Mitsubishi L200 (2015-2019)
A trusted workhorse, Mitsubishi's latest L200 features welcome creature comforts and boasts one of the most impressive towing capabilities
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Weaknesses

Mitsubishi L200 Special Editions (2017-2018) double cab di-d 181 barbarian black 4wd auto
Finance price £ per month
Cash price £24,495
Mitsubishi L200 prices from £16,995 Finance from £0 per month
The Mitsubishi L200 has long been the rugged choice of vehicle for those that regularly tow heavy loads, haul bulky items and find themselves in areas that other 4x4s and SUVs struggle to reach.
As a result, previous generations have felt like they belong on a farm - not the most car-like but tough and built to last - with near-bulletproof reliability but the sort of interior comfort and finish that would makes a cheap Dacia Duster SUV look like a Rolls-Royce by comparison.
However, the UK's generous company car taxation law sees benefit-in-kind (BIK) tax set at a flat rate for double-cab pick-ups, irrespective of CO2 emissions or price. This means that more professional drivers are turning towards this mode of transport as an everyday set of wheels for the tax breaks.
To add to its hairy-chested credentials, an update of the model has seen much of its key towing points strengthened and reinforced, so it is now capable of towing up to 3.5 tonnes with three-axle braked trailers, while a towing capacity of up to 3.1 tonnes is possible with one- or two-axle braked trailers and drivers can haul 0.75 tonnes regardless of the number of axles or whether or not the trailer is braked.
It also has Trailer Stability Assist system, which works to brake independent wheels to restore stability should the trailer start to snake and otherwise be at risk of unsettling the car.
In addition to its enhanced towing capability, the Mitsubishi L200 also offers a bed payload of up to 590kg at its maximum towing weight, significantly greater than that offered by many of its rivals.
But, like the gnarled hands of a stonemason, strength and steadfastness come at a price. This is best highlighted by the somewhat archaic rigid, heavy-duty leaf spring suspension at the rear of the L200, which is great for hauling a max payload of over a tonne but doesn't exactly have it gliding over bumps and imperfections in the road.
Opt for the more luxurious Barbarian or Warrior spec models and the interior benefits from a leather finish, while Mitsubishi's latest seven-inch touchscreen media system sits in the centre of a neat and fuss-free dashboard. There are also plenty of USB inputs, while the largest double cab models offer cavernous space inside for up to five passengers to sit comfortably.
Unfortunately, engine choice is limited to just one 2.4-litre diesel that is offered with 178bhp and 430Nm in all models bar the very entry-level 4Life derivatives, which receive a 151bhp version that develops 380Nm of torque. Performance is strong and the L200 goes about its business without too much noise leaking into the interior, while Euro 6 compliance (without the need for AdBlue) ensures running costs are kept as low as possible.
The L200 boasts real off-road ability too, with more expensive models sporting clever all-wheel-drive technology that seamlessly shuffles power to the wheels with most grip. On top of this, there is the ability to lock differentials and engage a low-range gearbox if tackling really demanding terrain is on the agenda.
The closest rival in terms of capability and robustness is the Toyota Hilux, but the Volkswagen Amarok, Ford Ranger and recently updated Nissan Navara are also well worth consideration, although their more luxurious versions tend to be a lot more expensive. Double cab L200s when new were more than £4,000 less than a similarly specced Amarok.
The Isuzu D-Max and SsangYong Musso are both cheaper, and are offered in a similar range that spans 'sparse slogger' to 'SUV imitator' but the Mitsubishi L200 has a history and reliability reputation that very few can match, making them a trusted choice for people who need a seriously tough machine.
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Key facts
Warranty: Five-year/62,500 miles | Width: 1785mm |
Length: 5080mm | Height: 1780mm |
Tax: First year free, £250 per year thereafter | Bed size: L 2265 x W 1470 x H 475mm |
Best Mitsubishi L200 for...
2015 The fifth and latest generation L200 is released, boasting a new, more economical 2.4-litre diesel engine. On top of this, Mitsubishi introduced touchscreen entertainment systems and more luxurious interiors.
2019 A very mild refresh includes the latest Apple CarPlay and Android Auto entertainment software ahead of a more thorough model revision planned for late 2019.
Understanding Mitsubishi L200 car names
- L200
- Trim
- Warrior
- Engine
- 2.4-litre diesel
- Gearbox
- 6 speed manual
- Body style
- Double Cab
- Trim
- There are four trim levels on offer, with the greatest choice available on the Double Cab models. Barbarian Black and Barbarian SVP II also offer a limited edition take on the top-level trim.
