Mitsubishi L200 2026 makes a triumphant return to the pickup truck market with positive reviews

By Beatriz 2026-06-15 11:35 BRT6 min read

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**Photo:** Mitsubishi L200 2026 - Divulgação/Mitsubishi

The new Mitsubishi L200 Series 7 pickup truck marks the Japanese automaker’s return to the British market and is already being hailed as a vehicle that promises to regain the top spot in sales. With a combination of robust equipment, imposing design and notable off-road capability, the L200 2026 proves to be more prepared than ever for the challenges of the segment. In addition to meeting work needs, the model offers enough internal space to be configured as a versatile family transport.

Although the sixth generation of the Mitsubishi L200 stopped being sold in the United Kingdom in 2021, when the company closed its operations in the country, the pickup truck remained in consumers’ memories. The model, despite its absence, is still among the three best-selling models in the category over the last decade, demonstrating the surprising loyalty of pickup truck buyers to the brand, which paved the way for this strategic relaunch.

The return of the Mitsubishi L200 comes at a calculated time, allowing owners of previous models to upgrade without having to change manufacturers. Additionally, the launch benefits from a window of opportunity in the market, where demand for pickup trucks exceeds supply, driven by the arrival of a new Toyota Hilux. Mitsubishi sees this situation as ideal for presenting its seventh generation.

The design of the latest L200 is designed with angular, purposeful lines, resulting in a robust, purposeful appearance. Headlights, front grille and wheel arches contribute to this striking aesthetic. The standard Titan version is aimed at commercial users, while the top-of-the-line Barbarian version tested here adds glossy black exterior finishes and targets the “lifestyle” segment. The distinctive Yamabuki orange color is exclusive to this more sophisticated model.

Underneath the body, the new L200 uses an evolution of its predecessor’s platform. Equipped with a 201bhp four-cylinder diesel engine, the pickup has a six-speed automatic transmission, connected to a four-wheel drive system that offers multiple selectable driving modes. The Titan version has the Easy Select system, with 4×2, 4×4 and 4×4 reduced traction options.

The Barbarian variant features Mitsubishi’s advanced Super Select-II system, which offers the same three modes as Easy Select, but adds a lockable center differential for more extreme off-road conditions. Driving modes are easily activated via a rotary selector on the center console. It is possible to switch between 4×2 and 4×4 on the move, at speeds of up to 62 mph, and also engage the locked center differential, as long as the surface is loose. This feature distributes torque 50:50 between the front and rear axles, optimizing traction on terrain such as gravel or snow.

Mitsubishi L200 2026 – Disclosure/Mitsubishi

For the most severe challenges, the low gear adjustment with differential lock can be activated while the vehicle is stationary, protecting the L200 transmission. With these settings, the pickup is ready to tackle difficult off-road driving situations such as mud, rocks and deep snow.

Off the asphalt, the L200 is impressive. During tests on a challenging off-road track, with steep ramps and steep angles, the pickup showed no signs of skidding, even using road-focused tires. Hill descent control helped the L200 negotiate steep slopes without difficulty. The only limiting factor in extreme terrain is the long wheelbase, but most owners are unlikely to face such conditions in everyday use.

In everyday urban and highway driving, the L200 offers a very acceptable drive when compared to other competing pickup trucks. Although it does not have the same level of comfort and refinement as a four-passenger SUV, the suspension is reasonable enough to prevent occupants from being excessively shaken by holes or irregularities.

The model was tested without load, a condition in which the limits of the suspension designed to balance comfort and load capacity are more evident. At lower speeds, there’s a slight shake when going over uneven surfaces, but that’s not a deal-breaker in this category and is perfectly acceptable most of the time. However, the engine can be quite noisy, affecting the cabin’s acoustic refinement.

The engine proves to be quite flexible, and the responses of the six-speed gearbox on the move are satisfactory. The start-stop system, which aims to save fuel, is a little slow to react, a feature that deserves attention when negotiating roundabouts or exiting “T” intersections. A robust 470Nm of torque is generated from a low 1,500rpm; When accelerating more vigorously on corner exits, it is possible to feel the rear wheels lose traction on slippery surfaces.

At higher speeds, the L200 presents a very solid performance, with a stable driving sensation that probably improves even more with load in the bed. There is some wind noise coming from the door mirrors at highway speeds, but this is only noticeable because the rest of the cabin remains remarkably quiet.

The top-of-the-line Barbarian version comes equipped with a wide range of standard items. In addition to the advanced four-wheel drive system, there is a comprehensive package of safety features, including lane keeping assist that gently vibrates the steering wheel when leaving the lane and a speed limit warning that only flashes, with no audible alert. More annoying is the driver distraction detection system, which incorporates a sensor on top of the steering column. In addition to partially obstructing the dashboard, it is excessively sensitive, emitting an audible warning if the driver looks away from the road for a prolonged period of time. Fortunately, Mitsubishi offers a settings menu on the driver’s screen to adjust these systems, although you’ll need to reconfigure them each drive as they reset when you turn off the ignition.

Mitsubishi L200 2026 – Disclosure/Mitsubishi

Other equipment highlights for the Mitsubishi L200 Barbarian include heated and electrically adjustable leather seats, dual-zone climate control, roof air vents with separate controls for the rear seats, LED interior lighting and a smart keyless entry and start system.

The expanded dimensions of the new Mitsubishi L200 have resulted in an interior with greater space compared to the previous generation. A wider cabin offers more shoulder room, both front and rear, and legroom in the rear seats now ranks among the best in the pickup truck class.

All in all, the new Mitsubishi L200 is an impressive vehicle, and that’s before you even consider its price. The Titan model starts at just over £36,000, while the fully equipped Barbarian version costs £39,995 (both prices are excluding VAT). This places the L200 in the same price bracket as the Isuzu D-Max, with Mitsubishi’s top-of-the-range version being £1,400 cheaper than the D-Max V-Cross.

These values place the L200 significantly below segment leaders such as the Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux, where the buyer would need to fork out a few thousand pounds more for a vehicle with similar specifications. With a standard warranty of five years or 62,500 miles, the L200 emerges as a strong contender in the market.