Kiwis have always loved the Mitsubishi Triton. If we look back to 2018, the Triton was NZ's third-favourite ute - a respectable position given the extremely competitive market sector! However, this all changed in 2019 when Mitsubishi released a heavily facelifted model, and the market welcomed it with open arms. The 2019 Mitsubishi Triton's sales skyrocketed as soon as it was released and it quickly claimed its new position as New Zealand's second-favourite ute.
However, the update to the Triton was far more than skin-deep. While the bold new look certainly made an impact, Mitsubishi added safety features, improved the comfort and convenience levels and made more changes than meets the eye. These changes have been raved about by Triton owners, and now we're seeing further refinement to this already stellar Triton line-up with the release of the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton GSR 4WD.
In such a competitive market, it can be a challenge to figure out which ute is best for you. This post will compare the 2023 Mitsubishi Triton GSR 4WD to one of its main contenders, the 2022 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4.
So what's under the hood for these two competitors, and how does their performance stack up?
The 2023 Mitsubishi Triton GSR 4WD features a 2.4L D4 MIVEC Intercooled turbo diesel with 6-speed auto transmission with Sports mode. The GSR also features Mitsubishi's superb Super Select II 4WD system, providing incredible control over the output of the GSR to tailor it to your current driving needs. This unlocks Off-Road Mode with four modes for Gravel, Mud & Snow, Sand, and Rock. All in all, this provides a max power (kW @ RPM) of 135 @ 3500 and max torque (Nm @ RPM) of 437 @ 2500.
The Ford Ranger XLT is no slouch in the performance department, featuring a 2.0L Bi-Turbo Diesel engine with a 10-speed Automatic transmission. While it may have a slightly smaller engine than the GSR, the Ranger XLT puts that Bi-turbo to good use with a max power (kW @ RPM) of 154 @ 3750 and a max torque (Nm @ RPM) 500 @1750-2000.
The Ranger XLT takes advantage of Ford’s BiT powertrain and 4x4 system in a manner that should be expected. It is a wonderful drive, providing great handling and performance. Like most one tonne UTEs, the XLT is part time 4x4, allowing you to be off-road-ready whenever nature calls.
In a similar vein, the GSR is an absolute pleasure to drive with responsive handling whether you’re putting the UTE to work, cruising around as your daily runner, or taking the family on an adventure with boat in tow. While also technically a part time 4WD, the GSR has a trick up its sleeve - Mitsubishi’s renowned Super Select 4WD II system. This allows the GSR to be used more like a full-time 4WD, allowing you to leave it in 4H mode even when driving on tarred roads. The 4WD mode allows you to adapt to almost any terrain, from gravel, mud and snow, to sand and rock, allowing you to take on almost any situation.
When it comes to towing, both the Mitsubishi Triton GSR 4WD and Ford Ranger XLT are leaders in their class. Both the Triton GSR 4WD and the Ranger XLT have a towing capacity of 3500kg (braked).
The 2023 Mitsubishi Triton GSR 4WD features the same aggressive look as the 2019 models showcasing a squared-off body design, slimmer headlights and an attractive dynamic shield grille at the front. The interior features new padded areas, high-grade sport cloth seats, carpeted mats, a leather steering wheel, a leather gear knob and a luxurious-looking handbrake handle.
The GSR 4WD adds a few more tweaks to the design to distinguish it from the lower Triton variants. The LED headlamps with black surround certainly tie in well with the updated 2019 design. Combined with the tailgate handle and garnish, door mirrors, side steps and rear step bumper sitting on 18” alloy wheels, GSR maintains practical design features while never compromising on style.
Design-wise, Ranger’s cabin is completely transformed to surround you with more comfort, technology and functionality. It now comes with a wide dash and premium materials, plus a large integrated touchscreen. The Ford Ranger XLT’s exterior features bolder grey door handles, mirror scalps and front grille. However, the XLT comes equipped with 17” alloy wheels, saving its 18” alloy wheels for their more premium Sport and Wildtrak variants, which is a shame considering it does impact the vehicle's silhouette - something that Mitsubishi has not done with its Triton GSR. Ford has stuck to its guns for a while on the design features of the Ranger and while it has made it an incredibly recognisable model, there is definitely some room for an update. But then again, you don't have to fix what isn't broken!
