2006 Mitsubishi Raider Truck Review, Specs & Overview

Desperate for a pickup truck for over 10 years, Mitsubishi dealers have been clamoring to get back into one of the hottest segments in the U.S., and now they have the Raider--probably the best example of badge engineering we've seen in a long time. Of course, that's like saying Jessica Simpson is the best blonde actress wearing shorts in the "Dukes of Hazzard." For many, it doesn't count for much; but for others, it may be plenty.

Here are the facts: The Mitsubishi Raider platform is an exact clone of the Dodge Dakota midsize-pickup chassis, powertrain, and suspension. The only areas where Mitsubishi was able to differentiate itself was in interior and exterior styling. And this is where Mitsu did its homework.

Released from any significant DaimlerChrysler involvement after DCX sold its share of Mitsubishi, the Mitsu designers were free to get as far away from the Dakota's blocky, creased, and squared-off exterior look as they wanted. Raider hood and fender lines were softened, smoothed, and shaped at the corners and grille. The curved surfaces of the body panels and fenders are meant to invoke a more toned, muscular physique, hinting at a more dynamic, urban feel. At least, that's what chief designer David O'Connell told us as he waxed eloquent on his favorite Raider lines and angles. That's certainly borne out with the round swoops over the wheel openings and aerodynamic shape of the front end. The open-mouth grille with the tri-diamond Mitsubishi logo is reported to be the new look for future Mitsu pickups and SUVs.

Inside, O'Connell notes he wanted to take away any materials and distractions that didn't need to be there, so he shaved most of the plastic out of the Dakota dash and simplified the A/C controls and vents as well as adding several trim accents on the higher model levels. The result is a relatively unique-looking midsize pickup that looks like a Mitsubishi and not a derivative of its parent donor--unusual considering the Chevy Colorado and Isuzu i-350, or Ford Ranger and Mazda B4000.