Mitsubishi L200 Pickup Review 2022

source: Mitsubishi

Updated 2022, originally published 17 February 2017

According to Mitsubishi “The L200 has been the UK’s favourite pickup truck for 20 years and the current model the L200 Series 6 is as close as we’ve come to the perfect pickup truck. It’s easy to drive, easy to park and comes with advanced safety features and entertainment options.”

The L200 is one of the narrowest pickups on the market, it can be driven with confidence off-road and through towns even if you’re used to more conventionally-sized cars. The bonnet’s 40mm higher, too, making it easier to place on the road.

Models

The Mitsubishi L200 is available in 5 trims plus a limited edition Challenger.

• 4Life
• Trojan
• Warrior
• Barbarian
• Barbarian X

The entry level 4Life single cab has:

• 16-inch steel wheels
• air-conditioning
• body-colour front bumper
• remote keyless entry
• Manual gearbox

The entry level 4Life double cab has:

• 16-inch alloy wheels
• air-conditioning
• body-colour front bumper
• remote keyless entry
• cruise control
• Manual gearbox

The rest of the range features include:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• auto-dimming rear view mirror
• autonomous emergency braking
• lane departure warning and
• dual-zone climate control

You’ll need a Barbarian X to get the full suite of technology, though.

Engine

To meet the latest emissions standards, Mitsubishi offers this L200 with just one engine: a new 2.3-litre turbodiesel producing 150hp and 400Nm (from 2,000rpm).

It’s got an AdBlue tank large enough to last 12,000 miles between fills and stop-start technology as standard.

There’s a new gearbox, too – a six-speed automatic. It retains the intuitive paddleshifters of the previous model and has a similar shift pattern, so feels familiar despite having an extra forward gear.

With a 4WD system that can instantly switch between modes as conditions change. From running in 2WD on tarmac to conserve fuel, all the way up to locked rear differential power for mud, sand, gravel or snow.

Interior

source: Mitsubishi

source: Mitsubishi

The interior is plusher and more car-like, with better-looking and more comfortable seats, a thicker-rimmed steering wheel, more fascia brightwork and screen-based gadgetry that’s the equal of what you’d find in a well-equipped saloon. The Barbarian X gets bespoke ‘six-pack’ seat styling with sporting-type side bolsters, plus LED interior lighting. Mitsubishi is stressing the L200’s new comforts because its marketing people reckon buyers reluctant to embrace a new diesel SUV may find it easier to change to a civilised pick-up.

The L200 is packed with great technology and laid out so that everything from the 4WD mode selector to the DAB radio is within easy reach of the driver.

Touches like 360-degree cameras and blind-spot monitoring help, which brings this Mitsubishi comes close to matching the convenience of modern cars and SUVs.

Technology

You’ll find a sculpted centre panel and connecting console that feel more like you’re in a powerful SUV than a pickup, with intuitive buttons and clear switches giving you access to everything you need.

The centre console has been lightly revised, gaining a new row of switches and another rendition of the Dynamic Shield around the vents, plus some leather-trim effect knee bolsters; the instruments now have a colour LCD information panel, too – though the information displayed is much the same.

new USB charging port and smartphone pocket for the rear passengers, though there are still no directional vents in the rear – just floor level heating.

Mitsubishi’s Smartphone Display Audio, or SDA, infotainment system leverages your Android or Apple phone for navigation, media and phone calls using Android Auto or Apple CarPlay – which means you’ll want to use one of the two front USB ports to connect, and there’s a large enough space ahead of the gearlever to place the handset.

The steering wheel – similar in layout to an Outlander – is liberally covered in controls for the cameras, cruise control and audio, and it’s also heated on the top-spec versions. It’s also got the control to cycle through the displays on the new colour LCD trip computer between the instruments.

Driving

It’s one of the smallest pickups you can buy in the UK, without giving much away in terms of load area; it fits British roads and driveways better than most, and should prove easy to live with for a pickup.

However, despite almost sporty handling and nimble manoeuvrability, the ride won’t let you forget the commercial vehicle origins. Refinement is a step up from the previous generation though, and it remains one of the better pickups to drive.

It’s also ready to work, with an impressive payload and impressive towing capacity. In the real world the fuel economy improvements won’t go unnoticed – but neither will the loss of the 181hp engine. While the new, smaller 150hp engine feels powerful enough in isolation, the L200 is considerably outgunned by almost every rival now.

Practicality

Getting into the L200 is easier than most pickups, as grab handles are provided for all four doors, with deep side steps.

Door bins are a good size and there is a large cubby between the seats in the front. There is also a decent sized glovebox and two cup holders.

Rear passengers get map pockets, a smartphone box and cupholders in the centre armrest, plus again, generous door bins.

The Double Cab load bed measures 1,520mm in length and 1,470mm in width, while choosing the Club Cab shortens the passenger compartment and makes the loading area 1,850mm long. Its maximum carrying capacity improves slightly to 1,080kg, thanks to larger brakes and the redesigned suspension.