Mitsubishi L200 (2019-2021) Review

• 1978 Mitsubishi’s first one-tonne pick-up truck makes its debut. The L200 badge would go on to sell over 4.7 million units.

• 2015 The fifth L200 is released, boasting a new, more economical 2.4-litre diesel engine. On top of this, Mitsubishi introduced touchscreen media systems and more luxurious interiors.

• 2019 Following a mild refresh, Mitsubishi overhauled its L200 offering to include an improved ride quality, more efficient engines and a greater suite of road-going safety features and interior niceties. 

2.3-litre turbocharged diesel

Some critics of the previous generation L200 complained about a lack of choice when it came to engines, but the Japanese marque has arguably made the current pickings even slimmer. There is just one unit with one power output available now, but its maker hopes this unit will cater for every possible use case.

The new engine is fully Euro 6d-compliant - meaning it meets the latest emissions regulations - and readily adaptable for future emissions regulations, according to the marque, while the addition of a massive AdBlue tank and auto stop/start pegs this sixth generation as the cleanest and most fuel-efficient yet.

That’s not to say it is perfect, because it still sounds very agricultural compared to rivals in this segment and its chugging note easily finds its way into the cabin both under hard acceleration and when sat at idle.

However, there are very few complaints about the way it delivers it power, with a smooth surge of acceleration through the rev range that makes it very easy to wrangle across tricky terrain and a breeze to drive out on the open road.

The six-speed automatic transmission can be a little ponderous at time, sometimes proving a bit too slow to kick down a gear or two with hard acceleration and equally lethargic to shift up through the gears when placed in its ‘manual’ transmission mode. Although this will only likely affect those that take a heavy-footed approach to daily driving.

Improved off-road modes in the Barbarian models and above make conquering tricky terrain that much easier, with options such as Sand, Gravel, Mud and Snow adjusting the throttle response and traction control system to ensure more ground is covered in a safe and efficient manner. 

But a lack of engine choice could still turn some potential punters away, with rivals such as the Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara’s diesel units offered with a selection of power outputs. Plus, the range-topping Barbarian X models cost almost as much as the Volkswagen Amarok, which has one of the finest V6 diesel engines around, which offers a massive amount of muscle, is smooth and sounds good, too.

4Life Club Cab, Double Cab, Warrior, Barbarian and Barbarian X

The range very much kicks off with a vehicle that’s designed to spend its life working, with basic 16-inch steel wheels, a manual transmission and the smallest Club Cab freeing up more space for a larger bed at the rear.

That said, it still comes with air-conditioning, electric windows and door mirrors, Bluetooth, USB and steering wheel audio controls and remote keyless entry as standard. This model even boasts an Easy Select 4WD system, which can shuffle between 2WD and 4WD at speeds of up to 62mph, which is great for road situations where the weather suddenly changes and grip is hindered.

Stepping up to Double Cab introduces four doors, making it much easier for rear passengers to get in and out of the larger rear cabin. This trim level also introduces 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control and electric rear windows.

Things start to get a lot more lifestyle-centric as customers move up towards the Warrior trim level, which adds 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, privacy glass and garish Warrior decals.

The interior is also vastly improved, with a touchscreen media system that boasts a DAB radio, piano black and silver cabin detailing, automatic dual-zone climate control and an auto-dimming rear mirror.

But don’t expect Volkswagen levels of attention to detail here, as some of the surfaces remain very plasticky and the touchscreen looks and feels pretty basic. Plus, Mitsubishi is determined to stick to the oversized button configuration, which might be great for use with gloved hands, but it looks a bit naff. 

It represents good value for money though, as there is also a suite of on-road safety and convenience functions that come in to play with Warrior, including Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Mitigation, automatic headlamps and wipers, a reversing camera and front fog lamps.

Barbarian essentially adds a leather interior to the aforementioned package, as well as Hill Descent Control, heated front seats, mood lighting and an excellent spring-assisted tailgate for easy opening and closing.

Finally, range-topping Barbarian X models usher in a super safety and convenience package that includes a 360-degree camera system, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, parking sensors and a heated steering wheel.

Also expect plenty of Barbarian X decals and motifs dotted around the interior and exterior, as well as bespoke leather seats and illuminated door guards. A far cry from the workhorse that introduces the range.

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.

The latest generation is too new to appear on the used market, but thanks to the fact that the L200 has been around for some time now, it's possible to find some absolute bargains among older models.

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 plenty of used bargains on the BuyaCar website, with models ranging from just over £8,000 for a very basic 2015 Double Cab with just shy of 60,000 miles on the clock, to a gloriously rugged Series 5 Barbarian model with chunky tyres and a mere 7,000 miles on the clock. Yours for more than £30,000.