Overview

 

MITSUBISHI Motors Australia Limited has launched its Premcar-enhanced Triton Raider (from $74,990 plus on-road costs) as a credible rival to the likes of the Ford Ranger Tremor (from $75,090 + ORC), Isuzu D-Max Blade (from $78,900 + ORC), Mazda BT-50 Thunder (from $78,400 + ORC) and closely related Nissan Navara Pro-4X (from $68,418 + ORC).

 

The Triton GSR-based Raider dual-cab features a bespoke suspension arrangement, unique wheel and tyre bundle, and Warm Dark Grey aesthetic flourishes, and a number of factory-sourced accessories that include a roll-over bar and blackened side steps with red highlights.

 

Complementing the Monroe-sourced suspension components and knobbly Bridgestone AT002 tyres over 18 x 9-inch ROH alloy wheels in Brushed Bronze are ‘Sandstorm’ side decals, Raider badging inside and out, a heavy-duty frontal bash plate and embroidered front head restraints.

 

MMAL says the Triton Raider was designed, developed, and tested to bring confidence to every drive, and on any surface. A unique spring and damper tune, increased ride height (+25mm), and wider track (+15mm) are highlights of the package, running alongside carryover mechanicals that include Mitsubishi’s 4N16-series twin-turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel that develops 150kW/470Nm.

 

The variant is offered only with a six-speed automatic transmission, joining Mitsubishi’s renowned Super Select II four-wheel drive system with various terrain modes, both centre- and rear locking differentials, and a dual-range transfer case.

 

Mitsubishi offers the Triton Raider with the same levels of equipment as found in the GSR donor, and in a choice of four paint colours – Black Mica, Blade Silver, Graphite Grey, and White Diamond.

 

The Japanese importer’s 10-year/200,000km warranty applies across the Triton Raider and its upgrades, as does 10 year’s roadside assistance and capped-price servicing.

 

Driving Impressions

 

As we’ve spent considerable time in Triton variants previously (including the GSR on which the Raider is based), we’ll spare you a full run down on what the vehicle offers in terms of cabin comfort and amenity, and instead centre on what the changes to the Raider have done to enhance the way it drives.

 

Taller front coils, unique dampers, more progressive bump stops and specially selected tyres are what helps the Raider stand tall above the GSR, and it is these enhancements that have given the variant a character that is all its own – and one we think works exceptionally well in the conditions in which it is designed to operate.

 

Of course, that means a slight trade-off in around-town running where the (admittedly unladen) Triton Raider can feel a little tense. Given the vehicle can still haul and tow as much as its derivative is obviously worth keeping in mind – and we’ll be keen to note just how well the Raider performs with some weight over the rear axle when next we get the chance.

 

Until then, there are several tangible improvements we have picked above the donor car. For one, the steering is more direct, the change in wheel offset and alignment returning an acuate (and indeed accurate) sense of response. The steering is less affected by surface imperfections and potholes, helping the Raider maintain direction in faster running off-road.

 

Couple this with the additional grip the Bridgestone AT002 tyres deliver and there’s a sense of agility – even playfulness – that brings the Triton Raider to life. The stability control system allows just enough latitude to make the drive more entertaining, allowing higher pace to be carried on unsealed roads, and over the rough stuff.

 

Add to that a fraction more clearance and a useful front bash plate and the Triton Raider feels ready to go right out of the box.

 

In low-speed running the Raider is as capable as any of its contemporaries, walking over obstacles and climbing grades with ease.

 

Select low range, and lock in the rear differential, and there’s a sense the vehicle is just about unstoppable – a considerable remark given the vehicles were tested with the tyres at road pressures and without a load over the rear axle.

 

Again, we’ll be very keen to see just how far the Raider will go with proper preparations made.

 

Our gut feeling is that this is the sort of vehicle we’d feel as comfortable taking on a quick run up the PDR (Peninsula Development Rd, Nth Queensland) as we would on the gnarled tracks of the Victorian High Country. It’s as capable as it is enjoyable, lacking only a little more ‘oomph’ to complete the package.

 

But it’s that point we think might hold the Triton Raider back…

 

With plenty of choice on the market – including a similarly well-specified and closely related Nissan Navara Pro-4X for almost $7000 less – the Triton Raider is a little too niche to attract the attention it deserves.

 

While those in the know will appreciate the Raider for what it is, there are many more we fear will overlook the variant in favour of flashier rivals or aftermarket add-ons. Let’s hope time and a healthy order bank proves us wrong.

MITSUBISHI is set to return its iconic Pajero nameplate when its new, cross-country SUV is premiered later this year.

