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Toyota HiLux vs Mitsubishi Triton

Which is best, the Toyota HiLux or the Mitsubishi Triton?

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Ben Gribbin
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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?

April 2020 update: small business tax break

Did you know that that the in response to the coronavirus pandemic, the Australia government has increased the small business instant tax write-off to $150,000. If you are currently looking for a work vehicle you may be eligible. You can learn more with our guide to the instant asset tax write-off.

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Toyota HiLux history

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.

Mitsubishi Triton background

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:

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Toyota HiLux vs the Mitsubishi Triton

Using our 4x4 ute comparison reviews, which is better, the HiLux or the Triton?

Mitsubishi Triton

  • The entry-level petrol Triton is cheaper than the HiLux. A single-cab chassis, 2.4-litre petrol, manual transmission, 4x2 Triton has a driveaway price of $24,990 in postcode 2000, with a free tray! A 2.7-litre manual, petrol, RWD WorkMate Toyota HiLux will cost you over $2k more, with a driveaway price of $27,027, unless it's on offer, as it was in May 2019, for $22,990.
  • Car reviewers said the Triton sets a benchmark for value. You get a lot of tech and features for your money.
  • Longer warranty. Mitsubishi offers buyers a seven-year warranty, while Toyota's is only five years.
  • Styling. The work-orientated Triton models look clean-cut, modern and aggressive. We prefer it to the HiLux design.
  • Triton 2.4-litre diesel uses 7.0L/100km. The brochure numbers for the comparable 2.4-litre diesel HiLux engine is 0.1 litres higher, at 7.1L/100km.
  • The Triton has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It's so easy to navigate using Google Maps from your phone, respond to texts and while away long journeys by listening to your music on Spotify. The HiLux doesn't have this option. It's not standard on all Triton models though, just the GLX+ and upwards.
  • The Triton's 2.4-litre diesel engine is more torquey and powerful. The Mitsubishi 2.4-litre turbo diesel produces 133kW@3,500rpm and 430Nm@2,500rpm, vs the HiLux's 110kW@3,400rpm and 343Nm between 1,400rpm and 2,800rpm on a manual gearbox model. A HiLux with an automatic transmission can handle 400Nm@1,600–2,000rpm. However, the HiLux also sells with a more powerful and grunty 2.8-litre diesel.
  • Mitsubishi publishes payload and cargo bed dimensions. Toyota does not. The Triton can carry up to 1,284kg as a RWD petrol chassis cab and 858kg as the top spec GLS Premium Double Cab 4x4.
  • The Triton has 98 4- and 5-star ratings from owners. On a site that lets owners leave reviews of their utes, the Triton had 98 4- and 5-star ratings from buyers. The HiLux only had 55.
  • Diesel Tritons have a six-speed automatic or manual. The HiLux has a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic on its 2.4-litre diesel.
  • Motoring journalists said the 2019 Triton is class-leading in safety equipment.
  • 2019 model rose in price. The motoring media marked the Triton down as prices rose for the 2019 model.
  • The Triton has a low towing capacity. Toyota claims some HiLux models can tow 3,500kg, whereas the Triton maxes out at 3,100kg. Most utes aim for the 3.5-tonne towing benchmark. You could argue that after factoring in payload, trailer ball download and GVM, the Toyota would actually measure nearer to the Triton's brochure figure.

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Toyota HiLux

  • HiLux price per service is cheaper. Toyota charges $240 per service on a HiLux. You'll pay $299 per service at a Mitsubishi dealer for the first 3 years. However, the HiLux servicing costs more over two years due to shorter servicing intervals.
  • The HiLux has three engine choices. In the Triton, Mitsubishi only offers two engines, a 2.7-litre petrol and a 2.4-litre diesel. In addition to these engine options, Toyota also produces a meaty 2.8-litre diesel.
  • The 4x4 system on the HiLux is only part-time. The Triton has full-time 4WD.
  • The HiLux has a wider turning circle. The turning circle for the HiLux measures 12.8 metres, against 11.8 metres on the Triton. In tight inner-city carparks, this could make a huge difference.
  • Resale value. According to car valuers, the HiLux retains a higher resale price than the Triton.
  • More HiLuxes have a rear diff lock. Essential for keeping going in sticky mud and slippery off-road conditions, only WorkMate HiLuxes lack a rear diff locker, whereas only the top-spec Triton dual cab gets one.
  • The HiLux has a manual DPF switch. A nice inclusion on the HiLux diesels, you can manually activate a DPF burn-off when your driving hasn't triggered a regeneration cycle. A clogged DPF can be very costly to replace and the Triton lacks this feature.
  • Journalists commented that the HiLux has a very firm ride. With more and more utes taking the place of the family sedan, expectations for car-like handling rise.
  • Reputation. For some people, having the HiLux badge gives them the image and name they desire.

