Mitsubishi L200 (2019 - 2021)

After an absence of five years, Mitsubishi is finally back and with a bang!. The Japanese manufacturer withdrew from Europe back in 2021, but maintained a strong network of after-sales centres throughout the UK. And now with the launch of the latest L200 pick-up and Outlander PHEV models, 50 of those centres will once again become public showrooms, with plans to increase the total to 60 before too long.

The L200, which we are concentrating on here, has a long-established reputation and was always a very popular choice for its no-nonsense approach. The series 1 model was never sold in the UK, but L200 arrived in 1988 in Series 2 guise and never really looked back.

Now in its seventh generation, the vehicle will be sold in two richly-equipped trims called Titan, priced from £36,295 and Barbarian, costing £39,995 (both excluding VAT). Additionally, both trims will be available in commercial guise too with just front seats, so will be more attractive to business owners.

Powered by a 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine and boasting all the off-roading capabilities imaginable, we had the opportunity to test the 2026 model on the road, then towing a trailer and, finally, on a demanding off-road course. 

Powering the Mitsubishi L200 is a 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine delivering 204PS and 470Nm of torque. It can reach 62mph from a standing start in 12.6 seconds with a maximum speed of 111mph, but it’s worth reminding ourselves this pick-up is all about the capability rather than the pace. With that in mind, it can transport a one-tonne payload and tow a 3.5-tonne trailer or caravan.
But that said; it’s no slouch either and proved composed and well-balanced on twisting country lanes where the raised seating results in excellent driver visibility. The acceleration through the six-speed automatic gearbox is smooth enough and the steering is nicely weighted with ample driver feedback.
There are Eco and Normal drive modes, although the choice increases to cover Gravel, Snow, Mud, Sand and Rock when you move into the off-road settings. 
The L200 will cruise effortlessly on motorways, although you will notice more engine, wind and tyre noise at higher speeds, but otherwise the cabin is fairly well-insulated against outside sounds. We should mention that we tested the vehicle without any payload and generally the handling and composure improves further thanks to the added weight.
We also had the opportunity to tow a trailer transporting another two-tonne-plus L200 through a slalom course and the vehicle didn’t skip a beat. In fact, it would be fair to say it was barely noticeable that it was pulling such a hefty cargo.
Then it was time to see what the L200 could do away from the comfort of the Tarmac. The Titan model has an Easy Select 4WD system with settings for 2WD, 4WD and 4WDL with a diff lock for more testing terrain. Step up to the Barbarian trim, as tested, and it gains the more advanced Super Select II set-up with all the above, plus a locked centre diff setting to combat the likes of rock climbs. It’s possible to switch from two- to four-wheel drive at speeds up to 62mph, but you need to be stationary to activate the low range setting with the diff lock function.
Once again, the pick-up coped with everything thrown in its path and that included muddy climbs and drops using the hill descent control, wading through water obstacles, leaning at nerve-jangling angles and navigating boggy troughs, all on road-ready tyres. Special mention to the 360-degree overhead camera which helps you plot a course through rocks, tree stumps and other obstacles so avoiding tyre and body damage.
 

The 2026 Series 7 L200 has landed with a fresh design on a re-engineered chassis, powered by a new diesel powertrain. This rugged and very capable workhorse boasts a strong road presence without being overly-flashy. And our high-end Barbarian model featured all the bells and whistles you could wish for too.
It’s wider, longer and higher than its predecessor and eye-catching features include a prominent black grille housing the Mitsi badging, smart light clusters, side steps, rear privacy glass and 17-inch wheels on Titan models, increased to 18-inch alloys on the Barbarian. The range-topper also gains lots of additional black styling cues around the pillars and wheel arches, along with LED lights, carpeted flooring rather than vinyl and a smart key entry system.
There are grab handles to help when climbing into the cab and the interior is modern in its layout with a wealth of physical controls, a chunky gear stick and ‘proper’ handbrake. 
A nine-inch touchscreen offers access to the on-board tech and it’s easy to connect a smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Neither model has a sat nav system, but most owners nowadays prefer to use their phone as it’s more familiar.
There are plenty of creature comforts though, such as dual-zone climate control, Bluetooth, a 360-degree camera (which is really practical when navigating a path through sharp rocks or obstacles), a six-speaker sound system, wireless phone charging and plenty more besides.
The broad, sporty seats feature supportive cushioning, plus they are power-adjustable and can be heated. We would have liked a heated steering wheel, but that’s not an option on either trim.
All the main driving data is displayed on a digital screen behind the steering wheel and there is a separate panel for the climate settings, which is something we always applaud.
 

