The Mitsubishi Raider is based on the Dodge Dakota; it was the result of a Mitsubishi and DaimlerChrysler partnership that became estranged before the Raider went into production. With DaimlerChrysler’s split and Mitsubishi’s increased efforts into its cars, the Raider gets very little attention. As rebadged vehicles go, the Raider is one of the better examples, with its interior and exterior makeovers. The Raider does have a limited lineup compared to the Dakota. The Extended Cab with a 6-foot, 4-inch cargo bed comes only in 4×2, while the Double Cab with a 5-foot, 3-inch bed is available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations. Mitsubishi doesn’t get the Dakota’s 4.7-liter V-8, and there’s only one trim level.
Mitsubishi reports no changes for 2009.
Mitsubishi strayed away from its original design concept of an aggressive street fighter when it brought the Raider to production. The Raider still has its distinguishing marks to separate it from the Dakota, as well as many other trucks in the compact market. The Raider’s brawny look is enhanced with more curves than the Dakota, including flared wheel arches and a thick lower bumper.
- 16-inch steel wheels
- Double Cab gets 16-inch alloy wheels
- Double Cab gets body-colored front end and fog lights
The Raider started out with three trim levels when it was introduced as a 2006 model; the offroad-worthy Duracross and upscale SE trims were dropped for the 2008 model year. That leaves the base LS with few frills. The standard feature list for both models doesn’t skimp too much, but there aren’t any luxury options. Both models come with 40/20/40-split cloth-covered front bench seat. The center seatback folds down to become a padded armrest with storage inside.
- Air conditioning standard
- AM/FM/CD stereo with four speakers standard
- Power windows optional on Extended Cab, standard on Double Cab
- 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 with iron block and aluminum cylinder head, single overhead camshaft and two valves per cylinder making 235 pounds-feet peak torque
- Six-speed manual transmission standard (Extended Cab)
- Four-speed automatic transmission standard (Double Cab)
As with rebadged compact trucks or outdated models, there is a lack of up-to-date safety features in the Raider. It does not have side-impact or side curtain airbags. The frame structure is relatively robust and scored a five-star safety rating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s frontal-offset crash tests.
- Latch child-seat anchors
- Three-point seat belt in center position of Double Cab
- Driver/passenger frontal airbags
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Maximum gross vehicle weight rating: 6,010 pounds
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Maximum payload capacity: 1,730 pounds (Extended Cab, automatic)
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Maximum towing capacity: 4,150 pounds (Extended Cab, automatic)
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Fuel tank capacity: 22 gallons
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Axle ratio: 3.55:1 (4×2), 3.92:1 (4×4)
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Minimum ground clearance: 7.9 inches
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Approach angle: 21.9 degrees
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Departure angle: 22.6 degrees (4×2), 22.5 degrees (4×4)
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Ramp breakover: 19.9 degrees (4×2), 19.6 degrees (4×4)
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Cargo bed load height: 31.9 inches
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Cargo bed length: 6 feet, 4 inches (Extended Cab), 5 feet, 3 inches (Double Cab)
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Cargo bed width: 59.6 inches
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Cargo bed width at wheel well: 45.2 inches
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Cargo bed depth: 17.6 inches
