seating is decent enough, if not outstanding in terms of comfort.
Where it falls down though is just how cosy it is back there in terms of head and leg room. That aside, you do get two USB ports and a centre arm rest with two cupholders. Where the rear space stands out though is in the integration of the climate controls and vents.
Unlike most cars where the rear climate controls and air vents are situated down low, Mitsubishi has instead put them in the roof lining, which makes it easier and more efficient to distribute air to the rear passengers.
On the road, the Triton GSR is as comfortable as any average family hatchback and is surprisingly quiet. Honestly, it’s hard to fault any ute these days when it comes to day to day driving, as they feel more and more like cars every day.
Powered by a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, making a respectful 133kW of get up and go, and 430Nm of torque, the Triton sends everything through a smooth and responsive 6-speed auto. Traction can be delivered to the rear or all four wheels.
It doesn’t want for power either, whether on road or off, with a powertrain that’s more than sufficient for whatever you’re likely to use it for. It’s also one of the lighter utes on the market, and has an impressive 11.8-metre turning circle.
On the rough stuff, it offers a 31-degree approach angle and 21-degree departure angle, as well as 220mm of ground clearance. It comes with the outstanding Super Select 4WD setup, allowing you to drive in 2H and 4H.
That essentially means you have all-wheel drive traction on sealed surfaces. It also comes with 4HLC (4WD high range with locked centre diff) and 4LCC (4WD low range with locked centre diff), all of which is controlled by a simple swivel wheel in the centre console.
This made it extremely easy to take the 2022 Mitsubishi Triton GSR onto the sand dunes for some good old fashion off road testing. But it wasn’t just the sophisticated 4×4 system that helped tackle the dunes, the incredible traction control system plays its part too.
Not once did we ever feel like we were going to get stuck, with hill descent control adding to the exceptional capabilities the Triton offers away from the tarmac. We were also pleasantly surprised by just how frugal it can be.
After a day of off-roading and fun, we were expecting to see fuel consumption that would make this writer think twice about utes as family cars, but not so, with 8.6-litres/100km the magic number according to Mitsubishi.
We went better than that, and significantly so. Around town, in traffic, we averaged 10.1-litres/100km, while highway driving and sand dune silliness saw an average of just 7.0-litres/100km.
Overall, the 2022 Mitsubishi Triton GSR might not have the most glamorous interior, or have the latest tech, but it makes up for all this by staying true to its 4×4 ute roots. That means harsh and durable plastics that can be easily cleaned, and tough and rugged looks.
It has a drive away price just over $65,000 (if you include the roll top tonneau cover and black rear sports bar (and why wouldn’t you)). It’s available in Diamond White, Sunflare Orange (as tested), Graphite Grey and Black.
You can build your own, and add any of the gazillion accessories Mitsubishi and its partners have on offer at their website. If you need finance, talk to CreditOne.
Our test vehicle was provided by Mitsubishi Motors Australia. To find out more about the 2022 Mitsubishi Triton GSR, talk to your local Mitsubishi dealer.
