The Mitsubishi Triton has spent decades building a reputation as one of Australia’s dependable workhorse utes.
It may not always attract the same attention as the Toyota HiLux or Ford Ranger, but the Triton’s combination of value, relatively simple mechanicals and genuine four-wheel-drive capability has made it a regular sight on Australian worksites, farms, highways and 4WD tracks.
And with the previous gen Tritons, there is another question worth asking:
Should you stay with the original tyre size, or is this an opportunity to change it?
For several generations, Australian Triton owners have been fitting wider or taller tyres than those supplied on some factory variants. The arrival of the latest MV Triton makes that discussion particularly interesting because Mitsubishi itself has now moved to 265-width tyres across key models.
What tyre size does a Mitsubishi Triton use?
There isn’t one answer.
Mitsubishi has used different wheel and tyre combinations across Triton generations and specification levels, particularly between work-focused models and higher-spec dual cabs.
Some of the important Australian fitments include:
| Triton generation | Typical factory fitments |
|---|---|
| MN | 245/65R17 on models including GLX-R, with other sizes used on different grades |
| MQ | 245/70R16 and 245/65R17 among common fitments, depending on variant |
| MR | 245/70R16 or 245/65R17 on some variants, with 265/60R18 fitted to higher-spec models |
| MV | 265/65R17 and 265/60R18, depending on variant |
Always check the tyre placard on the individual vehicle before ordering tyres because specifications can vary between model years and grades.
Mitsubishi has already moved towards the popular upgrade size
One of the interesting developments with the latest Triton is that Mitsubishi has effectively followed a direction that Triton owners have been taking for years.
The new-generation MV Triton uses 265/65R17 on some variants and 265/60R18 on others.
These two sizes are extremely close in overall diameter.
A 265/65R17 is approximately 776 mm in nominal diameter, while a 265/60R18 is approximately 775 mm.
That means Mitsubishi can offer a 17-inch package with more sidewall or an 18-inch package with a lower profile while maintaining effectively the same overall tyre diameter.
For owners who spend time off-road, the 17-inch combination has an obvious attraction: more sidewall between the wheel and the ground.
Why did Triton owners move to 265-width tyres?
This modification predates the latest Triton by many years.
Owner forums contain examples going back to the MN and MQ generations of drivers replacing narrower factory tyres with 265-width alternatives.
A common change on a Triton fitted with 245/65R17 tyres has been:
245/65R17 → 265/65R17
It is a relatively conservative change.
The tyre becomes 20 mm wider while the overall diameter increases moderately. Actual dimensions can be checked in our tyre size calculator.
Owners have reported running this combination without the more substantial vehicle changes associated with much larger 4WD tyre packages.
There is also considerably more choice in 265-width all-terrain tyres.
For a Triton that spends most of its life on the road but occasionally heads onto gravel, campsites, beaches or relatively easy tracks, this sort of upgrade can make more sense than immediately jumping to a substantially larger LT tyre.
This is where tyres like the passenger spec Yokohama Geolandar GO18, the Continental CrossContact ATR (made in Europe) or AX6 (made in China), Pirelli Scorpion All-Terrain Plus or the Goodyear All-Terrain Adventure tyres I reviewed during my time at Bob Jane T-Marts using a MQ Triton.
The other popular Triton size: 265/70R17
Start looking through Australian 4WD discussions and another size appears repeatedly:
265/70R17.
This is a more significant change.
A nominal 265/70R17 is approximately 803 mm in diameter, depending on the actual tyre manufacturer and pattern.
Compared with 265/65R17, it provides roughly another 13 mm of theoretical ground clearance under the axle while also providing a taller sidewall.
That extra sidewall is one of the main reasons 17-inch wheels remain popular for Australian 4WDs.
When tyre pressures are reduced for sand or rough terrain, there is more sidewall available to deform and create a longer footprint. There is also more tyre between the wheel and rocks, corrugations and potholes.
265/70R17 is also widely available from manufacturers producing LT all-terrain tyres.
