The all wheel drive 2008 Mitsubishi double cab is versatile working truck. The extended cab version offers more passenger space.
The Mitsubishi Raider lineup has been downsized for 2008. In an unfortunate change from 2007, however, the Raider no longer offers side curtain airbags, four-wheel antilock brakes or the 4.7-liter V8 engine. Mitsubishi provides a five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty, which trumps Dodge's three-year/36,000-mile comprehensive coverage but not its lifetime powertrain warranty.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2008 Mitsubishi Raider midsize pickup truck comes in two body styles, extended cab and the "Double Cab" crew cab, and a singular LS trim level. The Double Cab is available in either two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive; the extended cab is two-wheel drive only. The Raider extended cab has a pair of reverse-opening rear doors and a 6-foot-6-inch bed, while the Double Cab has four full-size doors and a 5-foot-4-inch bed. LS Double Cabs add foglights, power accessories, a tilt steering wheel, keyless entry, cruise control and satellite radio.
The extended cab's Power and Convenience Package gets you much of the Double Cab's additional features. The Exterior Appearance Package, available only on Double Cabs, adds a sliding rear window, and special wheels and interior trim. Standard on all Mitsubishi Raider models is a 3.7-liter V6, which produces 210 hp and 235 pound-feet of torque. (The automatic is an option.)
Towing capacity, ranging from 2,950 pounds for manual-shift Raiders to 4,150 pounds with the automatic, is similarly uncompetitive.
Safety
Rear antilock brakes are standard, but four-wheel ABS is not available. In government frontal-impact crash tests, the extended-cab version of the Raider's twin, the Dakota, achieved a perfect five-star rating for driver protection and four stars for front passenger protection. Without side curtain airbags, the Raider's side-impact crashworthiness is unknown.
Driving Impressions
The 2008 Mitsubishi Raider is commendably hushed at speed, with good isolation from wind and road noise.
The Raider model line is streamlined for 2008, and there is now only one trim level (the LS) available in three configurations: Extended Cab 2WD, Double Cab 2WD, and Double Cab 4WD. The five-passenger Extended Cab model has a 6.4-foot bed, and six-passenger Double Cab models come with a 5.3-foot bed.
For instance, you won't find side airbags, side curtain airbags, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control on the 2008 Mitsubishi Raider's option list.