Big news are coming from Mitsubishi recently. The Japanese company joined forces with Mazda and the first results of the partnership will be introduced when the next pickup hits the market. We already wrote about the hybrid version of the Triton (L200). One of the big mysteries is the appearance in the US market. The most recent rumors are indicating it can happen. But, the different nameplate will be used. For some news, for some old – the 2021 Mitsubishi Raider could be back in the game soon.
Mitsubishi is sharing a lot of things with the FCA and its predecessors. Raider appeared first with the Dodge badge, and the Japanese truckmaker delivered the pickup with the same name in 2006. Again, the model was very similar to Dodge Ram Dakota. It lasted only three seasons before the discontinuation. Now, the 2021 Mitsubishi Raider could be a new push by the Japanese company to conquer the US market.
2021 Mitsubishi Raider Comeback Rumors
It is not a secret that Mitsubishi wants to return to the major market in the trucks world. However, they couldn’t do it with L200/Triton, although its pickups were pretty popular in other parts of the globe. The timing for the 2021 Mitsubishi Raider is perfect since the mid-size segment is pretty hot right now. A few comebacks are showing the class is reviving and in the last couple of years, exciting vehicles are achieving higher sales.
2021 Mitsubishi Raider Hybrid
One of the aces upon the sleeve for the Japanese company is the hybrid drivetrain. The cooperation with Mazda will lead to this eventually, and it could happen already next season. The carmaker confirmed the hybrid version of Triton for 2022 and before it happens, the 2021 Mitsubishi Raider Hybrid might hit the US market. At this point, no other company is producing such a vehicle. Ford and Toyota are announcing their models, but there are no concepts to confirm the rumors and stories.
On the other hand, Mitsubishi had great success in the crossover SUV segment with Outlander PHEV. A similar, but more powerful configuration, could push the Japanese carmaker to the stardom. Nevertheless, it is a big bite. If it was so simple, some old companies would jump into this bandwagon. If engineers cannot meet demands regarding the towing and performance, then truckers won’t be so interested in this project.
Other Drivetrains
Mitsubishi relies on the power from diesel units, mostly. So, this won’t pass in the US. Previously, Raider was using a large V6 engine. An alternative was V8. When these two become non-competitive, the carmaker discontinued the truck. A new powerplant is needed. The 2021 Mitsubishi Raider will go to the mid-size segment, meaning the manufacturer has to deliver a V6. Outlander GT is using a 3.0-liter mill, but it can produce only 225 horsepower. Most of the rivals are ready to burst at least 50 ponies more. The towing capacity is 3,500 pounds, which is again way behind every other model. Honda Ridgeline is hauling only 5,000 lbs and truckers are skipping it to take 7,000 from Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado…