DriveTech

2006 Mitsubishi Raider 2WD LS Double Door

2006 Mitsubishi Raider may be small, but it drives like a big truck.

Don't look now, but here comes another import pickup truck. Mitsubishi has re-entered the truck market with the Raider, a class leader in torque that's able to tow up to 6,500 pounds.

Drivers can choose between a V6 and a V8. The V6 is a 210-horsepowered, 3.7-liter V6. The V8 gives you 230 horsepower and 290 pound foot of torque. My test truck had the 3.7-liter V6. I found the V6 very responsive, but I'd still like to try the V8. The V6 has a four-speed electronically controlled automatic transmission. The V8 has a five-speed, electronically controlled automatic but so far there's no manual (maybe next year).

You may notice a similarity between the Dodge Dakota and the Mitsubishi Raider. But I suggest driving both trucks to make your own decision. You might lean towards the Raider if for nothing else but the name. I know there are a lot of Raider fans flooding the showrooms buying up the black and silver models.

I test-drove the four-door model, which had a lot of room for the rear passengers. The headrests for the rear seating area are serious headrests, which makes a lot of sense for passengers whose heads are a few inches from the rear window. You can imagine if a truck hit from the front or rear, it could be fatal if the headrests were missing.

The driver and passenger front seats are very comfortable and have manual adjustments (jump up a grade and you can opt for power driver seat). The front seat splits a 40/20/40. The center seat is comfortable as long as you have very short legs because there's a console just under the dash that houses a couple of cup holders and some storage. The center console also doubles as a mini office or CD storage area. The back seat is very comfortable and splits 60/40 for added storage space.

The dash is pretty bland but the gauge package keeps you informed. The AM/FM/CD sound system is good and has four speakers. The seat covers are black cloth, which I favor over leather. You also get power windows, door locks and keyless entry and an adjustable steering wheel with cruise controls in the wheel - all standard.

The exterior of the Raider has a rough and tumble look. There's minimal chrome but it's able to haul loads of gear, even though you only get a five-foot bed with the four-door model. It has P255/65R16 All Season tires mounted on 16X8 alloy wheels, as well as fog lights and 5X7 outside rearview power mirrors so you can tow a trailer without added mirrors.

This is a true truck with the body mounted on a ladder frame. It also has power rack and pinion steering, front and rear stabilizer bars (not normally found on a truck), independent front suspension, live rear axle suspension, 3.55 rear gear ratio and a full sized spare tire.

Safety has been more of a focal point in pickup trucks lately. The Raider has the standard front airbags plus outboard multistage air bags, three-point seat belts on all seats, upper and lower child seat restraints plus crumple zones to protect occupants.

I really like the way the Raider drives and handles off-road (not heavy off-road, but off-road). Its ride on the freeway is smooth and solid. And the V6 gets 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 miles per gallon on the freeway.

you want a small pickup with big pickup abilities, take a look at the Mitsubishi Raider. I got my test truck from Bob Baker Mitsubishi in Car Country Carlsbad. But if you hurry, you might see one at your local dealer.