At the beginning of the month, we already had a virtual introduction to the Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck. And now it's time for a detailed review and test. What about driving comfort? How dynamic and economical is it? What interesting things did you find in the cabin? Believe us, there is definitely something to tell!
Design: large areas, straight lines
The new-generation Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck has become much larger than its predecessor - and the designers seem to have tried to emphasize this. After all, the appearance of the Mitsubishi L200 is dominated by straight lines, rectangular shapes, and large surface areas. The radiator grille, the general shape of the headlights, the stamping on the trunk lid are almost rectangles. The lines above the wheel arches, the cab roof and the car body are almost straight lines. And the curve that descends on the front doors and continues on the rear doors is almost... is it really a Nissan Juke?
With all of these automotive alliances, anyone can now find a connection between different companies and different cars. But it is the new Mitsubishi L200 that is perceived as an original. Moreover, there is already a long history of the Mitsubishi L200 model among Ukrainian owners, and these design changes are especially noticeable compared to previous generations of the L200. It's interesting: the design of the new Mitsubishi L200 has a lot of straight lines, it looks more robust and brutal - but it's not too aggressive in any way; I would rather use the phrase "confident".
With the change of generation, the Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck has significantly increased in size: length - 5.32 meters; width - 1.865 meters; height - 1.795 meters; wheelbase - 3.13 meters. The declared ground clearance is 203-222 mm (depending on the vehicle version and wheel size); the entry angle is 30.4 degrees; the exit angle is 22.8 degrees; the ramp angle is 23.4 degrees. The cargo platform offers a length of 1555 mm and a width of 1545 mm; the height of the sides of the cargo compartment is 525 mm; the payload is 1030-1085 kg, depending on the version of the vehicle. By the way: Mitsubishi talks about the possibility of using the corners of the rear bumper as a step to access the body; but in fact, these corners are quite high above the ground and it is inconvenient to put your foot on them; so, in reality, the central part of the bumper with a low step in the deflection zone under the license plate will be used again most often.
The overall interior design of the Mitsubishi L200 is reminiscent of its exterior: an emphasis on straight lines, ventilation deflectors emphasized by silver trim, a cool dedicated climate control unit, two niche boxes for the front passenger, and a large armrest box. But again, you can't do without these hints of Nissan: a multimedia system with an 8-inch touchscreen display and several physical switches, a dashboard combination with a 7-inch color screen, even buttons on the steering wheel spokes...
However, I must admit that all these details make the interior of the Mitsubishi L200 more "passenger car" and give the feeling of a modern car. Especially in combination with the attempt to make the front panel soft to the touch. True, instead of "soft plastic", eco-leather is used here; however, the trick still works and the panel actually gives a soft-touch feeling when touched. This is impossible to measure in numbers - but in the world of pickup trucks, which usually offer hard, buzzing plastic, this feeling is an additional item in the list of advantages of the new Mitsubishi L200.
If you want more advantages, then I invite you to the second row of seats: the increase in size gave a good supply of legroom (although the high floor is still felt due to the frame structure), the rear seat backrest is set at almost a normal "car" angle, there is enough headroom - and there is also ventilation overhead! An additional ventilation system located on the ceiling draws air from the front of the cabin and pumps it to the rear. The direction of the air supply can be adjusted by small movable visors, and the intensity of the air supply is regulated by a separate remote control with buttons. However, such a ventilation system is present only on the Mitsubishi L200 in the maximum configuration; but the rear armrest and cup holders are present on all versions of the car. It would only be desirable to make this armrest a little longer and higher to maximize the comfort of sitting during long trips. After all, they are possible here: looking ahead, the new Mitsubishi L200 offers quite good driving comfort.
The interior of the Mitsubishi L200 is full of straight lines, silver and black glossy finishes, and pleasant "car" details. They even tried to make the door trim more attractive: a combination of eco-leather, plastics of different textures, and black gloss. However, only the driver's side has an auto mode for the windows; the same is true for the electric seat adjustment. And the interior ofthe Mitsubishi L200 is a lot of space in front and behind. The front seats are quite soft and offer well-developed side bolsters in the lower part; but the leather covering is a bit parky in summer, and even the perforations do not help. Behind, there's an almost lightweight fit and an advanced ventilation system on the ceiling. In addition, there are many convenient little things: an armrest with cup holders, pockets on the backs of the front seats, hooks for bags at the base of the headrests in front, and so on; there is a small additional niche behind the back of the rear sofa.
Technique: a combination of a strong classical foundation and modern technologies
The sixth-generation Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck is still built on a frame-based platform, still has a solid rear axle and leaf spring suspension, and is still equipped with a turbo diesel engine and all-wheel drive. It's a timeless classic - but it's changed in the details. For example, the frame has become more rigid than its predecessor: +40% more torsional strength and +60% more bending strength. The independent front suspension retains the general design with double wishbones and a spring/shock absorber; but the attachment points of the elements have changed, which promises to increase the travel. At the rear, leaf springs are still used; but now they are lighter and work with more powerful shock absorbers. Visually, it seems that the number of leaf springs has decreased, and the springs themselves have become longer - usually done to improve the comfort of the leaf spring suspension.