For owners who regularly take their Triton off-road, it is therefore easy to understand why this size has become popular.
I ran this tyre size when I tested the new Yokohama Geolandar GO17 on the MQ Triton. The additional ride height was great but the tread lugs on the agressive tyre pattern did rub on full sterring lock:
Bigger tyres change more than the appearance
Moving to a larger LT tyre can add substantial rotating mass.
It can affect:
- acceleration
- braking
- fuel consumption
- gearing
- speedometer accuracy
- steering feel
- clearance at full steering lock and suspension compression
Triton and Pajero Sport owners have specifically reported noticing reduced performance and increased fuel consumption after moving to larger and heavier LT tyres.
That is important because many Tritons spend considerably more time commuting than climbing rocks.
If your Triton spends 95% of its life on sealed roads, fitting the biggest tyre that can physically fit under the guards may deliver very little practical benefit.
17-inch or 18-inch wheels?
For a road-focused Triton, there is nothing inherently wrong with the factory 18-inch package.
The current Triton’s 265/60R18 gives owners access to a growing range of highway and all-terrain tyres while retaining the vehicle’s intended gearing and overall tyre diameter.
For more serious off-road use, however, a 17-inch wheel deserves consideration.
Compare the current factory combinations:
265/60R18
Approximately 159 mm nominal sidewall height.
265/65R17
Approximately 172 mm nominal sidewall height.
Both have almost identical overall diameters.
The 17-inch combination therefore exchanges an inch of wheel diameter for additional tyre sidewall without substantially changing the gearing of the vehicle.
For many Triton owners, that may be a more useful off-road modification than simply fitting the largest diameter tyre possible.
What type of tyre suits a Triton?
The best Triton tyre depends less on the vehicle than on what you actually do with it.
Mostly sealed roads
If your Triton is primarily a daily driver, tow vehicle or work ute that rarely leaves formed roads, don’t automatically assume you need an aggressive LT all-terrain.
A highway-terrain or road-oriented all-terrain can offer lower noise, lower weight and better road manners.
The Bridgestone Dueler A/T 002 is one example worth considering. It is available in both 265/60R18 and 265/65R17 and Bridgestone positions it as an all-terrain option designed to retain road comfort, wet and dry grip and fuel efficiency.
These are popular sizes however and will be available in the full spectrum of all-terrain tyre brands from premium, to quality (Falken, Hankook, Kumho, Toyo, Maxxis) and value for money (Radar, Tracmax).
Another value for money option is the J-Trax All-Terrain, a private brand at Bob Jane T-Marts, made by Bridgestone. The quality of a premium brand at a value price point.
The abundance of choice suits owners who wants more capability than a traditional highway tyre without turning the Triton into a dedicated touring vehicle.
Daily driving plus regular touring
This is arguably the sweet spot for a Triton.
If the vehicle regularly sees gravel roads, camping trips, beaches and moderate 4WD tracks but still spends most of its kilometres on bitumen, a balanced all-terrain makes sense.
The Toyo Open Country A/T III is available in relevant Triton sizes including LT265/65R17, LT265/60R18 and 265/70R17.
Toyo positions the A/T III around the combination of off-road durability, road manners, relatively low noise and tread life.
It is therefore worth considering for owners who want one tyre to handle daily driving and touring rather than specialising at either extreme.
Regular off-road and remote touring
For owners travelling into harsher country, tyre construction becomes at least as important as tread pattern.
The BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 is available in sizes including LT265/65R17, LT265/70R17 and LT265/60R18.
Its stronger all-terrain focus makes it more appropriate for Tritons that regularly encounter gravel, rocks, remote roads and rough tracks.
The trade-off is worth remembering. A heavier LT construction may be desirable when travelling remotely, but there is little reason to carry that additional weight every day if the vehicle rarely leaves the road.
Another tough LT option
The Maxxis RAZR AT811 is another tyre that lines up particularly well with common Triton fitments.
Its Australian range includes LT265/65R17, LT265/70R17 and LT265/60R18.
