Thursday, September 12, 2013
2006 Mitsubishi Raider Review
Pros: Muscular styling, gotta love the torquey V8 Cons: Theyre overdoing the "tough guy" thing
The truck itself is great: Plenty of power for towing; solid, predictable ride. I also think it looks very good. Its based on the Dakota, but after seeing the Raider why would anyone want a Dakota?
What I dont like is the commercials. They kind of say: "Hey, are you an insecure weakling that needs to buy a big truck to feel tough? Weve got the tough-guy truck for you!"
It should be more like the (Mitsu) Lancer Evolution: understated (cept the wing), reasonably priced, mind-blowing performance.
Whats New for 2006
Based on the Dodge Dakota, the all-new midsize Raider brings a pickup back into Mitsubishis lineup (the last one was the 1996 Mighty Max). Like the Dakota, the Raider offers extended- and crew-cab body styles and a choice of V6 or V8 power.
Powertrains and Performance:
Two engines are available: a 3.7-liter V6 that makes 210 horsepower and 235 pound-feet of torque and a 4.7-liter V8 that produces 230 hp and 290 lb-ft of torque. The V6 takes either a six-speed manual or a four-speed automatic, while the V8 is available with the manual or a five-speed automatic. The LS and DuroCross offer the usual 2WD and part-time 4WD configurations, while the XLS can be equipped with 2WD or a full-time 4WD system. Towing capacity is 6,500 pounds.
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The midsize Raider comes in two body styles. The extended cab has rear-opening access doors and a 6-foot-6 bed, while the more spacious crew cab (called Double Cab) has four full-size doors and a 5-foot-4 bed. There are three trim levels: LS, DuroCross and XLS. LS extended cabs come with the basics, including a front bench seat, air conditioning, a CD player and tinted glass; LS Double Cabs add power windows and locks, keyless entry and cruise control (optional on the extended cab). Midlevel DuroCross models get 16-inch alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity, heavy-duty cooling, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power everything, heated mirrors and bucket seats; 4WD versions get all-terrain tires, a raised ride height, firmer shocks, skid plates and a limited-slip differential. Add a V8 to your DuroCross and youll also get a power driver seat and Bluetooth. Available as Double Cabs only, top-end XLS models provide 17-inch chrome wheels, an Alpine sound system, satellite radio, leather upholstery and seat heaters.
Interior Design and Special Features:
Inside, the driving position feels more carlike than youd expect, with simple, easy-to-reach controls. Aluminum trim and white-faced gauges give the cabin some style, but materials quality is unimpressive next to the refined Toyota Tacoma. Cabins are spacious, but the Double Cab is a must if youre carrying four adults.
Safety:
Rear-wheel ABS is standard on the Raider; four-wheel ABS is optional on the XLS only. Front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags are also available, but again only on the XLS. In NHTSA frontal-impact crash tests, the extended-cab version of the Raiders twin, the Dakota, earned a perfect five stars for driver protection and four stars for front-passenger protection; the crew-cab Dakota earned five stars for both. In side-impact testing, the extended cab also earned five stars, and both the extended- and crew-cab versions earned a four-star rollover rating. The Dakota scored an "Acceptable" rating (second best) in IIHS frontal-offset crash testing.
Driving Impressions:
The Raider is quiet inside at any speed, with ample insulation from wind and road noise. The exhaust emits a hint of a grumble, which turns into a throaty roar when you stomp on the go-pedal in V8-equipped Raiders. The chassis feels very stable, and while the ride is taut, it soaks up ruts and bumps with ease. Handling is excellent on- or off-road, and the trucks shift-on-the-fly four-wheel-drive system offers plenty of traction on rough terrain.