 

The decision puts an end to speculation that the four-wheel drive model will be branded as the Pajero Sport and suggest the full-size Pajero will compete once more against familiar rivals like the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser.

 

Discontinued in 2021, the Mitsubishi Pajero was a staple of the Australian four-wheel drive scene for close to 40 years.

 

The original Pajero launched in 1982 combining the go-anywhere abilities of a four-wheel drive with the comfort of a passenger car. Across four generations, it became one of Mitsubishi’s best-known models, accumulating sales of over 3.25 million units in over 170 countries and regions worldwide.

 

Mitsubishi’s Pajero began competition in the legendary Dakar Rally – the world’s most demanding off-road rally – just a year after its launch, securing a total of 12 victories, including seven consecutive wins.

 

It is through these achievements, Mitsubishi says, that the Pajero earned “a reputation for unparalleled off-road performance, handling stability, and proven durability as a cross-country SUV”.

 

In Japan, the Pajero led the RV boom of the 1990s and played a key role in promoting outdoor and leisure lifestyle, with the series expanding to include the Pajero Mini kei-car, Pajero Junior compact SUV, and the famed Pajero iO compact SUV.

 

Set to make its world premiere in Q3 this year (2026), the all-new Pajero is based on the highly robust ladder frame of the Triton light commercial utility, albeit with “model specific development of the cabin and suspension”.

 

Mitsubishi says the new Pajero will deliver outstanding off-road capacity alongside a refined and comfortable ride, setting a new benchmark in the same way the original Pajero did over 40 years ago.

 

More information is available via a dedicated global website.

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Good morning and welcome to The Downshift, or TDS for short—the latest car news headlines from around the globe organized for your quick-glance convenience.

Here are the automotive industry and culture stories worth having on your radar as we spin up this Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Mitsubishi’s whole dealership network is going through an aggressive reshuffling—corporate is culling low-performing stores while some frustrated franchise owners are just bailing. At the same time, the Japanese brand “added 12 dealerships in the past year and has roughly 30 more in the approval pipeline.” Mitsubishi has 297 dealerships in the US as of today. [Automotive News]

A Ford dealer in Kansas sold a new F-250 pickup, but the customer can’t take delivery—a robin (federally protected) made a nest on the tire, her eggs hatched, and now the truck can’t legally be moved until the birds depart on their own. Robins typically take about two weeks to fly. [KMBC News]

Renault has a new small pickup truck called Niagara for the Latin American market. [Renault]

Volvo has to pay a $197 million settlement over California emissions violations with its big rig trucks. [LA Times]

Nissan is considering following Tesla and exporting EVs from China to North America (Canada, for now). [Investors Business Daily]

MITSUBISHI Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has announced two new Special Edition models based on the popular GLX-R and GSR variants.

 

The duo combines several popular accessory options into what MMAL says are “value added packages” designed to offer touring and commercial customers a turn-key solution from the showroom floor.

 

For the Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R Special Edition with Tradie Accessory Pack (from $58,490) we find exclusive Diamond Premium Paint joining accessory side steps, bed liner, Sports Bar delete (to allow for the fitment of a tonneau or canopy), rubber floor mats, weather shields, matte black bonnet protector, and a 3500kg rated tow bar with towing accessory kit.

 

Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Triton GSR Special Edition with Touring Accessory Pack (from $66,140) offers a black nudge bar, weather shields, matte black bonnet protector, rubber tub mat, and the same 3500kg rated tow bar with towing accessory kit as found on the Triton GLX-R Special Edition with Tradie Accessory Pack.

 

“We are proud to offer our adventurous customers two Special Edition models that have been fitted with accessories packages selected from our Genuine Accessories range,” said MMAL general manager of product strategy Bruce Hampel.

 

“Alongside our market-leading 10/10/10 Diamond Advantage, capped-price servicing and roadside assistance program, these packs offer fantastic value for our customers.

 

The vehicles are expected to reach local showrooms next month.

 

The news comes as Mitsubishi’s Triton enjoys a strong 12 months of sales in the Australian market.

 

MMAL sold 18,900 copies of the Triton in Australia during 2025, the model ranking in fourth place behind the Ford Ranger (56,555), Toyota HiLux (51,297), and Isuzu D-Max (26,839), and narrowly ahead of the BYD Shark 6 (18,073).

 

The result marks Mitsubishi’s best sales year for Triton since 2022, and an improvement of 823 unit sales on the previous year’s (2024) result.

 

2026 Mitsubishi Triton Special Edition pricing*:

 

GLX-R Trade Accessory Pack (a)	$58,490	(+$1250)
GSR Touring Accessory Pack (a)	$66,140	(+$1550)

 

*Pricing excludes on-road costs, bracket pricing shows increase over derivative variant.