Taking on the established Toyota Hilux in the 4x4 pick-up market is the new Mitsubishi L200, which boasts a stronger look, more economy and new safety features. So are the L200 changes enough to bring Mitsubishi back towards the top of the 4x4 pickup market in Ireland?

I’ve had the new-look Mitsubishi L200 on Irish roads and fields in recent weeks, following from a short test drive at its European launch in Spain.

But it is in Irish conditions, across our varying road surfaces and delving into the type of off-road work required on farms, that the changes to the Mitsubishi L200 come to the fore.

For the on-road duties I drove from south Wexford to Leitrim and areas in between. The conditions ranged from motorway comforts to more rutted rural roads, the places the L200 needs to earn its keep.

Out on the motorway, the L200 has noticeable comfort. The five-speed automatic gearbox provides a smooth delivery of power from the new 2.2l turbo-diesel engine, smaller than in the past. The pickup cruises at motorway speeds of 120km/h at just under 2,000rpm.

That engine speed helps deliver good road economy. I achieved a range of over 760km from the L200’s 75l fuel tank. That meant a slightly lower fuel economy figure than Mitsubishi’s WLTP quoted figure of 11.4km/l (8.8l/100km or 32mpg). That difference is accounted for by some varying road and load conditions as well as some off-road driving.

Toyota has re-styled the Hilux with a new front end coupled with extra features and a six speed automatic gearbox. Entry prices start from €35,750 or £26,965 in Northern Ireland, VAT inclusive.

When I compared that with the road test performance of the Toyota Hilux, with its 2.4 litre and similar power engine, the L200 comes out on top in terms of fuel economy. I can’t be surprised about that as the cruising speed on the automatic Hilux I drove was 2,200rpm on the motorway top limit. There was also the issue of some small amount of trailer work with the Hilux.

Mitsubishi is one of the 4x4 pickup suppliers that is quoting the new WLTP economy and CO2 emission figures and they look impressive. And there is an AdBlue tank now fitted which helps with the lower emission figures. Others will follow and I expect that the L200 will remain top of the group in terms of economy, as it did in the past with the host of engine improvements including a lighter weight all-aluminium engine.

Mitsubishi is not the only 4x4 pickup supplier to downsize its engine. Ford has downsized the 2.2l Ranger to a 2.0 twin-turbo-version with marginally more power and torque.

For 4x4 pickup owners, pulling power is a high priority. The L200 comes with a towing rating of 3.1t, unchanged from the previous model, despite the fact there is an extra sixth leaf to the rear suspension system. Toyota’s Hilux is marginally ahead at 3.2t while the Ford Ranger stays on top at 3.5t, as does the bigger-engine V6 Volkswagen Amarok.

The lighter kerb weight of the L200 paradoxically means a higher payload capacity, bringing it up to 1,080kg, which is a match for Ford’s Ranger, but lower than the 2020 model Nissan Navara. And the dimensions of the load area in the back remain unchanged.

The dash layout of the new Mitsubishi L200 is more modern than before with a higher position for the driver.

Interior

The more significant changes to the L200 are to the interior. The cabin is more modern and delivers more comfort. This is especially noticeable on motorways.

There is a higher driving position, with more ground clearance. Along with the raised bonnet, this gives the L200 a stronger road stance.

Toyota has done a similar upgrade in terms of styling to the Hilux. The model I drove was also fitted with a new six-speed automatic gearbox. Out on the road, the L200 seems smoother and quieter to drive.

They both feature improved safety kit, all of which evolved from the car ranges. These 4x4 pickups are as well-equipped as any car, with the added bonus of trailer sway control included in the package. They both offer two Isofix kits for rear seats.

For off-road driving, the Mitsubishi offers the Super-Select 4WD system which is switch-operated, and a similar dial-controlled system. The infotainment screen on the L200 is integrated into the dash while that of the Hilux stands out as a tablet-like unit. So they differ considerably in terms of dash styling.

Mitsubishi is offering the new L200 at a competitive entry price of €35,000 or £27,258 in Northern Ireland, all prices including VAT. Toyota’s new Hilux comes on the market at €35,750 or £26,965 in Northern Ireland, also VAT inclusive. Delve down through the price list and some differences emerge. Prices for the higher-spec Intense version of the L200 I drove starts from €41,935, while the Invincible version of the Hilux I drove in previous weeks comes on the market at €46,950.

There are some important specification differences – Toyota includes a towbar and the pickup area is lockable, both of which are extras from Mitsubishi. The Hilux is marginally longer and its load area is marginally bigger.

The new Mitsubishi L200 offer is an attractive one in terms of features, styling and specification. Styling is always a personal thing, but both the L200 and Hilux now have a look to match the Ford Ranger.

The dash for the new Toyota Hilux is modern and stylish.

The Hilux has solid credibility to offer, while the Mitsubishi warranty extends to five years versus three from Toyota. Entry price differences won’t sway any buyer; the differences become more noticeable as the specification levels increase. This L200 will make its mark in this new very competitive sector, but price will not be the only factor.