The 265/70R17 version is particularly relevant to modified Tritons because it combines the popular larger diameter with LT construction and a three-ply sidewall.
Again, that doesn’t automatically make it the best choice for every Triton. It makes it an option worth considering for vehicles where off-road durability carries more weight in the buying decision.
What are Triton owners doing aftermarket?
Looking across owner discussions reveals a fairly clear progression.
Factory replacement
Owners happy with how the vehicle drives simply replace the original tyre with a better tyre in the same size.
For newer Tritons that may mean remaining with 265/60R18 or 265/65R17.
Mild upgrade
Older Tritons originally running 245-width tyres are commonly moved to a 265-width alternative.
265/65R17 is particularly interesting because it is now a factory size on the latest generation Triton.
More off-road focused
Owners wanting more sidewall and ground clearance frequently move towards 265/70R17.
Some also move from factory 18-inch wheels to 17-inch wheels specifically to gain sidewall rather than simply increasing the overall tyre diameter.
Heavily modified
Beyond that are combinations such as 275 and 285-width tyres.
These sizes appear regularly on modified Tritons, but this is where wheel offset, suspension height, guard clearance, braking, gearing and legal compliance become much more important.
They should not be treated as simple replacement tyre sizes.
Don’t forget wheel offset
Changing tyre size is only part of the equation.
Aftermarket wheels can change the position of the entire tyre relative to the suspension and bodywork.
A tyre combination that clears perfectly on a factory wheel may rub when installed on a wheel with a significantly different offset.
Conversely, pushing the wheel further out can introduce other problems including tyre coverage and changes to wheel track.
That is why statements such as “265/70R17 fits a Triton” need context.
The generation, suspension, wheel width, wheel offset, actual tyre dimensions and vehicle accessories can all affect clearance.
What about tyre size legality?
Australian 4WD tyre modification rules need to be considered before changing diameter.
The National Code of Practice for Light Vehicle Construction and Modification allows certain 4WD goods vehicles to use tyres up to 50 mm larger in overall diameter than a tyre designated by the manufacturer, subject to the other requirements of the code.
However, vehicle modification requirements are administered by individual states and territories.
Owners should therefore check the current requirements applying where their Triton is registered rather than relying on a forum post or another owner’s vehicle.
Also check that replacement tyres meet the required load and speed ratings and that the wheel width is approved for the tyre being fitted.
So what size would we choose?
There isn’t one universal answer.
For an MV Triton used mainly on the road, staying with the factory 265/60R18 is a sensible choice. There are good highway and all-terrain options available and there is little reason to increase diameter simply for appearance.
For an MV Triton used regularly off-road, the factory 265/65R17 combination is particularly appealing. You retain almost exactly the factory overall diameter of the 18-inch package while gaining additional sidewall.
For an older MN, MQ or MR running a narrower 245-width factory tyre, a move to 265/65R17 is worth discussing with a tyre specialist. It provides the wider 265 footprint without making the jump to the substantially taller 265/70R17.
For an MQ or MR being prepared for more serious touring and off-road use, 265/70R17 deserves consideration. It is a common 4WD tyre size with plenty of LT all-terrain choices and additional sidewall, but its greater diameter and weight mean clearance, legality and the effect on the vehicle need to be checked first.
The Triton doesn’t necessarily need a bigger tyre
Perhaps the most useful lesson from the Triton owner community is that upgrading a tyre doesn’t necessarily mean making it bigger.
The latest Triton demonstrates that quite well.
Mitsubishi has settled on a 265-width tyre with an overall diameter of roughly 775 mm across its mainstream 17 and 18-inch combinations.
Owners wanting better off-road performance can therefore start by choosing a more suitable tyre construction and tread pattern rather than immediately increasing diameter.
A Triton driven to work every day and onto a beach several times a year has very different requirements from one carrying a canopy, drawers, auxiliary battery and camping equipment through the Victorian High Country.
Choose the tyre around what your Triton actually does.
That is far more important than fitting the biggest tyre that will fit under the guards.