The Mitsubishi L200 is a practical workhorse pick-up that can easily double up as a family vehicle thanks to its spacious cabin and high-end fixtures and fittings. It stretches 5,320mm in length, is 1,865mm across and 1,815mm tall (Titan has smaller wheels so is 1,795mm in height).
The cabin is exceptionally spacious with room for five occupants and it’s easy to find a comfortable driving position thanks to the powered front seats.
But with pick-ups, the main figures are usually related to capability and the L200 excels in that department. It can carry a payload of slightly over one-tonne and it is large enough for a standard European-sized pallet.
Additionally, it can tow a braked trailer or caravan weighing up to 3.5 tonnes with the comprehensive AWD system making light work of traversing any muddy camping fields. It has a ground clearance of 222mm, with approach and departure angles of 30.4 degrees and 22.8 degrees respectively.
Storage options throughout the cabin are numerous and include a double glovebox, a deep central cubby, wide door bins with space for a bottle, front and rear cup holders, a sunglasses compartment, wireless charging pad, seat back pockets and USB ports to keep devices connected and charged on the move.
The L200 is sold with a five-year, 62,500-mile warranty, which can be extended to 125,000 miles for a one-off payment of £450, provided the vehicle is serviced at one of the company’s centres.
 

Mitsubishi customers tended to be very loyal to the brand and the return of the L200 will be welcomed with open arms by many farmers and tradespeople up and down the country, especially as it is still priced at the lower end of the scale.
The L200 Titan costs £36,295 while the more upmarket Barbarian trim is set at £39,995 (both excluding VAT). According to official WLTP-testing each vehicle can deliver a combined 33.3mpg with carbon emissions of 222g/km. 
There have been changes to the rules surrounding the Benefit in Kind relief business owners can claim on pick-ups. Since April, 2025 new double-cab pick-ups with rear seats are treated the same as cars. That means they are assessed on their list price and the carbon emissions rather than a flat-rate van fee. This can hike up the tax bills for employees looking to run a pick-up as a company car. With that in mind, L200 owners would have a Benefit in Kind rating of 37 per cent.
When it comes to Vehicle Excise Duty, or road tax to you and I, pick-ups that can carry a one-tonne payload continue to be classified as Light Commercial Vehicles with an annual rate of £360. Additionally, the VAT can be reclaimed for these models provided the business is VAT-registered.
However, L200 Commercial models costing £37,495 for the Titan and £41,195 for the Barbarian trim, do away with the rear seats and replace them with a hidden load compartment. In doing so, these vehicles comply with the latest Light Commercial Vehicle rulings so owners benefit from a flat Benefit in Kind rating of £4,020 with an annual VED rate also at £360.
 

Mitsubishi may have been in the wilderness for five years, but it’s certainly hoping to make a strong impression on its return to the UK. With its long-standing reputation for value, practicality and toughness with go-anywhere capabilities, the L200 will be welcomed back into the fold by farmers and tradesmen alike.
And it boasts all the creature comforts and technology to appeal to lifestyle customers too, making it an attractive all-rounder. 
It may end up drawing sales from fellow IM Group stablemate, the Isuzu D-Max along with the lesser-know GWM Poer model, but it may also tempt buyers from Toyota, Ford and KGM too.
Whatever the outcome, it’s great to have such an established vehicle back on our roads again.