Mitsubishi L200 (2019 – 2021) Review

Mitsubishi L200 (2019 – 2021) At A Glance

4/5

+Much improved on-road handling, still brilliant off-road, well-equipped as standard, five-year-warranty.

-Key rivals have more power, harsh ride quality at urban speeds, cabin is starting to feel dated.

It won't win any awards for power or refinement, but the Mitsubishi L200 remains one of the toughest and most versatile pick-ups you can get. All versions are well-equipped and comfortable, while its proven 4x4 system will haul heavy loads to the places that vans dare not go. 

Like Marmite, the front-end styling of the Mitsubishi L200 Series 6 will divide opinion, with buyers loving or loathing it in equal measure. However, when it comes to engine power, Mitsubishi's tough looking truck is left trailing by the Ford RangerNissan Navara and SsangYong Musso. Indeed, the L200's 2.2-litre turbodiesel produces 150PS, which is a notable markdown on the 180PS you'd get with the 2.4 engine found in the Series 5 model

That said, the L200 is better to drive than its predecessor: the steering is more accurate, the engine emits less noise at cruising speeds and running costs have been cut. As before, the L200 uses a ladder chassis with leaf springs at the rear, which means there's lots of uncomfortable jostling at lower speeds as the vehicle body bounces heavily over speed bumps and pot holes. The engine has a tendency to become quite vocal at urban speeds too. 

The excellent seats and large cabin do a pretty good job of isolating the driver and passengers from the worst of the shortfalls in refinement. However, owing to the fact the interior has been carried over from the Series 5, the L200's cabin does feel a little old fashioned compared to its key rivals. 

The L200 can be specified with a six-speed automatic gearbox, which is a huge improvement over the clunky five-speed auto that was provided in the Series 5. This is also one of the first pick-ups to assessed by the tougher WLTP fuel test, which means the L200 should get close to its advertised 32mpg or 29mpg for the auto.

At the business end of things, the maximum payload has been increased to 1080kg (up from 1045kg). The L200 will also tow a 3.1 tonne two-axle trailer or a 3.5 tonne three-axle trailer and take a further 550kg load in the back. The Super Select four-wheel drive system has been improved and offers 2H, 4H, 4H with centre diff lock, low range with centre lock, hill descent control and four terrain modes: gravel, mud/snow, sand, and rock. The 4H setting from 2H can be selected on the move, up to 60mph.

While the L200 Series 6 is a clear improvement over its predecessor some buyers will take issue with the fact that both the Ranger and Navara get more power and better refinement. However, for those in the market for a rugged and capable 4x4 workhorse, the L200 is difficult to fault. 

Ask Honest John

What pick-up truck do you recommend for £10,000?

"I want to buy my first pick-up truck, I have about £10,000 to spend. I need reliability, four seats and some off road capability. In the future, I may use it to tow a caravan. What should I buy?"
A Mitsubishi L200's probably your best option. There are plenty about and they're pretty capable off road. They are very different to a car (even an SUV) to drive, though, so be prepared for a bit of a culture shock if you haven't driven a truck before.
Answered by Andrew Brady
More Questions

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