Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R 2025 Review

The new mid-spec Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R starts from $56,490 drive away and slots in nicely between the GLX+ ($52,990 drive away) and the GLS ($60,990 drive away). The flagship GSR is almost $10K dearer, at $65,990 drive away.

But while the GLX-R is closer in price to the lower-spec GLX+, it is closer in spirit to the GLS and GSR. It comes equipped with the Super Select 4WD-II driveline system, Active Yaw Control, and selectable off-road modes of its higher-spec siblings, while it adopts the GSR’s 18-inch blacked-out alloy wheels and sports bar. It also debuts a tailgate assist feature, although that gizmo could well find its way onto GLS and GSR models in due course.

Elsewhere, the GLX-R comes with a cloth interior, four speakers, a 7-inch multi-information display, a 9-inch touch-screen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and all the important safety features (achieving a five-star ANCAP rating in 2024). However, it does give up a few points to the GLS and GSR, with no keyless system, seat heating, or side steps.

In the grander scheme of the dual-cab ute segment, the GLX-R faces stiff competition from the likes of long-established players including Ford, Toyota, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Mazda, and Nissan. However, it’s also under pressure from more recent arrivals, including GWM and LDV, and newcomers like the BYD Shark 6 PHEV. The looming Kia Tasman will only add to the fray.

The Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R comes backed by a long 10-year/200,000km factory warranty, with 10 years/150,000km of capped-price servicing provided the vehicle is serviced within the Mitsubishi dealer network. Service intervals are pegged at every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, at a cost of $6690 over 10 years, for an average cost of $669 per service.

The Triton GLX-R’s strength lies in its careful positioning right between the upper and lower ends of both the Triton range and the wider dual-cab segment.

On the outside, the GLX-R looks as good as any other ute out there. The black sports bar and black 18-inch rims give it a similar look to the flagship GSR, while the Impulse Blue colour scheme of our test unit is a head-turner.

By packing in many of the features of its up-spec siblings, while keeping the overall price tag down, Mitsubishi has made this variant extremely desirable for those buyers torn between premium and price-conscious. The Triton GLX-R is rugged enough as a weekday workhorse, but comfy enough for multi-day family trips.

Under the bonnet, the 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel lacks a little muscle compared to most of its mainstream competitors but should satisfy most everyday drivers with its 150kW and 470Nm. It is far from punchy, but it gets up and running briskly and smoothly without too much bother, while the six-speed automatic gearbox (no manual option) is effective enough, if unremarkable.

Overall, the new Triton’s ride is much improved from that of the preceding platform, with a nice, light electrically assisted steering action, and plush (perhaps too plush) suspension. Once again, there are better examples out there, but it’s far from disappointing when you take that price tag into account.

Payload (1095kg) and braked towing capacity (3500kg) have both increased too, making the new Triton competitive with its rivals as a trusty packhorse.

In the cab, the Triton ticks most boxes. The interior is nice without being overly flashy, while there is plenty of room up the front for both driver and passenger. The rear seats are a little more squishy but still sizeable enough for three kids, or two average-sized adults. Jamming three big blokes in there, however, will be a stretch.

There is lots of cockpit storage, both USB-A and USB-C ports, and well-placed buttons, knobs and switchgear. The infotainment system is also decent, although the stock menu graphics appear dated. That’s hardly a concern when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, however, and I found the overall connectivity both efficient and fuss-free.

On the dirt, the Triton gets the job done – it will get you where you need to go. The seven (yes, seven) pre-programmed drive modes linked to the 4WD system seemed to me a little gimmicky at first, but they did come in handy, especially when on one occasion I found myself in deep sand.

And the safety features? Well, let’s talk about those…

I’m all for safety tech – and the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R has the works – but I’m not sure Mitsubishi has quite figured out how to make them all meld seamlessly with the driver’s own preferences.

For starters, the driver monitoring system (which apparently was improved mid-2024) is incredibly intrusive. A simple glance away or a yawn will have it screaming at you to pay attention. And if your face is obstructed by sunglasses or your hand on the top of the wheel, it will scream at you then, too.

Frustratingly, you’ll have to dive into the menu to switch it off manually each time you start the car – an aspect you’ll have to repeat for any other safety systems (like lane departure warning, for example) you choose to deactivate.

The rear autonomous braking didn’t seem to like me reversing a trailer and I found the idle-stop system was slow to respond (fortunately that can be switched off with the simple press of a button).

Otherwise, the safety features all do their job quite well. I particularly liked the 360-degree camera, which made parking a breeze.

The addition of AdBlue further cleans up harmful emissions but it is one more thing for owners to think about (and pay for). Get used to it though, because it's only becoming more widespread as emissions regulations tighten.

My only other gripe with the GLX-R is that it lacks some of the creature comforts of its up-spec siblings, including wireless phone charging, seat heating, and electronic seat adjustment. All understandable omissions given the price, but I couldn’t quite get over the lack of keyless entry and ignition, which seemed notably absent in what is a mid-spec vehicle.

If you’re after an affordable four-door ute that will perform equally well on the job site as it will a weekend away with the family, then the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R is for you.

As far as the Triton range goes, the GLX-R arguably offers the best versatility and value for money, making it the pick of the bunch for everyday use.

Sure, there are faster, flashier, more capable utes on the market (including the Triton GSR), but the GLX-R will still get the job done with minimal fuss. And isn’t that what a ute should be all about?

2025 Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R at a glance:
Price: $56,490 drive away
Available: Now
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 150kW/470Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Fuel: 7.7/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 203g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: 5-star (ANCAP 2024)

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