Used Mitsubishi L200 2015-2019 review

It's annoying when cars are sold in other parts of the world with far cooler names than they are over here. Take the Mitsubishi Triton, which is named after a Greek god that’s represented as half human and half fish. This is perhaps why it was chosen for a pick-up truck: half SUV, half commercial vehicle. However, in the UK, it’s called the L200. That doesn't have quite the same ring to it, but the L200 is still one of the more popular pick-ups around and there are loads of used ones for sale to choose from.

Like most pick-up trucks you can buy, such as the Toyota Hilux, the L200 is available only with a diesel engine. In this instance, it’s a turbocharged 2.4-litre unit with either 151bhp in 4Life trim, or 177bhp in higher spec Titan, Warrior and Barbarian models. The L200 is more powerful than the Hilux but somewhat shy of the 197bhp 3.2-litre Ford Ranger or the 3.0-litre V6 Volkswagen Amarok. As you’d expect, there’s plenty of low-down torque for towing and going off road. That being said, people that are interested in towing might want to go for a 2018 example or newer, for upgrades to the chassis that increased overall capacity to 3.5 tonnes.

Entry-level 4Life examples get air-con, Bluetooth audio and electric windows but only a basic two-speaker stereo on the single cab version. Club Cab 4Life comes with two more speakers, alloy wheels and side steps, while Double Cab 4Life adds cruise control. Titan trim – available on the double cab only – gives you additional luxuries such as dual-zone climate control, electrically adjustable door mirrors and automatic lights and wipers. Warrior models give you a rear-view camera, leather seats (heated in the front) and bi-xenon lights. Top-of-the-range Barbarian models have a soft-opening tailgate and an electric driver’s seat. Like the Titan, the latter two models are available in Double Cab form only.

The L200 is a pretty capable vehicle if you want to venture away from the Tarmac. There’s 205mm of ground clearance and the wading depth is 600mm – not as much as is offered by the class-leading Ranger, but the L200 does have a better approach angle of 30deg. Breakover and departure angles are 24 and 22deg respectively. One word of caution is that, unlike the Fiat Fullback to which it's closely related, the L200 doesn’t get a locking rear differential, which could become a problem when doing more serious off-road driving.

To drive, the L200 is never going to be the most agile of vehicles, but it handles pretty well for what it is. As with any pick-up with heavy-duty rear suspension, you’ll find that ride quality is compromised if you drive around without any weight in the load bed, but on the whole it's a bit more compliant than the Fullback.

The interior plastics are stout and durable rather than luxurious. Not that this is a major concern, because unless you go for the more expensive Mercedes X-Class, you won’t find soft-touch plastics in any pick-up. What’s more of an issue is that the rather high floor in the back means rear seat passengers have to travel with their knees bent at an uncomfortable angle. Head room isn’t great in either the front or the back seats, but leg and shoulder room are fine.

Bed length depends upon the size of the cab. The Club Cab has a longer 1850mm rear end, while the Double Cab has a shorter 1470mm one, but both versions can still accept a European-sized pallet. Although, the bed of the Amarok is taller, longer and wider than that of the L200.

Prices for an early 2015 model start at around £13,000, while a mid-range Titan from 2016 can be found for £14,500. A 2017 Barbarian with below-average mileage can be found for upwards of £16,500 from an independent dealer. If you fancy a year-old example expect to pay upwards of £20,000 for a lightly used L200 from a franchised dealer.

Check the value of a used Mitsubishi L200 with What Car? Valuations

MPG

As with most pick-up trucks, the running costs will be fairly high. The automatic dual-cab version is the least efficient with a combined figure of 37.7mpg (NEDC). A manual single cab is a little better at 40.9mpg.

CO2 emissions

An auto Double Cab has the highest CO2 output of 196g/km, while a manual 4Life has the lowest greenhouse gas emissions of 180g/km

Road tax

If you’re buying an L200 registered after 1 April 2017, you’ll be charged under a different road tax system with a flat rate fee, plus an additional charge if your car was worth more than £40,000 when new. Find out more about the current road tax costs here.

Servicing

Mitsubishi servicing costs are pretty reasonable compared with those of rivals, but you can always look into their discounted value servicing range on older models. It’s only available at participating dealers and there are no prices quoted online, so you’ll need to speak to your local dealer to make sure they are part of the scheme.

Specification

The L200 makes more sense in mid-range Titan trim, which comes with all the features that most drivers really need. However, there are a lot more Warrior and Barbarian models available and are worth a shout if you can find one of those for similar money to a Titan.

Engine

If you go for a Titan, you’ll also be getting the higher-powered version of the 2.4-litre diesel engine. The 177bhp version is the one to buy because it won’t cost that much more to run and it’ll be noticeably faster.

Our favourite Mitsubishi L200: 177bhp 2.4 Titan

The Toyota Hilux is a popular pick-up and has the best payload capacity of any current vehicle of this type. Its infotainment isn’t much cop and the driving experience it provides leaves a lot to be desired, but it is a dependable vehicle that can tackle anything you'd care to throw at it.

If you need more chassis and power choices, you’ll need a Ford Ranger. It gives you the choice of a relatively efficient four-cylinder diesel engine or a more potent five-cylinder unit, and there are single, crew or dual cab body styles available.

The Volkswagen Amarok is our current Pick-up of the Year for very good reason. It’s the most civilised vehicle of its type to drive and its powerful 3.0-litre V6 diesel makes it pretty quick, too.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter here