What Is It?
2006 Mitsubishi Raider
What's Special About It?
Since the Raider's hardware is shared with the Dodge Dakota, its most identifiable trait is the styling which virtually screams Mitsubishi. That's not necessarily a bad thing as the unique logo grille and flared wheel arches give the Raider the kind of tough truck look a vehicle in this segment needs.
The interior isn't nearly as expressive as it tends to mimic the Dakota in both its colors and its design. Passenger room is plentiful and the controls are straightforward, but there's none of the attitude expressed by the exterior. Base LS trim gives you the usual list of standard features like a CD player, 16-inch wheels and tinted windows, but upgrading to top-of-the-line DuroCross trim adds power accessories, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heavy-duty shocks on 4x4 models. There are plenty of gadgets available, too, as the Raider's options list includes everything from Bluetooth connectivity to a 650-watt sound system.
Like the Dakota, the Raider offers either a 3.7-liter V6 or a 4.7-liter V8. With 210 horsepower, the standard V6 doesn't offer much more than the competition, but the optional V8 delivers a class-leading 290 pound-feet of torque. A fully boxed frame assures a solid base for its leaf spring rear/coil-over front suspension setup and the optional off-road package boosts ride height for added ground clearance. With extended cab and crew cab configurations and two levels of trim, the Raider should occupy a broad price range when it goes on sale later this year.
What's Edmunds' Take?
If you're going to base your all-new truck on an existing model, you might as well use one of the best in the segment. With a better warranty and more unique styling, the Raider is a viable choice for buyers in the revitalized midsize truck segment. — Ed Hellwig
2006 Mitsubishi Raider
What's Special About It?
Since the Raider's hardware is shared with the Dodge Dakota, its most identifiable trait is the styling which virtually screams Mitsubishi. That's not necessarily a bad thing as the unique logo grille and flared wheel arches give the Raider the kind of tough truck look a vehicle in this segment needs.
The interior isn't nearly as expressive as it tends to mimic the Dakota in both its colors and its design. Passenger room is plentiful and the controls are straightforward, but there's none of the attitude expressed by the exterior. Base LS trim gives you the usual list of standard features like a CD player, 16-inch wheels and tinted windows, but upgrading to top-of-the-line DuroCross trim adds power accessories, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and heavy-duty shocks on 4x4 models. There are plenty of gadgets available, too, as the Raider's options list includes everything from Bluetooth connectivity to a 650-watt sound system.
Like the Dakota, the Raider offers either a 3.7-liter V6 or a 4.7-liter V8. With 210 horsepower, the standard V6 doesn't offer much more than the competition, but the optional V8 delivers a class-leading 290 pound-feet of torque. A fully boxed frame assures a solid base for its leaf spring rear/coil-over front suspension setup and the optional off-road package boosts ride height for added ground clearance. With extended cab and crew cab configurations and two levels of trim, the Raider should occupy a broad price range when it goes on sale later this year.
What's Edmunds' Take?
If you're going to base your all-new truck on an existing model, you might as well use one of the best in the segment. With a better warranty and more unique styling, the Raider is a viable choice for buyers in the revitalized midsize truck segment. — Ed Hellwig
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