2006 Truck of the Year Test and Review

2006 Mitsubishi Raider
Back in the Game with a Fresh Face and Strong V-8

Mitsu is promoting the Raider as the only import V-8 alternative for buyers who don't want a full-size truck. It's offered in a number of configurations, thanks in large part to sharing its underthings with the Dodge Dakota. Another in this year's clone of-the-year competition (the others being the Lincoln LT and Isuzu i-280/i-350), the Raider 4.7-liter V-8 and five-speed combination didn't perform as its displacement and cylinder number had us expecting, matching the Lincoln's last-place quarter-mile time (17.3 seconds). Maybe this shouldn't have been a surprise, as the engine offers only 10 more horsepower than the Isuzu 3.5-liter I-5 and 17 horses less than the Ridgeline's DOHC 3.5-liter V-6. It wasn't the smallest or lightest truck in our test, but it had the smallest payload capacity at 970 pounds. That works out to be 220 pounds less than the Isuzu's and over 500 pounds less than the Ridgeline's.

All isn't doom and gloom for the Raider, however. The design surgery Mitsubishi performed to round the wheel arches and smooth the creases and corners, handsomely sets the Raider apart from the Dakota. Mitsubishi negotiated serious interior changes that resculpted the Dodge's blocky dash layout in favor of a more sloping, waterfall-type deck top. The result is more openness for the driver and front passenger. Our test unit came equipped with the DuroCross option package that includes upgraded shocks, fender flares, big wheels and tires, and a host of stickers and labels. Ride balance and suspension tuning are well equipped to handle the higher-speed pavement twists as well as the Baja-style washboard ruts on our test loops.

Although the five-speed tranny likes to hunt on long hillclimbs, the dual upshift/kickdown second-gear strategy works well, technically turning this five-speed into a six-speed. Among the brand-engineered competitors, this execution was our favorite, injecting enough unique personality to distinguish it from the donor platform, while maintaining, or even improving on, the strengths of the original powertrain and chassis. This type of execution--solid, if not outstanding--will help Mitsu get back on track.