Mitsubishi TritonFinder Score: 78.6%
ProsCons
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 HiLuxFinder Score: 73.33%
ProsCons
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

Verdict: Which is best, the Toyota HiLux or the Mitsubishi Triton?

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.

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Data updated regularly
$
Name Product Interest Rate (p.a.) Comparison Rate (p.a.) Monthly Repayment View Details CTA
NRMA New Car Loan
NRMA New Car Loan
From
4.99%
(fixed)
5.69%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
Purchase a new or used car up to 2 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
Purchase a new or used car up to 2 years old and benefit from a fixed rate and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
Go to site
View details
Plenti Car Loan
Plenti Car Loan
From
4.89%
(fixed)
5.44%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.89% p.a.
Borrow up to $100,000 with a Plenti Car Loan and benefit from no early repayment or exit fees.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.89% p.a.
Borrow up to $100,000 with a Plenti Car Loan and benefit from no early repayment or exit fees.
Go to site
View details
Loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
Loans.com.au - New and Dealer Used Car Loan
From
4.67%
(fixed)
5.22%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.67% p.a. based on your risk profile
Finance a new car and benefit from features such as fast approval, no ongoing fees and an optional balloon payment. Settle the loan before 30 November 2021 and enter the draw to win a $1,000 fuel gift voucher. T&Cs apply.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.67% p.a. based on your risk profile
Finance a new car and benefit from features such as fast approval, no ongoing fees and an optional balloon payment. Settle the loan before 30 November 2021 and enter the draw to win a $1,000 fuel gift voucher. T&Cs apply.
Go to site
View details
IMB New Car Loan
IMB New Car Loan
4.99%
(fixed)
5.34%
You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one that's up to two years old.
You'll receive a fixed rate of 4.99% p.a.
A low minimum borrowing amount of $2,000 that you can use to purchase a new car or one that's up to two years old.
Go to site
View details
Credit Concierge Car Loan
Credit Concierge Car Loan
From
3.85%
(fixed)
4.91%
You'll receive a fixed rate of 3.85% p.a. with a comparison rate of 4.91% p.a.
Get access to over 20 providers to fund a new or used car.

You'll receive a fixed rate of 3.85% p.a. with a comparison rate of 4.91% p.a.
Get access to over 20 providers to fund a new or used car.

Go to site
View details
Wisr Secured Car Loan
Wisr Secured Car Loan
From
4.74%
(fixed)
5.01%
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 4.74% p.a. to 16.01% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible car loan from $5,000 - $63,000 with personalised rates and rewards for strong credit customers.

You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 4.74% p.a. to 16.01% p.a. based on your risk profile
A flexible car loan from $5,000 - $63,000 with personalised rates and rewards for strong credit customers.

Go to site
View details
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
NAB Personal Loan Unsecured Fixed
From
6.99%
(fixed)
7.91%
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 7.91% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
An unsecured loan up to $55,000 you can use for a range of purposes and pay off over up to 7 years. Note: Majority of customers will get the headline rate of 12.69% (13.56% comparison rate) or less. See Comparison rate warning in (i) above.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 18.99% p.a. ( 7.91% p.a. to 19.83% p.a. comparison rate) based on your risk profile
An unsecured loan up to $55,000 you can use for a range of purposes and pay off over up to 7 years. Note: Majority of customers will get the headline rate of 12.69% (13.56% comparison rate) or less. See Comparison rate warning in (i) above.
Go to site
View details
OurMoneyMarket Car Loan
OurMoneyMarket Car Loan
From
5.35%
(fixed)
5.65%
You'll receive a fixed interest rate from 5.35% p.a. to 14.99% p.a. based on your risk profile.
Borrow between $2,001 and $75,000 to finance a new or used car up to 10 years.
You'll receive a fixed interest rate from 5.35% p.a. to 14.99% p.a. based on your risk profile.
Borrow between $2,001 and $75,000 to finance a new or used car up to 10 years.
Go to site
View details
CUA Secured Fixed Car Loan
CUA Secured Fixed Car Loan
6.79%
(fixed)
7.16%
You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.79% p.a.
A secured loan with a high maximum borrowing amount up to $100,000. Redraw facility and no monthly fees.
You'll receive a fixed rate of 6.79% p.a.
A secured loan with a high maximum borrowing amount up to $100,000. Redraw facility and no monthly fees.
Go to site
View details
Latitude Personal Loan (Secured)
Latitude Personal Loan (Secured)
From
5.99%
(fixed)
7.26%
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.99% p.a. and 21.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Lock in a competitive fixed rate when you offer security. Loan can be used for any purpose and repayments are flexible. You can check your interest rate before applying with no impact to your credit score.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 5.99% p.a. and 21.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Lock in a competitive fixed rate when you offer security. Loan can be used for any purpose and repayments are flexible. You can check your interest rate before applying with no impact to your credit score.
Go to site
View details
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
Stratton Finance New Car Loan
From
3.85%
(fixed)
4.05%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.85% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with
Apply for up to $250,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 3.85% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with
Apply for up to $250,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
Go to site
View details
SocietyOne Car Loan
SocietyOne Car Loan
From
6.99%
(fixed)
6.99%
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 20.49% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
You'll receive a fixed rate between 6.99% p.a. and 20.49% p.a. based on your risk profile
A loan from $5,000 to use for a range of purposes. Benefit from no ongoing fees and no early repayment fee.
Go to site
View details
RACV New Car Loans
RACV New Car Loans
From
4.99%
(fixed)
5.69%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 4.99% p.a.
A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
Go to site
View details
NRMA Used Car Loan
NRMA Used Car Loan
From
6.49%
(fixed)
7.19%
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.49% p.a.
Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.49% p.a.
Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
Go to site
View details
Symple Loans Personal Loan
Symple Loans Personal Loan
From
5.75%
(variable)
6.47%
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow up to $50,000 to pay for what you need.
You'll receive a personalised interest rate from 5.75% p.a. to 25.99% p.a. based on your risk profile
Borrow up to $50,000 to pay for what you need.
Go to site
View details
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It'd be a good idea to compare your car insurance options too. This will give you an idea of how much the insurance premium will cost you for either the Toyota HiLux or the Mitsubishi Triton. Simply tick the 'Compare' box on the left-hand side. This will bring up features that you can then compare with other brands. When you're ready to get a quote, just click the green 'Get Quote' button.

