Since its release, the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 4WD was always out to to keep its foothold in a hotly contested vehicle segment. With an all new exterior plus a more modern design language inside and out, this model shows just how Mitsubishi can “evolve” and adapt to the changing times and tastes of the buying public. In this review, we’ll dive into the aesthetics, performance, technology, and practicality of the Triton Athlete so that you know exactly what this truck has to offer.
It has a new name, but the Triton Athlete is more than just a “rebadge”
Take one look at the 2024 Triton Athlete and it’s clear that Mitsubishi has upped its game in the styling department. The front fascia features a bold Dynamic Shield grille that – flanked by striking LED DRLs with LED headlight assemblies underneath – provides better airflow into the front end and caps it off with a more aggressive, cohesive look. The previous generation had a mix of angular edges and flat panels but this Triton makes good use of both sleek lines and a muscular stance that give it a balanced overall look.
The Athlete variant stands out even more with its unique black accents, including the side mirrors, door handles, and even the alloy wheels. The 18-inch alloy wheels are a good way to round off the side profile by giving an assured rugged look for the Athlete. Perhaps the biggest plus I can throw in here is the fact that Yamabuki Orange Metallic, the color of the unit you see here, is absolutely pretty. It’s not a loud shade, nor is it a subdued hue. If anything it does well to highlight the lines found around the Athlete, and it just makes this workhorse a tad bit more attractive.
Inside, you’ll find that the Triton Athlete is as impressive as its exterior. Mitsubishi has designed an interior that balances functionality with comfort, and we can go so far to say as from an aesthetic point of view, you’d second-think being in a truck. A combination of leather and high-quality fabric is the upholstery of choice, providing a premium feel without sacrificing any aesthetic appeal. That said, whether as a passenger or the driver, everything is within a glance or arm’s reach in the front of the Triton Athlete.
You get a nice 7″ digital display in the gauge cluster, you have a neatly arranged center stack with a massive infotainment screen smack in the middle and atop the dashboard, AC vents underneath, AC controls, and your usual pocket just in front of a very conventional shifter lever. Just aft of the lever, you find a few more toggles for taking on inclines, changing Drive Modes, and engaging 2- or AWD via a nifty dial.
You’d expect that the materials in a truck such as the Triton Athlete would mostly be plastic, utilitarian if you will, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to see a good mix of it plus some soft touch points; these, and an overall interior design that has some classy elements sprinkled in make you feel you’re in a more premium hauler, and that’s a good thing.
Mitsubishi also seems to have taken storage spaces seriously, making sure that there are ample compartments scattered in the cabin, including a sizable center console as well as door pockets and cupholders. The rear seats are comfortable for passengers and can easily accommodate adult-sized individuals on longer journeys, making it a practical choice for family outings or road trips. However, we must always emphasize that the middle of the rear bench may be best reserved for children, if for any passenger at all.
Mitsubishi has placed a significant emphasis on safety in the Triton Athlete, equipping it with an array of advanced safety features designed to protect occupants and enhance driving confidence. The vehicle is equipped with a suite of driver-assistance technologies, including Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
The Triton also features a robust body structure designed to absorb impact energy, alongside multiple airbags to protect occupants in the event of a collision. The Triton Athlete gets two more of these, which are the side and curtain airbags.
As a workhorse, you get yourself a bed that measures 1,555 mm in length and 1,545 in width. It comes with tie-down points that make for better securing and transporting of your cargo. The Triton Athlete also boasts impressive towing capabilities, with a maximum towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg. This makes it an ideal choice for those who need to haul trailers, jetskis on carriers, or any other gear without breaking a sweat.
Under the hood, the 2024 Triton Athlete 4WD is powered by a robust 2.4-liter turbo-diesel engine that churns out 204 horsepower and a formidable 470 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission that provides smooth shifts, ensuring that power delivery is both responsive and efficient. Whether you’re cruising on highways or climbing steep inclines, the Triton offers a solid performance that definitely inspires confidence especially if you’re behind the wheel.
One of the standout features of the Triton Athlete is its Super Select 4WD system, which allows drivers to switch between 2WD and 4WD modes on the fly. This is particularly useful for varying road conditions especially if you’re traversing muddy trails or navigating wet city streets. The Off-Road Mode feature enhances the vehicle’s capability, adjusting throttle response and traction control to suit challenging terrains.
On the road, the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete feels confident and composed. The suspension strikes a balance between comfort and capability, absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces without compromising stability. Heck, even going sideways along a muddy trail felt safe and very much controllable, and that’s how confident the Triton Athlete does make you feel. Whether you’re driving on the highway or tackling a rocky path, the Triton manages to deliver a smooth ride.
The steering is responsive, providing a good feel of the road, while the brakes do have enough “bite”, so to speak. The best thing about it is the fact that the brake pedal is not spongey, and it responds very well to your input. More impressive is that although the Triton is a pickup truck, it offers a driving experience that feels more refined than many of its competitors, making it an excellent choice for daily commutes as well as off-road adventures.
While performance is a key consideration for many buyers, fuel efficiency is equally important. The Triton Athlete’s 2.4-liter turbo-diesel engine delivers commendable fuel economy, averaging around 9.2 km/L in the city and about 12.3 km/L in mixed driving conditions. This makes it a practical option for those who want a capable truck without frequent trips to gas up.
The verdict, then.
At PHP 1,909,000 – and yes, that’s pretty expensive – the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 4WD is a well-rounded pickup that successfully combines style, performance, and practicality. Whether you’re looking for outdoor thrills, or if you’re a family man or woman, even, looking for a reliable vehicle, or a professional needing a workhorse, the Triton Athlete can get the job done, answering to a variety of needs.
It looks good, its interior is comfortable and classy, it comes with a lot of advanced safety features, and it just gets the job done with its inherent Mitsubishi pickup capabilities that make it a compelling choice in the midsize truck segment. While the competition is fierce, Mitsubishi has built a vehicle that not only stands out but also delivers on its promises.
If you’re in the market for a pickup that’s ready to tackle both work and play, the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 4WD deserves a spot on your shortlist. It’s a vehicle that embodies the spirit of adventure while remaining practical for everyday use; truly a testament to Mitsubishi’s commitment to innovation and quality in the automotive landscape.
More Photos of the 2024 Mitsubishi Triton Athlete 4WD AT
