2018 Mitsubishi L200 Review

Detailed Review

The first generation of the Mitsubishi L200 started its production back in 1978 and continued up to 1986. The second version of the L200 was manufactured from 1986 to 1996. From 1996 to 2005, the L200’s third generation was in production. The fourth iteration of the L200 commenced its production in 2005 and continued up to 2015. The fifth generation was in production from 2015 to 2023. In this period, the L200 underwent major facelifts that saw it have a new, sleek, and modern exterior styling. The Mitsubishi L200 is currently in its sixth iteration.

The 2018 Mitsubishi L200 comes with two engine options, a 2.4 L (Diesel), and 2.5 L (Diesel) linked to either a 5/6-speed manual transmission or a 5/6-speed automatic transmission. Click here to purchase the 2018 Mitsubishi L200 Buyer’s Guide. 

Mitsubishi L200 Body Configurations

1. Single Cabin
2. Extended Cabin
3. Double Cabin

2018 Mitsubishi L200 grades

1. Mitsubishi L200 GLX- This grade comes with Bluetooth connectivity, a centralized door lock, a 12-volt power outlet, chrome door handles, and power mirrors.
2. Mitsubishi L200 GLX-R- This grade features multiple airbags, blind spot monitoring, traction control, an anti-lock braking system, a hill start assist, power windows, and an AM/FM Radio.
3. Mitsubishi L200 GLS- This grade has parking sensors, chrome door handles, chrome-accented mirror caps, climate control, stability control, a lane departure warning, and a rearview camera.
4. Mitsubishi L200 Exceed- This grade is fitted with blind spot monitoring, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration, privacy glass, LED daytime running lights, and a power-assisted steering wheel.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2018 Mitsubishi L200 has a utilitarian cabin with minimal luxury features. The first row provides enough legroom and headroom and its seats can be reclined to fit a desired posture. The second row of the double cabin has ample knee room and headroom. Taller individuals might find the second row crampy. The second row of the extended cab is only ideal for kids for it has a limited knee room and foot room.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Mitsubishi L200 boasts several storage compartments used to improve the comfort of occupants. The single cab features door panel storage a small center console, two cupholders, and a glove box.

The Extended cab has two cupholders, a center console, door pockets, and a glove box in the first row. The second row includes door panel storage only.

The double cabin’s first row has two cupholders, a glove box compartment, door panel storage, and a center console. Its second row is fitted with jacket pockets, door pockets, and two cupholders mounted on the armrest.

Boot Space

The 2018 Mitsubishi L200 comes with three body configurations, each with a different size of load area. The single cab has the biggest cargo area followed by the extended cab and finally the double cabin. This pickup can transport tons of freight over lengthy distances.

Exterior

The 2018 Mitsubishi L200 has a muscular and modern look. The front end is fitted with a chrome-accented grille with the Mitsubishi logo mounted on it. The hood of the L200 boasts well-sculpted contours that enhance its design cues. The swept-back headlights and LED daytime running lights lend this pickup a refined look. The lower bumper houses fog lights and air vents that play a big role in cooling the engine especially when you are going for a very long drive. For off-road enthusiasts, the plastic bumper might not favor them when driving in extreme off-road terrains. The buyer has an option of replacing the plastic bumper with a bull-bar which will help in protecting expensive body components like the headlights. The rear plastic bumper can also be replaced with a bull-bar.

The mirror caps and door handles of the L200 are body-colored. Running boards aid passengers to effortlessly board or alight the vehicle considering its ground clearance could be very high for some people. Roof rails and the roof spoiler enhance the overall appearance of this pickup.

The rear of the L200 features tail lights and turn signals. Its tailgate is manually operated and the lower bumper has a tow hitch that can be used to pull trailers or even other vehicles for example out of a slippery surface or tow it to a mechanic if it has broken down.

2018 Mitsubishi L200 Safety Features

The 2018 Mitsubishi L200 features multiple airbags, traction control, lane keep assist, traction control, cruise control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, and blind spot monitoring.

2018 Mitsubishi L200 Fuel Consumption

2018 Mitsubishi L200 2.4 L diesel engine consumption- 13.3 km/l on average

2018 Mitsubishi L200 2.5 L diesel engine consumption- 12.6 km/l on average

2018 Mitsubishi L200 Acceleration

2018 Mitsubishi L200 2.4 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 12.0 secs

2018 Mitsubishi L200 2.5 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 11.2 secs

The 2018 Mitsubishi L200 Fuel Tank Capacity: 75 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2018 Mitsubishi L200 has a ground clearance of 7.8 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Mitsubishi L200 spares, especially body parts are not as easily available in Kenya and they are sometimes expensive. Service parts are fairly affordable and easy to find within Nairobi and other major towns.

Stability And Handling

The 2018 Mitsubishi L200 has a smooth and pleasant ride. Its low bonnet allows not only the driver but also other occupants to have excellent visibility of the oncoming traffic and if it is an adventurous ride, then the occupiers of this pickup will have a very good scenery view. Its steering wheels adapt to road bends making it effortless to drive it. The suspension system offers a good balance between comfort and practicality. Passengers are cushioned from experiencing any kind of jarring movements when driving on uneven road surfaces.

The engine works in tandem with the transmission system to not only deliver the required torque but also a smooth start and decent acceleration. The L200 comes standard with the selectable 4WD system that enables it to cruise any kind of terrain whether on mud, gravel, or sand without getting stuck. Its approach and departure angles not forgetting its high ground clearance allows it to exploit any kind of terrain without the fear of damaging its body components.

The brakes are very robust and come in handy when trying to avoid any kind of collision as it can bring this pickup to a complete halt in a matter of seconds. The cabin is well insulated to prevent outside noise likely from the engine or noises picked from rough road surfaces from making the occupants feel uncomfortable. The lower trim levels of the L200 don’t have all the safety features as compared to the higher grades which come equipped with more advanced features like blind spot monitoring, trailer sway control, and electronic brake force distribution.

Reliability

The 2018 Mitsubishi L200 is considered as a reliable vehicle. It has a high ground clearance that enables it to cruise on any kind of terrain. However, just like any other pickup, the L200 is not immune to problems. Fuel filter fault, head gasket fault, and leaf springs crack are the most commonly reported troubles in this vehicle. Regular service and maintenance are required to avoid experiencing such kind of issues.

Click here to purchase the 2018 Mitsubishi L200 Buyer’s Guide. 

Resale Value: Average

Mitsubishi L200 Competitors:  Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Volkswagen Amarok, Nissan Navara, Isuzu D-MAX, and Nissan Hardbody.

What we like about the 2018 Mitsubishi L200

Off-road capability

Excellent towing capacity

Fuel efficiency

What we don’t

Some variants are very expensive

Conclusion

The 2018 Mitsubishi L200 is a durable pickup with excellent off-road capabilities and good towing capacity. It comes standard with a 4WD system that enhances traction when driving on slippery or muddy surfaces. It can make a good choice for commuters in the metropolis for it does not compromise when it comes to its exterior styling. For adventurous folks, the L200 has a tow hitch that can be used to pull a trailer. As much as many people would love to own this pickup, its purchase price may turn off individuals on a tight budget. Click here to download the 2018 Mitsubishi L200 Owner’s Manual.