by Mitsubishi and Premcar Present New Flagship Triton Raider Pickup for Australia
Mitsubishi is responding to the Australian market’s demand for more off-road-ready pickups by introducing a new version of the Triton. This top-of-the-line trim, inspired by rally raids and developed in collaboration with engineering firm Premcar, features an upgraded suspension, new wheels, and additional underbody protection. However, the powertrain remains unchanged.
The exterior of the Raider distinguishes itself from other models in the Triton lineup with 18-inch ROH wheels in Brushed Bronze color and a red front bumper skid plate. The vehicle also features a chrome emblem on the grille, dark warm gray bumper trim, Sandstorm side decals, side steps, and a sports bar with red accents.
The color palette is limited to four options: White Diamond, Black Mica, Blade Silver, and Graphite Grey.
Interior Updates and Equipment
The interior features Raider logos on the headrests and center console, as well as black leather upholstery with orange stitching. The model is based on the high-tech Triton GSR trim, so the standard equipment is quite extensive.
Road Testing and Upgraded Suspension
According to Premcar, the development of the Raider model involved 40,000 km of testing, with 7,000 km taking place in the Australian outback. The goal was to improve the vehicle’s behavior on dirt roads and its off-road capabilities.
The main changes are hidden under the body. Premcar reworked the suspension, installing special front shock absorbers with an internal rebound spring, new front springs, and updated bump stops.
Paired with 285/60 Bridgestone Dueler A/T 002 tires, this setup provides a 25 mm lift at the front and a 15 mm lift at the rear. The track width was also increased by 20 mm on both axles. Furthermore, the pickup retains the Yamaha Performance Damper for the body, designed to improve vibrational and acoustic comfort.
Engine and Transmission Remain Unchanged
No changes were made under the hood. The 2.4-liter bi-turbo diesel engine continues to produce 201 hp and 470 Nm of torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed automatic transmission and the Super Select 4WD-II all-wheel-drive system.
The new Triton Raider is set to arrive at Australian dealerships in May 2026 and is likely to remain a model specific to this market. The price has not yet been confirmed but is estimated to be around 75,000 Australian dollars, making it a competitor to the Ford Ranger Tremor and Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior, rather than the significantly more expensive Ranger Raptor.
Potential for Future, Even More Powerful Versions
Although the Triton Raider is positioned as a competitor to the Ford Ranger Tremor and the upcoming Nissan Navara Pro-4X Warrior, it may only be the first step towards creating even more radical models.
Bruce Hempel, General Manager of Product Strategy at Mitsubishi Australia, described the Raider as “just a stepping stone for the potential emergence of even more capable off-roaders.” He added that Mitsubishi is ready to go further if there is customer demand, hinting at the possibility of creating a serious competitor to the Ford Ranger Raptor.
Premcar CEO Bernie Quinn shared a similar view, noting that the company is always ready to provide support, and that the ceiling of possibilities for dual-cab pickups is constantly rising, with the Raider being just the first step.
The emergence of the Triton Raider clearly demonstrates the trend towards further specialization and niche segmentation of the pickup market, especially in regions with an active off-road culture, such as Australia. Collaboration with specialized engineering companies like Premcar allows manufacturers to respond more quickly and efficiently to the specific demands of local buyers without developing entirely new models. The success of this version could be a decisive factor for launching even more extreme and powerful modifications, which, in turn, will intensify competition in this hot segment.
