The forthcoming 2021 Mitsubishi Raider is about to become available. Moreover, the Raider pickup truck will go on sale in the United States. Raider was a model that has been discounted a decade ago. Now, Mitsubishi plans to revive its old nameplate. It is a fresh start for the Raider model that won’t share so many things with its predecessor. Of course, the name is unchanged but the rest of the pickup will be completely new. Raider will be based on the Mitsubishi L200 aka Triton model.
This model is extremely popular in Europe and Asia. The Japanese manufacturer will work with Nissan and according to reliable reports, the new Raider will be a very competitive truck. The plan is to put Raider pickup in the mid-size segment. This model will represent an affordable alternative for more established models such as the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. Most of the details are not available yet. That includes performance figures, Raider’s styling and mechanical specifics.
Mitsubishi Raider Design
New 2021 Mitsubishi Raider will bring something new to the brand’s lineup of SUVs and trucks. Raider will feature an eye-catching design that will look both modern and unique. Sure, Triton and L200 trucks are looking good, but Raider won’t share any styling cues with two models. Instead, Nissan will join the production so two Japanese automakers will surely do a great job in terms of aesthetics.
Raider will arrive as a four-door pickup with a short bed. We don’t know if Mitsubishi is willing to offer various cab configurations. Trim levels are another mystery. We can assume that Mitsubishi won’t change trim levels drastically. Moreover, optional packages could be the same as with the Outlander SUV.
Engine Possibilities and Specs
Under the hood, the new 2021 Mitsubishi Raider will offer a gasoline engine. While the L200 truck is available in some dealerships with a diesel engine, Raider won’t use one. The most likely outcome is a potent V6 engine with 230 horsepower and 220 lb-ft of torque. It is more than enough power for an affordable pickup such as Raider. Many experts believe this will be an optional engine.
That means a standard powertrain choice will be a 2.5-liter four-cylinder with around 150 horses. As we said, trim levels are not available yet. However, we believe Mitsubishi will deliver some sort of special edition or a high-performance variant. We are still waiting for the manufacturer to release official details. That includes fuel efficiency figures and the transmission. Lastly, when Nissan acquired 34 percent of Mitsubishi, the carmaker wanted to be involved in plug-in hybrid powertrains. For that reason, we cannot exclude the possibility of the Raider Hybrid version.
2021 Mitsubishi Raider Price and Release Date
The price of the upcoming 2021 Mitsubishi Raider should start at around $23,000. It is still way below Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma. However, this is just a rumor at the moment and nothing is official yet. Raider pickup will introduce a couple of trim levels and the range-topping model will surely cost above $30,000. The sales will begin in the first quarter of 2021 and Raider will be sold in the United States.