Competing against Toyota is like trying to battle a giant. In the last financial year, the company saw profits of 2.49 trillion yen, or approximately $33 billion. Toyota doesn't just have a heap of cash larger than some country's yearly GDP, it also has a rock solid reputation. The HiLux is a vehicle with a stature that is almost legendary. But, could the plucky Mitsubishi Triton topple the HiLux in a head-to-head battle? And which one should you spend your hard-earned cash on?
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In 1968, Toyota began building a two-door ute it called the HiLux (a portmanteau for high luxury), itself based upon a Toyota subsidiary company's model called the Hino Briska. The ute was a RWD pick-up with just four gears. The second generation model came in 1972, with a nickname given to it by the Japanese that translated to Rocket HiLux. This model had a larger engine and more gears. It wouldn't be until 1979 that Toyota engineers finally married the third-generation HiLux with a 4WD transmission and a low-range transfer case.
The 80s saw a new generation of the HiLux arrive, as well as an improved turbocharged diesel engine, plus a famous appearance in the Back to the Future series of films.
Later generations began to grow, with long wheelbases and more-powerful engines. Two seventh generation HiLuxes were entered in the Dakar Rally, scoring a top-three finish. We're now onto the eight generation Toyota HiLux, which is incredibly popular and in 2018 it was the bestselling vehicle outright in Australia. Over the years, the HiLux has formed a perception that it's exceptionally tough, reliable, willing to off-road and capable to take a few knocks and bumps.
This Toyota ad from 2012 sums up how the company markets the ute: unbreakable.
The Mitsubishi Triton isn't quite as old as the HiLux and it first debuted in 1978 under the name Forte in Japan. In 1981, Mitsubishi made the first 4WD model, with a unique chain drive transfer box. After another name change to the L200, in 1986 the Triton moniker was employed. Like the HiLux, the Triton entered in the gruelling Dakar Rally.
Fourth generation Tritons were built from 2005–2014 in Thailand. The current model is a face-lifted iteration of the fifth-gen Triton.
Around the same time as the Toyota ad above, Mitsubishi went with a more toned-down marketing campaign:
Using our 4x4 ute comparison reviews, which is better, the HiLux or the Triton?
on OnlineAuto.com.au's website
| Mitsubishi Triton | Finder Score: 78.6% |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Value for money | Not as big as rivals |
| Handy around town | Towing performance |
| Technology | Bland interior |
| 4WD system | Wish it had an eight-speed automatic |
| Safety credentials |
| Toyota HiLux | Finder Score: 73.33% |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Built tough | No Apple CarPlay or Android Auto |
| Good off road | Average fuel consumption |
| Huge model range | Sparse equipment for money |
| Resale values | Clunky infotainment system |
| 2.8-litre diesel option | Unladen ride |
Taking all the above information and the brochure figures, if it were our money, we'd go for the Triton. It offers better value for money, lots of safety tech, cheaper servicing overall and the ability to use the all-wheel-drive system on tarmac.
However, it's hard to discount the HiLux, which routinely tops the overall new car sales figures each month. It's well made, does everything pretty well and only has a few cons that may or may not be dealbreakers. If you buy a HiLux, you'll be sure to lose less money as they hold value better than the Triton.
You may also be interested in our Toyota HiLux vs. Ford Ranger comparison.
Once you know which car you'd like to buy and if you're looking for finance options, you can compare up to 4 car loan providers on Mac or PC and up to 2 on your mobile phone by checking 'Compare' in the comparison table below. Hitting 'View details' will give you additional information about each provider and the 'Go to site' option will securely take you to that provider's website if you'd like to begin your application process.
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