The key to a successful pickup truck is the bedrock on which it’s built. There are many to choose from, but what you’re looking for is a reliable and tough chassis, wide loading bay and tech-filled cabin… and with that sentence I’ve pretty much summed up Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian – the top spec and trim level of all the L200s!

Now, Mitsubishi calls the L200 “The Prince of Pickups” – which sounds like a challenge directed at another manufacturer… but with this, the 5th generation of the L200, my challenge today is clear… to find out whether this pickup is a Prince, a Pauper… or The King!

Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian Review

The front end of the L200 is one of the most car-like you’ll see on the front of a pickup truck, and while my preference is something more outwardly identifiable as a pickup, the sleek good looks of the L200 win users over in their hundreds!
At the top-spec Barbarian trim level you get:
• Mesh front grille,
• Bi-Xenon headlamps with washers,
• 17-inch alloy wheels,
• Electric folding wing mirrors and indicators,
• Door handle recess trim,
• Detail on the fuel filler cover,
• A cool tail lamp, and
• Trim on the tailgate handle

The L200 Barbarian’s cabin makes you feel like you’re sat in NASA’s control room – it’s all blinking lights, flashing controls and computer screens! And just drink in the premium leather trim on ALL of the seats – it’s not only the driver and front passenger who gets the luxury, EVERYONE gets it, front and back.

It’s a great family vehicle AND work vehicle thrown into 1 package!
• Handle grips for getting in,
• Light-up door entry guards,
• Blue LEDs in footwell and puddle lamps,
• Heated/powered front seats,
• Great-looking steering wheel, fully adjustable,
• Steering wheel controls,
• Cruise control with speed limiter,
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror,
• A HUGE INFOTAINMENT SCREEN with Bluetooth, Android Auto and Apple Car Play,
• Reversing camera,
• Excellent gearstick and cubbies,
• Selectable 4WD system,
• Other storage

At the back, you get:
• Soft-drop tailgate,
• Rear loading step,
• Tail lamp,
• WIDTH – Nearly 1.5m
• WIDTH BETWEEN ARCHES – Nearly 1.1m
• LENGTH – Nearly 1.5m
• PAYLOAD – Just over 1000KG
Whack a canopy on there if you like, or a roller shutter.
We can fit them for you at our specialist fitting shop – which sets us apart from the competition… and speaking of competition, let’s take a look at the other pickup trucks available in the pickup truck sector right now.

ENGINE TYPE
• 2.4-litre diesel
• In-line 4-cylinder 16 valve engine
• 180PS with turbo charger
• 40MPG

OTHER COMMENTS
• SuperSelect 4WD system
• Active Stability
• Traction Control
• Brake Assist
• 6-speed gearbox – really smooth.

Market Comparison
• Ford Ranger – at the moment, this tough hombre of a pickup is incredibly popular but as you’ll see, it too has a lot of competition to deal with – but, it’s winning, and if you’re watching this review chances are you’ve already watched one about the Ford Ranger!
• Nissan Navara – a tough interior and excellent options in the cabin set the Navara apart from the competition – if you’re in the market for one, the Tekna trim level is where you should start!
• Fiat Fullback – a great-value pickup truck platform shares with the Mitsubishi L200 so it comes from good stock. Well worth a look.
• Isuzu D-Max – there’s something understated about the D-Max, and that’s fine, it does the job of a pickup without making a fuss! Farmers love it, and that is high praise indeed!
• Mercedes-Benz X Class – sharing some bits of the Nissan Navara meant Mercedes-Benz built a luxury pickup on the bedrock of a top-performing pickup platform. How long it hangs around though is anyone’s guess.
• Toyota Hilux – we’re several generations in now, and the Hilux continues to perform incredibly well. It’s got the usual high Toyota build standard and the tech bundled in there is very user-friendly.
• And finally, the VW Amarok – the VW brand is incredibly strong and is clearly on show in the Amarok pickup truck. It’s big and comfy at speed, so much so you’d easily mistake it for an SUV’s drive quality!
And there you go, there’s loads of competition for the L200, but the thousands of users already loving it are testament to just how good a pickup it is! Definitely put this vehicle on your checklist when you head to vanarama.com to look for some deals.

So, how do we finish this?
Well, just look at it. That car-like front says everything you need to know about the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian – it’s got a car-like drive - smooth and responsive, a car-like interior, plush seats and tonnes of tech, tough no-nonsense pickup capabilities, and an excellent engine.
It’s been said that the L200 is a jack of all trades… but I tell you what the Barbarian has mastered… just being a brilliant pickup truck!