Standard on the GSR model of the Triton is a trip computer, cruise control, power steering, Dual Zone Climate Control air conditioning, rear air circulator, LED headlights and daytime running lights, a 7-inch Touch Screen Smartphone Link Display Audio (SDA) system (Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatible) with Bluetooth phone and audio streaming, AM/FM radio and USB connectivity. Improved suspension makes for a more comfortable ride. In addition to this, the GSR adds a few more features to differentiate it from the lower spec variants by also including a 360 Multi Around View Monitor and advanced safety features as: forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, blind spot warning & rear cross traffic alert, but more about this in the next section.
The Ford Ranger XLT has adaptive cruise control, Dual Zone air conditioning, 10 inch LCD centre multimedia touch screen with Bluetooth and almost similar safety features as the GSR. There is also a keyless start and entry with power tailgate lock as GSR features.
Both the Mitsubishi Triton GSR and the Ford Ranger XLT have a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating. Mitsubishi set the benchmark for standard safety features, once only available as an upgrade by its competitors, we're now seeing the market catching up. Other companies can no longer treat these safety features as a luxury, and we have Mitsubishi's commitment to safety to thank for this.
The Mitsubishi Triton GSR has an impressive suite of active safety equipment, fitted with reversing sensors and cameras, seven airbags, auto emergency braking (AEB) that works at high and low speeds and forward collision mitigation. In addition to this, the GSR also includes a lane departure warning, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and an ultrasonic mis-acceleration system that will dull throttle response if it thinks you'll hit something at low speed. There's also lane change assist, front parking sensors and auto high-beam headlights. The GSR comes with a very handy Multi Around monitor, and a 360-degree camera setup that offers a surround-view display on the screen.
With Mitsubishi's incredible standard safety offerings, we've seen the Ford Ranger XLT also increase its standard safety features. The XLT also includes a similar slew of active safety features, including Blind Spot Monitoring, Road Departure Warning and Forward Collision Warning Distance Indication. However, noticeably absent from the Ford Ranger XLT is a 360 camera, only having a rear camera as a standard feature.
Mitsubishi offers the most comprehensive new car warranty in New Zealand, The Mitsubishi Diamond Advantage. It consists of a 10 year or 160,000km Powertrain Warranty, a bumper to bumper 5 year or 130,000km New Vehicle Warranty and 5 years Roadside Assist. This warranty has been the long-standing champion of the industry, and it doesn't seem like any other manufacturer is going to beat it anytime soon.
In contrast, Ford offers a 5-year /150,000km warranty on the Ranger XLT. However, it does offer customers extended service plans and roadside assistance to help sweeten the pot.
There’s one final point we are yet to talk about, one that is very likely to play a major role for customers choosing between these two vehicles - their price points.
Unlike the Triton GSR, the Ford Ranger XLT is available in both a 2WD and 4x4 version. The 4x4 version, which is a closer comparison to the GSR comes at a $10,000 premium over the 2WD version, with a current sticker price of $66,990.
Considering how neck and neck these two vehicles are in terms of performance and features, you might expect a comparative cost for Mitsubishi’s latest addition to their Triton line-up, the Triton GSR. You’d be wrong though, with the Triton GSR currently being on offer for $49,990 + Delivery Costs - a difference of $17,000! Considering that the Triton GSR includes some premium features only found in the Ford Ranger Wildtrak (which costs $75,490) such as 18” wheels, superior Mitsubishi Super Select II 4WD system, and industry leading warranty, it's hard to argue with the incredible amount of value packed into the Mitsubishi Triton GSR. But wait, there is more: if you will take advantage of the current Fieldays offer, Mitsubishi Motors will pay for the Clean Car Fee of $4,082.50 for you, so that means you save over $4,000 too!
The Triton now stands up as more than just a value-focused offering in the segment. It’s one of the best available. Simon Lucas North Shore has the widest selection of Mitsubishi vehicles available on Auckland’s North Shore, including the Triton. We are one of New Zealand’s largest and most awarded Diamond Mitsubishi Motor Dealerships, stocking both new and used cars.
Call us today to book a test drive on 0800 001 107 or contact us online. Alternatively, you can walk into our Mitsubishi dealership at the corner of Wairau and Target Roads in Glenfield to arrange a test drive at your own leisure.
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