For a great number of pickup operators, off-road driving is part and parcel of their work, so a good four-wheel-drive system and off-road abilities are paramount. We take our Mitsubishi L200 off-road and compare it to the other players in the market.

Mitsubishi L200: Chassis

When reviewing a vehicle’s off-road capabilities, the first thing to examine is the chassis dimensions. The L200’s chassis sits very low when compared against other vehicles in the segment, and the ground clearance to the rear axle is just 205mm on this Barbarian specification model. The approach, departure and ramp-over angles are also pretty low at 30, 22 and 24 degrees respectively. The low centre of gravity, however, does have an advantage in that there is a maximum lateral travel angle of 45 degrees.

There are a number of optional accessories fitted to our model, in addition to standard features on the Barbarian model, that hinder the off-road performance including the tow bar and the side steps, which are just 270mm from the ground. The tow bar reduces the departure angle to less than 20 degrees; it would frequently dig into the ground during our test.

With an unladen weight of less than two tonnes, the Mitsubishi L200 is one of the lightest double cabs on the market, which has great benefits off-road. It means that it doesn’t sink into mud quite as easily as others and that climbing hills is more effortless. The long axle articulation means that the L200 keeps better contact with the ground over bumpy terrain.

Mitsubishi L200 Off-Road
Mitsubishi L200: Engine and Driveline

Powered by the four-cylinder, 2,442cc 2.4 DI-D diesel engine, the Mitsubishi L200 develops 181hp and 430Nm, which means it has plenty of punch for climbing steep inclines and powering through divots.

First introduced in the Shogun, the Super Select 4WD system is highly respected and one of the best in the class. There are four settings that are selectable on the move through the shift-on-the-fly system; two- and four-wheel-drive high ratio, four-wheel-drive low ratio, and the same low ratio with a rear locking differential engaged.

Mitsubishi L200: Driving Aids

The Mitsubishi L200 is the very first pickup to feature a traction control system. This active safety feature works alongside other technical innovations like hill start assist and ABS to keep the vehicle under control, preventing unwanted slip from the wheels. Electronic brake distribution helps bring it all to a stop again, adjusting the level of braking power applied between the front and rear wheels depending upon the load.

Mitsubishi L200 Off-Road
Mitsubishi L200: Modifications

The Mitsubishi’s lightweight structure means it’s light and agile off-road the road, while the MAST-C 4WD system with rear diff lock is one of the best on the market. The L200’s only major hindrance is its low chassis, although aftermarket modifiers like XS Parts will be able to lift the suspension to greatly enhance its off-road performance.

Liam Campbell
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