The low-down

MITSUBISHI TRITON DC 2,4 Di-D 4x4 AT vs. FORD RANGER DC 2,0 SiT XLT 4x4 10AT

Published as part of a 4x4 double cab shootout in our May 2017 issue, the last time we pitted a Ford Ranger against its dark-horse rival, the Mitsubishi Triton, it was the latter which placed one step higher on the podium (second to the Volkswagen Amarok). The top-of-the-range, fifth-generation Triton arrived ahead of that shootout complete with bolder exterior lines and reconsidered packaging. Despite its relatively compact profile alongside the six other contenders gathered on the day, it offered impressive levels of comfort and refinement, including one of the quietest cabins in its class.

The respect the Mitsubishi garnered in that shootout came as a surprise to our test team (including South African rally legend Hannes Grobler). Meanwhile, the quiet confidence with which our then-six-time Top 12 Best Buys leisure-bakkie winner (it’s since won two more titles) – the Ford Ranger – went