Mitsubishi Triton Adds New Variants with Reduced Payload for Novated Lease Customers

Mitsubishi Australia is expanding its Triton lineup in response to customer feedback, particularly to accommodate novated lease customers. The automaker has introduced a no-cost option that reduces the payload capacity of certain Triton models, making them eligible for salary-sacrificed leases.

New Payload Options Cater to Lease Requirements

The new-generation Mitsubishi Triton, launched earlier this year, originally came with a payload capacity exceeding 1000 kilograms, making it ineligible for many novated lease agreements. However, starting from vehicles produced in August 2024, Mitsubishi will offer a reduced payload option for the Triton GLS and GSR models. This adjustment is aimed specifically at meeting the criteria for novated leases, which often require a payload of under 1000 kilograms.

“We have taken on feedback from dealers, media, and most importantly, our customers. The result is the introduction of an enhanced model range with the addition of variants that offer payloads of under 1000kg,” said Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott.

Understanding Novated Leases and Their Impact

A novated lease, also known as salary sacrificing, allows employees to lease a vehicle using their pre-tax income, potentially reducing their taxable earnings. For a vehicle to qualify, it often needs to meet specific criteria, including a payload capacity under 1000 kilograms. The Triton’s original payload, which ranged from 1030kg for the GSR 4x4 to 1095kg for the GLX+, exceeded this threshold, limiting its availability under such leases.

With the new options, the Triton GLS’s payload will be reduced to 953kg, the GLS Leather Option variant to 946kg, and the top-tier GSR model to 909kg. These changes make the Triton more accessible to customers who want to take advantage of novated leasing.

Triton’s Position in the Market

The new payload options align the Triton with competitors like the Ford Ranger XLT bi-turbo 4x4 dual-cab, which has a 954kg payload, the Toyota HiLux SR5 48-volt 4x4 dual-cab with a 900kg payload, and the Isuzu D-Max LS-U 4x4 dual-cab with a 995kg payload. These adjustments are crucial for Mitsubishi as they position the Triton more competitively in the Australian market, particularly for fleet and lease customers.

What’s Next for the Triton Line-up?

Currently, the Triton lineup in Australia is limited to two- and four-wheel-drive dual-cab pick-up models with automatic transmissions. Manual-transmission, single-cab, club-cab, and cab-chassis models are expected to arrive in local showrooms soon. The introduction of these new payload options not only broadens the Triton’s appeal but also addresses a key market need, making it a more versatile choice for Australian drivers.

As Mitsubishi continues to listen to its customer base, these strategic changes reflect the brand’s commitment to meeting diverse needs while maintaining its strong presence in the competitive ute market.