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Previously, we've put the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger head to head, as well as the HiLux against the Mitsubishi Triton to see which comes out on top. The Triton fared well against the nation's most popular selling ute from Toyota, so let's see which is better – the Triton or Colorado?
The Colorado nameplate launched in 2008, replacing the outgoing Holden Rodeo. The Rodeo was a compact pick-up truck, first released in 1980 and built by Isuzu. Before the Rodeo's introduction, Holden imported the Isuzu Faster, rebadging it as the Chevrolet LUV (standing for light utility vehicle). The Chevy LUV was sold as a Japanese truck tough enough to be backed by General Motors-Holden. An advert from the time says it's a one-tonne truck, engineered by Chevrolet in Japan and the US. The LUV had a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and small 1.6-litre engine producing 65kW of power.
This vintage ad from 1984 shows the Rodeo as part of the Holden Action Squad.
In 2008, Holden started using the Colorado name, with the ute still being built upon D-Max underpinnings. In 2016, GM announced it would no longer jointly develop the ute with Isuzu and that the Colorado would become a higher-end vehicle.
The Triton (known internationally as the L200) started life in 1978 in Japan. Originally, Mitsubishi called the compact ute the Forte. Export models were given a 69kW 2.0-litre petrol Sigma engine and a 2WD transmission. At the time, Aussie buyers could also purchase a badge-engineered version of the L200, known as the Chrysler D-50. Later, engineers would design larger engines like the 2.6-litre Astron petrol block that had an increased 78kW of power. At the same time, a 4WD L200 was launched; by 1981 the L200 sold with a chain-driven transfer box. Optional accessories included a $900 fibreglass rear canopy and these models could wade through up to 450mm of water. Motoring writers at the time said it drove almost like a sedan.
The second-generation L200 launched in October 1986, now under the Triton name. Mitsubishi made the move to more powerful, turbo-equipped diesel engines.
2005 saw a whole new Triton design, penned by then Mitsubishi designer, Akinori Nakanishi. This Triton would also go by the names of Strada in the Philippines, the Strakar (Strada-Dakar) in Portugal and the Hunter in Israel.
Finally, Mitsubishi unveiled the fifth-generation Triton in 2014. This model is sold around the world as the Fiat Fullback in Europe and as the Ram 1200 in other markets. Finally, Mitsubishi's design team gave the Triton a facelift for the 2019 model year, which shares only a handful of panels with the pre-facelift version. The re-design saw prices increase by $1,500.
| Mitsubishi Triton | Finder Score: 80.5% |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Value for money | Not as big as rivals |
| Handy around town | Towing performance |
| Technology | Bland interior |
| Full-time 4WD system | Reviewers felt it could do with more gears |
| Safety assists |
| Holden Colorado | Finder Score: 80% |
|---|---|
| Pros | Cons |
| Aussie-tuned steering and handling | Lacks safety assists |
| Solid engine | Engine has to be worked sometimes |
| Large dealer network | Average off-road performance |
| Ergonomic cabin |
There's just 0.5% separating these two popular utes according to their Finder Scores. It's a close call, but the Triton manages to just beat the Colorado in a photo finish. It does everything the Colorado can do, for less money and with more safety assists. It looks great, it's easier to drive around tight city streets and though Mitsubishi may have a slightly smaller dealer network, the actual difference is only 20 dealerships.
If you get a good deal on a Colorado though, you should certainly consider it. Driving both back to back, you may actually prefer the Holden.
Check our other ute comparisons:
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