- Engine
- Just one diesel engine is offered here but it comes in two states of tune, depending on the cab and trim level.
- Gearbox
- 6-speed shows that the car has six gears. Entry-level 4Life and Titan models receive a six-speed manual, while a five-speed automatic gearbox is optional on Warrior level and above
- Body style
- The Mitsubishi L200 is only sold in a pick-up truck body style but it does come in Single Cab, Club Cab and Double Cab variations.
Mitsubishi L200 Engines
2.4-litre Diesel
Only those looking for a barebones workhorse will likely encounter the lower-powered, 151bhp version of this 2.4-litre engine.
That's probably a good thing, because these smaller, lighter Single Cab models are better suited to short hauling hops anyway and those looking for a more comfortable daily ride will benefit from the added goodies offered by more expensive, double cab versions.
Also, these entry-level models receive a basic Easy Select part-time 4x4 set-up that can be engaged manually when required and features a locking rear differential.
In contrast, more expensive L200s get a much simpler to use Super Select active 4x4 system from the Shogun SUV. It can be set in rear-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive modes for on-road driving, with the 4x4 system automatically sending power to the wheels with most grip when needed.
This system is only available with the more powerful version of the 2.4-litre engine, but this is the one we'd recommend, simply because the performance is far better suited to faster motorway overtaking and continuous higher speeds.
Despite its size and weight, drivers can expect to achieve between 37 and 40mpg if driven extremely carefully, while emissions of 186 to 196g/km in the largest vehicles keeps the annual running costs low.
Fuel | Mpg | Bhp | 0 - 62mph | Top speed | |
2.4-litre 151hp | Diesel | 40.9mpg | 151bhp | 12.2s | 105mph |
2.4-litre 178hp | Diesel | 37.7mpg | 178bhp | 10.4s | 111mph |
Mitsubishi L200 Trims
4Life, Titan, Warrior and Barbarian
Entry-level models (badged 4Life) are unsurprisingly, kitted out to cope with the harsh realities of working life, so feature basic cloth seating, 16-inch steel wheels, manual air conditioning and manually adjustable headlamps. They are not exactly pretty to behold but they serve a purpose and the fact that Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel audio controls, remote keyless entry, Trailer Stability Assist, electric windows and halogen headlights all come as standard is worth factoring in when comparing to rivals.
Move up to the Titan Double Cab models and things immediately become more stylish, with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic rain-sensing wipers, dusk-sensing headlights and a dual zone climate control system all offered as part of the package.
This model is also the first in the range to receive the Super Select 4WD System that is mated to the more powerful 2.4-litre diesel engine - although customers will still have to put up with a manual gearbox.
Warrior models are offered with either a manual or automatic gearbox, while silver side steps, black leather seats and Bi-Xenon headlamps make it look like a more premium proposition. The electric, heated and folding mirrors with indicators will also come in handy, plus the Smartphone link display audio entertainment system is a must-have for those longer journeys.
Barbarian (and the related spin-off models) all seem a little over the top to us, as they pack superfluous spec, such as LED puddle lamps and a chrome engraved tailgate handle surround, which seem slightly ridiculous on a vehicle of this nature. Still, if you really need your pick-up to sport a stainless steel fuel filler cap cover and illuminated door entry guards, this is the model to go for.
Mitsubishi L200 Reliability and warranty
The Mitsubishi L200 has always stood for reliability and sturdiness but this latest model has been reinforced in all of the appropriate places to ensure it goes further, pulls more and lasts longer than ever before.
A five-year warranty from Mitsubishi is also generous but bear in mind that this only covers up to 62,500-miles, which could prove problematic for those looking to use their L200 for serious commutes.
Used Mitsubishi L200
Thanks to the fact that the L200 has been around for some time now, it's possible to find some absolute bargains on the used market.
However, due to the tough lives these vehicles typically lead, it is worth thoroughly checking service history, mileage and condition before committing to buy.
There are currently 18 Mitsubishi L200s available on BuyaCar, with prices ranging from £16,995 to £24,995 for nearly-new models.
Mitsubishi L200: used car prices | 1 year old | 2 years old | 3 years old |
Best for performance Mitsubishi L200 Single Cab | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Best for families Mitsubishi L200 Warrior | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Best for economy Mitsubishi L200 SVP | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Other Editions
- Mitsubishi L200 (2019-present)This workhorse is just as tough as before, but has gained a more car-like interior, though the L200 still isn't a very comfortable pick-up