Data updated regularly
Name Product Roadside Assistance Accidental Damage Storm Choice of Repairer Agreed or Market Value
Budget Direct Comprehensive
Budget Direct Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Awarded the 2019 Finder Award for the Best Value Car Insurance, this policy offers solid coverage at a low cost plus you will get 15% discount on first year's premium when you take out a policy online. Budget Direct’s claims service has received a 4.2/5 based on nearly 5,000 customer reviews.

Who it might be good for: People who want a comprehensive policy without breaking the bank.
Get Quote
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Bingle Comprehensive
Bingle Comprehensive
Market
Finder's summary:Bingle consistently comes up as one of the cheaper insurers out there. It only covers the basics, so you don't get to choose your own repairer, you're not covered for personal items in the car and unless you add it as an option, you won't get a hire car if your car is stolen. But this keeps its premiums low.

Who it might be good for: Someone who wants a low-cost option that covers them for the basics.
Get Quote
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Coles Comprehensive
Coles Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Coles have two-tiers of comprehensive car insurance to choose from. You'll earn double flybuys points at Coles supermarkets and you can get $10 off your Coles grocery bill every time you redeem 2,000 Flybuys points. If you're over 30, you can get roadside assistance free for a year.

Who it might be good for: Coles customers and Flybuys collectors.
Get Quote
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Poncho Comprehensive
Poncho Comprehensive
Agreed
Finder's summary: Poncho works like a monthly subscription – you pay monthly and can cancel and leave at any time. You can also list multiple cars and drivers under one policy, making it ideal for families and groups living together under one household.

Who it might be good for: People who want their car insurance month to month.
Get Quote
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Woolworths Comprehensive
Woolworths Comprehensive
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Woolworths catches our eye due to some unique perks like a price-beat guarantee, where it'll beat any current comparable comprehensive renewal notice if you're over 25. You'll also get 10% off your grocery shop once a month and can add roadside assistance onto your policy for just $7.35 per month.

Who it might be good for: Woolworths shoppers and those that want to take advantage of its price-beat guarantee.
Get Quote
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Qantas Comprehensive
Qantas Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: You'll be able to choose how comprehensive you want your cover to be with optional extras like choice of repairer and the option of agreed or market value. Plus earn Qantas Points for joining and paying your premium. Sign up by 2 May 2021, you can earn up to 30,000 Qantas Points (points awarded will be based on your premium). T&Cs and eligibility apply.
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ahm Comprehensive
ahm Comprehensive
Optional
Both
Finder's summary: ahm comprehensive car insurance lets you choose higher excess to reduce your premiums plus you can get up to 15% off when you purchase a new car insurance policy. T&Cs apply. Additionally, their Fixed Kilometre Plan can save you up to 30% compared to their standard comprehensive cover.

Who it might be good for: People who drive less than 15,000 km per year.
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Virgin Comprehensive
Virgin Comprehensive
Optional
Optional
Agreed or Market
Finder's summary: Finalists for the 2019 Finder Awards for Best Value Car Insurance, Virgin Comprehensive provides a good level of cover for a decent price. Get 15% off on your first year’s premium when you purchase a new eligible comprehensive car insurance online. T&Cs Apply.
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