A compact pickup truck, the Mitsubishi L200 was first released in 1978. Still in production today, the L200 is now on its fourth generation, which was launched in 2005. It is known by many names depending on the market it is being sold in and has accumulated more than 2.8 million units in sales all over the world. The most current model of the Mitsubishi L200 was designed by Akinori Nakanishi and was exclusively built by the company’s subsidiary in Thailand.

Pros

The pickup truck is a utility vehicle. However, because of the Mitsubishi L200, pickup trucks are no longer just ideal for those looking to regularly haul things. Now, pickup trucks can also be luxurious while maintaining their tough as nails identity as a partner in the workplace. Aside from looking stylish, the L200 is also available in various configurations so you can pick out one that will best suit your lifestyle. For example, if it’s comfort you want most, then the four-door Double Cab is the one for you.

It may have made prettier pickup trucks a trend but the Mitsubishi L200 remains true to its roots so it is solidly built, tough enough to survive rough use as what you would expect from a utility vehicle. Mitsubishi also has a reputation for making reliable cars so the L200 should last you a long time, long enough to even switch owners if you eventually look to sell.

As a pickup truck, the Mitsubishi L200 is classified as a light commercial vehicle. Hence, if you’re buying under a VAT-registered company you can claim up to 17.5% in taxes. Not bad for an investment, right? You can also further save on costs because the L200 offers decent fuel economy at 32.8mpg.

Cons

There’s only a 2.5-litre diesel engine offered with the Mitsubishi L200. While the lack of engine options may be an issue, this is a bit understandable since the L200 is still a utility vehicle. You’re going to need a solid, sturdy engine if you’re going to be hauling, say, 1,200kg of weight. A simpler, more delicate engine just won’t be up for the task. And because it’s made to be able to carry heavy loads, it gets a bit of a rattle when it’s not carrying anything because of its stiff rear springs.

The L200 also does good work of dealing with cracked streets in the urban jungle. However, it can’t keep up very well with bumps on the road even when you’re cruising just moderately speeding along. If you hit a bump, you will definitely feel it because the L200 will be bouncing along with it. You could avoid bumps but the steering’s also a bit slow to react so your ride will not match your intentions.

You can see the effort to use different components in the interiors but the result is either something you’ll love or hate completely. It makes up for a bit of the confusion by providing controls that are logically laid out but the stereo got left behind. Also, the driver’s seat doesn’t give enough support so don’t expect comfort to last if you’re going on a long drive.

The Mitsubishi L200, also known as the Triton, is a compact pickup truck produced starting 1978. The car is currently in its fourth generation of production, with worldwide sales reaching millions. The L200 has been marketed under different names through the years.

The first generation came in Deluxe trim and Custom trim. A custom import in the US was sold by Chrysler Corporation as the Dodge Ram 50 and the Plymouth Arrow Truck. Chrysler’s competitors in the segment included the Fort Courier and the Chevrolet LUV. Production lasted until 1986.

In 1987, the second generation was introduced worldwide. A version for Japan, the Strada, did not hit the markets until 1991. In the US, the second generation was known as the Mighty Max and as the Dodge Ram 50.

The third generation of the L200 was introduced in 1996. In 2001, the L200 went through a facelift. The current 2006 generation introduced major changes to the pickup, taking away the boxy features and leaving a more comfortable and stylish ride. This version streamlined the segment after it was introduced, paving a way for a more leisurely and family-oriented driving with its redesigned ute. In 2009, the pickup underwent a design refresh.

Today, the L200 leads the race in the segment against other popular pickups like Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50.