Mitsubishi L200 (2015 – 2019) Review

The L200 is more an evolution than a revolution of Mitsubishi’s rough 'n' ready pick-up truck. As a result, the fifth-generation L200 is based on a heavily revised version of its predecessor’s double cab chassis.

It does, however, add a much needed dose of modernisation. This means the latest L200 retains its versatile load capacity, while offering lower running costs and some improvements in refinement and safety.

Power comes from a powerful 2.4-litre diesel that's more economical and cleaner than the old 2.5 unit, with the 150PS version returning an official 44.1mpg. The four-cylinder engine also produces more power, with the 180PS version producing 430Nm of torque and returning a claimed 42.8mpg. At launch, the 2.4 diesel was Euro5, but an engine update in mid-2016 provided Euro6 compliance. 

The maximum payload is almost identical to the old L200, 1045kg, while the towing limit at launch is 3.1 tonnes. From January 2018 the L200 was upgraded to increase its towing ability to 3.5 tonnes.

At launch, the L200 was limited to the double cab bodystyle. In 2016 Mitsubishi added single and club cab variants to the range. The quality of the cab has been improved, which means it's better suited for long trips, with better sound proofing and all-round comfort. All of the seats get thicker side bolsters and upper leg support, which makes them comfortable for long trips, while the spacious interior makes the L200 a comfortable fit for four adults. 

The L200 also feels a lot more composed on the road than before, with reduced body lean in the corners and a much better ride on the motorway. Indeed, the latest L200 is surprisingly hushed at high speeds, which makes it a pleasant place to be on long trips. A new six-speed gearbox is also standard, which means engine noise is kept down.  

That said, the suspension is still vulnerable to rough A roads and can get a bit bumpy. Pot holes are also a weak point, causing a sharp judder that reverberates through the cabin with alarming regularity. 

Compared to its pick-up rivals, the L200 has moved up the rankings when it comes to all-round ability and comfort. It has a useful load capacity and is surprisingly agile at low speeds thanks to its small turning circle and commanding driving position. It's just a pity the improvements are not extended to the single and club cab models, which would extend the load capacity even further. 

Mitsubishi is keen to emphasise that this, the fifth-generation L200, is the most refined and car-like pick-up truck the UK has ever seen. That's a bold claim, but there are some facts to back it up.

The headline improvements come from Mitsubishi's four-cylinder 2.4-litre diesel engine, which is quieter, lighter and more economical than the 2.5 diesel it replaces. The engine returns up to 42.8mpg, while emissions have been slashed to 169g/km of CO2 - almost 100g/km less and 10mpg better than the 3.2-litre Ford Ranger. A 150PS version is also available, increasing claimed economy to 44.1mpg.

At launch, in 2015, the 2.4-litre diesel engine met Euro5 emission standards; however an engine update in August 2016 provided compliance with Euro6. The 2.4 common-rail diesel packs a punch, producing 180PS and 430Nm of torque, which means it will cover 0-62mph in 10.4 seconds and pull 3.1 tonnes when hooked to a braked trailer. The maximum payload is 1045kg. 

Power delivery is impressive, thanks to a updated traction control system and six-speed manual gearbox that provides shorter gear shifts. The old five-speed auto is also available, but is noisy and unrefined in comparison to the slick six-speed manual. The automatic also cuts economy to a claimed 39.2mpg. 

Like its predecessor, the L200 uses a ladder chassis frame with leaf springs at the rear. This gives it the same truck-feel on the road as the old model, with woolly steering and a distinct lack of feel in the throttle and brake pedals. There are improvements though, with reduced engine and road noise being the chief changes. The suspension has also been updated to reduce body lean in the corners.

The L200 is also more agile at low speeds, with a turning circle of 11.8 meters, although it's still a tricky vehicle to park. The optional rearview camera is a handy extra. The L200 is also prone to feeling unsettled on rough A and B roads, where the ride can get bumpy.

Pot holes are the biggest problem, resulting in jarring vibrations that judder right through the cabin. It is also easy to spin the rear-wheels in the wet although the updated traction and stability control system does a lot better at keeping this in check.

Off-road the Mitsubishi is capable and easy to use, thanks to a new electronic four-wheel drive system. Most models get Super Select four-wheel drive as standard, which lets the driver choose between two or four-wheel drive on the move and there's also a low-range diff-locked option for tackling mud and steep inclines. 

The L200 also gets a lot more safety kit, with seven airbags, trailer stability assist and a new traction and stability control system that makes the rear end less prone to kicking out in the wet.

Higher trims get Super Select four-wheel drive system which allows the L200 to be driven in four-wheel drive full time, along with four driving modes and a torque-sensing Torsen differential. To be honest, the L200 is perfectly refined for two-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive only needed for off-roading or driving in harsh winter conditions. 

The cabin of the L200 is spacious and durable, with plenty of hard wearing plastics and storage. Admittedly, some of the smaller buttons feel a tad flimsy, but for the most part the L200 feels rugged and well-made with a commanding driving position that's aided by the new sloped bonnet design that provides a better view of the road. 

Unusually, for a pick-up, the L200 is a quiet and comfortable motorway companion. It is perfectly suited for long runs with 40mpg+ economy and cruise control fitted as standard across the range.

The cabin is spacious and comfortable enough for up to four adults and there's plenty of interior storage, with decent sized door bins and cup holders. Most models also have rear privacy glass, which means you can leave store tools and equipment on the rear seats, away from prying eyes. However, there's no drop down rear window anymore.

The load bed isn't as large as the Toyota Hilux or Nissan Navara, but will take up to 1045kg, accessed via a fold-down tailgate that's had its centre of gravity reset so it doesn't drop down suddenly when you unlock it. 

The L200 is available in four trims - 4Life, Titan, Warrior and Barbarian - and all models get trailer stability assist, keyless entry and a hill hold system that will prevent the vehicle from rolling backwards when the brake is released. Mitsubishi has also improved the traction control and electronic stability control. 

Titan models benefit from Super Select all-wheel drive, rear privacy glass and dual zone air conditioning, while Warrior trim adds navigation, xenon headlights and a rear bumper step. Range topping Barbarian models include leather armrest and trim, LED mood lighting and chrome filler cap and fail light surrounds. 

Initially the L200 was only offered as a double cab, but Mitsubishi increased the range and added single and club cab bodystles in 2016. Single cab versions get the largest load bed, providing almost two metres of load length.