I like the Triton name change, which aligns with how the rest of the world calls Mitsubishi's local compact pickup truck. Plus, it has a certain ring to it, probably because it references a mythological demigod and is also the definition of a positively-charged particle. Either way, both sound cool.

Along with the name change is a complete makeover. If not for the emblem, the new model year looks completely different from its predecessor. Not only does it not sport the Strada's J-line, the Triton is longer, wider, and boxier – like the second- and third-gen models, but with an ultra-wider take on the black Dynamic Shield Design grille. The GLS grade has multi-projector LED headlights with auto-lighting control, slim LED daytime running lamps, LED fog lamps, and sits on 18-inch wheels with 265/60 highway tires.

I am impressed with its looks. Despite the ordinary Graphite Gray Metallic body color, the designers utilized the width of the front fascia perfectly with shimmering lighting elements, chrome trim, and the extra-large emblem. The running board makes ingress easy, and the sport bar over the bed completes the chiseled look of the square tail.

The GLS is only one of two grades (the other is the Athlete 4WD AT) with a Keyless Operation System, meaning you never have to bring out the key. The two front door handles have a clicker that locks/unlocks, and inside is a Push-Start button.

Like the exterior, the cockpit has a flat layout with angular surfaces. It has visible stitching over high-quality plastics and padded tops. In front of the driver is a leather multi-function steering wheel and a seven-inch color LCD instrument cluster display. In the middle is a nine-inch touchscreen display with Bluetooth, a wireless version of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB connectivity (one Type-A and one Type-C in front). Audio goes to six speakers.

Because of the newfound size of the Triton, the cabin feels more spacious than before, aside from higher passenger comfort, which has also led to more storage spaces, like the dual glove boxes on the dashboard, the coin holder, and the large cupholders along the middle. The wireless CarPlay was such an awesome feature since I had to keep Google Maps open during a trip to Lingayen, which meant no loose cables lying around. Other notable creature comforts include a dual-zone climate control system and high-grade fabric upholstery with stitching.

Except for the Athlete, all other grades of the Triton use a 2.4-liter diesel engine with a single turbocharger. It sends 183-PS and 430-Nm of torque to the rear wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission. While those numbers don't jump off the page, its performance says otherwise. Acceleration is brisk yet smooth, and its wide body feels stable even at high speeds and through crosswinds. Plus, it easily maintained 100 km/h humming below 2,000 RPM, which brings me to one of its most impressive features, fuel efficiency. I remember getting 9.7 km/l out of the Strada in '22, but this Triton wowed me by returning 16.2 km/l. Both were in mixed driving conditions.

The Triton sits on independent wishbones with coil springs in front and rigid suspension with leaf springs at the rear. Even during a solo 604-kilometer drive, it wasn't as bouncy as I expected, and it should be on par with other so-called 'comfortable' pickup trucks in the market.

My favorite part is the hydraulic steering feel. It was so much more precise than what a pickup truck is like and sashayed smoothly across the narrow national roads of Pangasinan. It would be interesting to compare that with the electric steering of the Athlete 4WD AT.

While the Strada was a great product — Mitsubishi's best-selling model (166,000 units sold from '22 to '23) globally — the Triton proves to be a much better model across all statistics. The GLS, priced at ₱1.630 million, slots just below the top-of-the-line Athlete 4WD AT and has all the bells and whistles for ₱300k less. If four-wheel drive is not a requirement, this grade should be at the top of your list.