The turbo diesel is now designated 4N16, although it retains the same 4-cylinder layout and similar 2.44-liter displacement of the 4N15 engine on the previous generation of the vehicle. The main feature of the new turbo diesel is the use of a variable geometry turbine, which makes it possible to flexibly adjust the turbine to the exhaust gas flow and provide better air supply to the engine. The result is an increase in power: the top-end version of the new Mitsubishi L200 now offers 184 hp (3,500 rpm) of power and 430 Nm (2,250-2,500 rpm) of torque - up from 181 hp and 430 Nm for its predecessor.
However, the basic versions have lost a little: now we have 150 hp against 154 hp in the predecessor. But the basic versions have gained in the all-wheel drive system: if earlier simple versions of the Mitsubishi L200 had Easy Select 4WD (part-time all-wheel drive, which cannot be used permanently on all roads), now all versions of the Mitsubishi L200 have Super Select 4WD (permanent all-wheel drive), which was previously found only on medium-maximum versions of the car. To be as precise as possible, the full name of the all-wheel drive system is Super Select 4WD-II, and this "two" means a slightly changed proportion of torque distribution - we have 40/60 between the front/rear wheels.
However, in the case of Super Select 4WD-II, everything is in the driver's hands: the system allows you to choose 2H mode (rear-wheel drive only); or 4H mode (permanent all-wheel drive); or 4HLc mode (all-wheel drive with locked center differential); or 4LLc mode (all-wheel drive with lowered row and locked center differential); plus a separate rear differential lock is possible. However, all of this was available before, but the new Mitsubishi L200 is characterized by the expansion of electronic systems. For example, the AYC system (as on the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross) has been introduced with selective braking between the right and left wheels for fast and safe cornering. In addition, the DRIVE MODE switch button now allows you to choose from seven driving modes, compared to four previously.
For cars like the Mitsubishi L200 - that is, when you already have a frame and a "lowering device", center and rear differential locks - it is the basis of the design, the type of all-wheel drive, engine traction, geometric parameters that determine the all-terrain qualities; not any electronic systems in the list of equipment. For example, I did not feel the impact of AYC, and switching driving modes only slightly affects the engine response to the accelerator pedal, the delay in shifting with an automatic transmission, etc. But note that for each gearshift position, the corresponding driving modes are displayed: very correct and logical! Firstly, it avoids confusion between many modes; secondly, it's like a hint on how to use all-wheel drive for different off-road conditions. In other words, the Mitsubishi L200 pickup not only "overwhelms" the driver with its capabilities (you figure it out for yourself...), but also really tries to help and facilitate understanding while driving off-road. And what happens on ordinary roads?
Behind the wheel: unexpected comfort, dynamics, cost-effectiveness
The story of pickup truck comfort is like the story of sophisticated smartphones: with each new generation, we are told that it has become better - but that bend in the display never quite disappears. So the new Mitsubishi L200 still can't completely get rid of the vibrations from the large wheels and heavy rear axle that occur on individual bumps. But at the same time, the car has become much more comfortable than its predecessor! If you drive over waves on the asphalt, the Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck only sways gently; if you skip over transverse protrusions on the move, it marks them only with a slight "slap" of the tires. Only distinguishable pits can give a tangible kick, as if to remind you that this is still a pickup truck, not a full-fledged passenger car or a large SUV with independent rear suspension.
And all this happens without any additional ballast in the body. You might think that the new Mitsubishi L200 has lost in payload capacity: I saw an example of this in a German pickup truck, which in its standard version traded payload (and the number of springs) for almost passenger car-like ride comfort. But not in this case: the cargo capacity of the new Mitsubishi L200 has even increased compared to its predecessor - while improving ride comfort.
Everything else is just fine. It is clear that such a softened suspension causes additional body sway during braking or cornering. However, it is rather difficult to talk about the nuances of handling in pickup trucks, as the rule of thumb is that if you turn the steering wheel to the right and the car goes to the right, it is already good. And this "long" steering wheel will have to be turned quite a bit, because in general it makes about three turns from stop to stop. At the same time, it is almost devoid of any distinct change in force depending on the angle of rotation; the force seems to be present, but only in the background. That's partly why you get the feeling that the car is floating a bit while driving at highway speeds. It's just that the fairly light steering wheel can deviate imperceptibly by a couple of degrees, and the pickup gradually shifts to the next lane.
But take it in strong male hands, add gas - and it turns out that the Mitsubishi L200 flies along the highway like an arrow. After all, the engine power allows it and the cabin has become quieter. By the way, the very nature of the turbo diesel engine on the automatic remains plus or minus unchanged compared to its predecessor: traction from low revs, a very rich middle (1.5-2-3 thousand revs) without dips, a maximum of 3.8-4 thousand revs during dynamic accelerations, soft and barely noticeable gear changes. During accelerations at a dynamic pace, when the tachometer is constantly in the 3-3.5 thousand zone, a noticeable buzzing sound passes into the cabin. But everything is learned by comparison: the previous Mitsubishi L200 with the most powerful diesel engine almost roared. At the same time, it was inferior in dynamics and fuel economy... Wait, how so? According to my recollections, the previous Mitsubishi L200 in the top version drove 0-100 km/h for about 12 seconds and consumed 10-13 liters of fuel in the city; and what will the new one show?
