The Mitsubishi Raider, a pickup truck based on the Dodge Dakota, made its debut in the United States in 2006. However, its lineage can be traced back to the late 1970s when Chrysler started selling Mitsubishi Triton pickups with Dodge and Plymouth badging. The success of the Mitsubishi Pajero (also known as Montero) with Dodge Raider badges further solidified the Raider name.
While mechanically identical to the Dakota, the Raider boasted its own unique body and interior designs. One such variant was the DuroCross, which featured a lower suspension, black plastic wheel flares, and a skid-plate-like front bumper. These modifications gave it a more rugged and intimidating appearance compared to its Dakota counterpart.
Under the hood, the 2006 Raider came equipped with the most powerful engine option available: a 4.7-liter V8 producing 230 horsepower. This engine belonged to the Chrysler PowerTech family, which can be traced back to American Motors Corporation (AMC). AMC had begun developing new overhead-cam V6 and V8 engines just before Chrysler acquired the company in 1987. The 4.7-liter V8 made its debut in the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee and found its way into the Raider.
However, despite its distinctive design and powerful engine, the Mitsubishi Raider struggled to gain traction in the market. Sales were disappointing, totaling just under 22,000 units, and the model was eventually discontinued after the 2009 model year. The Raider’s lackluster performance in the market was not as embarrassing as what other automakers experienced with their rebadged models. Isuzu, once a proud manufacturer, faced humiliation with the Ascender and I-Series, both thinly disguised Chevrolet models. The Suzuki Equator also met a similar fate.
The 2009 Raider marked the end of Mitsubishi’s venture into the pickup truck segment in the United States. However, Mexican truck shoppers can still enjoy the adventure and power offered by the Mitsubishi Triton, which is sold with L200 badges. Perhaps, in Colorado junkyards where Mexican-market vehicles like Peugeot 407s, Dacia Logans, Dacia Dusters, and Opel Corsas can be found, a discarded Mitsubishi L200 might also be discovered.
In conclusion, the Mitsubishi Raider was a unique pickup truck with its own styling and characteristics. It shared its mechanical foundation with the Dodge Dakota but had distinct body and interior designs. Despite its powerful engine and formidable appearance, the Raider failed to capture the attention of buyers, resulting in its discontinuation after just a few years on the market. However, the Raider’s story highlights the challenges faced by automakers when trying to establish a presence in competitive segments.