The turbo diesel engine has only slightly increased in power, and the classic 6-speed automatic transmission is still in place, the car has become larger and heavier than its predecessor (1970 kg versus 1930 kg for the maximum versions) - and then suddenly the new Mitsubishi L200 drove the "hundred" faster than 11 seconds (the rear-wheel drive mode allows you to gain 0.2-0.3 seconds during accelerations of 0-100 km/h, but only on completely dry roads) and fits into the city consistently in 8-9 liters of fuel! At the minimum, you can generally get 7-7.5 liters per 100 km, at the maximum, you get about 10 liters per 100 km in the city. On the highway, when driving at 100 km/h, the car consumes 6-6.5 liters per 100 km. It is clear that all observations are for a car without a load.
By the way: I remember the battles that unfolded in the comments to the previous review of the pickup truck; the questions were related to both the automatic transmission and comfort. Even if we forget about the automatic transmission, here's a counterexample: let's say there is no question of money (assuming it's a corporate purchase and the vehicles are provided free of charge); you are offered a pickup truck with part-time all-wheel drive and a stiff rear end; or you are offered a pickup truck with permanent all-wheel drive and better driving comfort, and with a similar payload - which is better to choose? I think the choice is clear. But let's be realistic: there is always the issue of money, and this is what we will talk about next.
Cost: how much does the Mitsubishi L200 cost and competitors
The Mitsubishi L200 pickup truck in the Ukrainian version immediately offers a double cab and Super Select 4WD, turbodiesel in two power versions, manual or automatic transmission, as well as three configurations - all of which together give us four variants of the vehicle.
The range is opened by the Mitsubishi L200 Invite pickup: ABS and EBD systems, stabilization and traction control system, front and side airbags, inflatable air curtains, driver's knee airbag, basic audio system with four speakers, Bluetooth support, heated front seats, all-wheel drive and rear differential lock, AYC Brake system, driving mode selection system, dual-zone climate control, 7-inch color display on the dashboard, power windows on all doors, light and rain sensors, halogen headlights, black matte grille and door handles, 16-inch steel wheels. The cost of Mitsubishi L2002.4L 150 6MT Invite starts from UAH 1.675 million or $41 thousand.
One level up is the Mitsubishi L200 Intense MT, which adds the following: hill descent assist, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control, front collision avoidance, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, multimedia system with 8-inch touchscreen display, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support, rearview camera, heated steering wheel, keyless entry and engine start, improved seat trim with stitched fabric, silver interior trim, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and automatic high beam switching, chrome elements on the front bumper and side mirrors, rear bumper with footrest, etc. The price of Mitsubishi L2002.4L 150 6MT Intense starts from UAH 1.775 million or $43 thousand.
The Mitsubishi L200 Intense AT version is worth mentioning separately: in addition to the automatic transmission, this car also offers a slightly expanded package, namely a lane departure warning system and an auto-dimming interior mirror to prevent driver dazzle. The cost of Mitsubishi L2002.4L 150 6AT Intense starts from UAH 1.85 million or $45 thousand.
The maximum version of the Mitsubishi L200 Ultimate again brings a lot of changes: a more powerful 184 hp turbo diesel engine and always a 6-speed automatic transmission, leather interior trim (combined leather), an additional rear ventilation system, electric driver's seat adjustment, a rear spoiler on the body cover, etc. Theprice of Mitsubishi L2002.4L 184 6AT Ultimate starts from UAH 1.95 million or $47 thousand.
Three Mitsubishi L200 cars in three configurations: Invite, Intense, Ultimate. The base version of the Invite is very easy to recognize: steel wheels and simple headlights, no massive rear bumper (that's why the base version is shorter - 5.265 meters); the interior features a conventional radio and plain dark plastic trim. This is the car in the lineup Mitsubishi L200used to be an inexpensive "workhorse" that offered a lower price and allowed you to turn a blind eye to the Easy Selectall-wheel drive ; but now even it has become much more expensive. However, as long as the remnants of thelast generation Mitsubishi L200 are sold out, we can hardly expect a price reduction for the new L200; that is, the story of the Mitsubishi Outlanderis repeating itself . But let's get back to Mitsubishi L200: the mid-range Intenseversion is easily recognizable by its chrome and headlights (just compare two headlights side by side), the interior has a multimedia system and silver trim, and the car adds a lot of comfort and safety equipment - that is, it is already the option that will be optimal for most buyers. Finally, as for the Ultimate: this is the test car that became the hero of this article, it offers higher power and the maximum list of equipment. But I would also like to add adaptive cruise control, driver's seat memory, front seat ventilation, all-round visibility, wireless charging, and steering wheel paddles. What's more? From now on, the Mitsubishi L200 pickup seems to have made a leap up a level in everything (including the price) - and such equipment will further emphasize this and further distinguish the car from its competitors. Speaking of competitors...
