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2009 Mitsubishi Raider is a Tough, Versatile Midsize Pickup

11/26/2008

Mitsubishi

The 2009 Mitsubishi Raider midsize pickup offers truck customers a compelling blend of capability and value, and serves as an excellent alternative to heavier, bulkier full-size pickups. The Raider offers 20-mpg highway fuel economy and a 1,790-lb. carrying capacity.

The Mitsubishi Raider offers the best bumper-to-bumper new-vehicle limited warranty of any pickup truck - 5-years/60,000 miles. The Raider model line for 2009 includes one extended-cab model (2WD) and one Double Cab model (2WD). Both are offered in the well-equipped LS trim line. The Extended Cab model adds a standard tilt steering wheel for 2009.

All Raider models are built on the same long 131.3-inch wheelbase. The Extended Cab model has a 6.4-foot bed, and Double Cab models come with a 5.3-foot bed. A smooth 3.7-liter SOHC V-6 engine that produces 210 horsepower and 235 lb.-ft. of peak torque powers all Mitsubishi Raider models.

The Raider's bold styling shares signature cues from the Mitsubishi family of vehicles and underscores the truck's active, brawny attitude and purposeful stance. An emphasis on four-door Double Cab models reflects Raider's appeal as a multi-capable SUV alternative.

With more than 100 cubic feet of interior space, including a generous 36.4 inches of rear leg room, Raider Double Cab models provide comfort and room for up to six people. The Extended Cab model, with seating for three in front and two in the rear, features 32.1 inches of rear leg room. All models have a 40/20/40 cloth bench front seat.

Standout Exterior Design

Raider was designed at the Mitsubishi Motors Design Center in Cypress, Calif. The design presents a distinctive and dynamic look with an urban edge. Raider is highlighted by a sporty "one line" flush profile and curved full surfaces complemented by a distinctive hood, flared wheel arches and wide-fender rear styling. The overall effect gives Raider a toned, muscular physique. A thin upper grille and thick lower bumper echo design cues of other Mitsubishi models. High-tech headlamps and tail lamps round out the Raider's standout design.

Solid Foundation

Raider is built on a fully boxed, hydro-formed and roll-formed steel frame. The frame's inherent strength, in combination with the front independent suspension and power rack and pinion steering, gives Raider a comfortable ride and capable handling.

The Raider's combination of unequal length A-arms and coil-over units up front, combined with a live axle and multi-leaf arrangement at the rear, help this vehicle tackle work, rough terrain, or the boulevard with equal ability. The gas-pressure rear shock absorbers are mounted in a staggered arrangement (one shock absorber mounted ahead of the axle and the other behind it) to help combat wheel hop during launches.

In addition, the frame is engineered to contribute to occupant safety in the event of a collision. The front frame rails feature internal stiffeners to help manage deflection during frontal impacts and to help focus impact energy in the rail tips. The front rail structures are also straighter, which enhances the assembly's overall strength and rigidity.

This type of structure is also more effective at transmitting impact energy, reducing deformation, and helping to keep the cab intact in the event of a collision. The frame's boxed side rail sections are composed of high-strength, low-alloy steel to better resist buckling under impact.

The robust rear portion of the frame is designed to improve impact safety and protect the integrity of the rear fuel system and fuel tank that mounts between the rear sections. As with other sections of the frame, internal reinforcement structures also appear in the rear frame rails.

Responsive Power, Responsible Economy

The Raider's 3.7-liter single overhead-cam (SOHC) V-6 engine is based on a cast iron block with aluminum cylinder heads and a sequential multi-port electronic returnless fuel injection (MPFI) system. This durable V-6 employs chain-driven camshafts with a proven two-valve-per-cylinder configuration that yields strong low-end torque. The engine features a compact design for easy-to-access under hood packaging. The lightweight composite intake manifold uses individually tuned short runners for optimized performance across the engine's operating range.

Coupled with a standard 6-speed manual transmission, the V-6 returns up to 20-mpg highway fuel economy in the Extended Cab model. With the optional 4-speed automatic transmission, the Raider can tow up to 4,232 lbs. A new trailer hitch receiver is available as an accessory for 2009.

Outstanding Value in A Work/Play Truck

The Raider Extended Cab LS 2WD is an ideal work or play truck, with an excellent balance of rugged capability and comfort amenities. The chassis is up for almost anything with standard heavy-duty suspension and vented front disc brakes and rear drum brakes with ABS. Standard 16x7-inch steel wheels feature silver center caps and carry 245/70R16 tires, including a full-size spare tire.

The well-equipped Raider Extended Cab LS 2WD includes a long list of high-value standard features: air conditioning, tachometer, tinted glass, rear-access doors, variable intermittent windshield wipers, AM/FM/CD player with four speakers, single-disc MP3-capable CD player and auxiliary audio input jack, cargo bed lamp, cargo bed tie-downs, front bench seat (40/20/40 split), 12v power outlets, and dual front reading lamps.

The LS Appearance Package that is standard for Raider Double Cab models gives the Raider a sporty look with 16-in. machine-finished aluminum wheels and 265/70R16 tires, plus a dark-tinted sliding rear window.

The Power and Convenience Package, standard for LS Double Cab models and optional for the LS Extended Cab, gives Raider even more distinctive style and a significant comfort upgrade. The package combines color-keyed bumpers, fog lights, power side-view mirrors, cruise control, carpeted floor mats, power windows and door locks and remote keyless entry.

An available Accessory Package adds high-quality features that are covered under the new-vehicle warranty: side steps, a bed and tailgate liner, bed rail protectors, scuff plates, mudguards and an exhaust tailpipe finisher. The package also includes wheel locks and a spare tire wheel lock on Double Cab models. Some of those accessories, along with others, are available individually.

Premium Warranty

Mitsubishi cars, sport utility vehicles and pickup trucks are backed by comprehensive new vehicle limited warranties. Mitsubishi Eclipse, Lancer, Galant, Endeavor and Outlander vehicles come with a 10-year/100,000 mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty. The high-performance Lancer Evolution is covered by a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, along with a 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty.

Mitsubishi pickup trucks are covered by a 5-year/60,000 mile bumper-to-bumper new vehicle limited warranty that also includes powertrain components. All Mitsubishi vehicles have a 7-year /100,000 mile anti-corrosion/perforation limited warranty, along with 5-years/unlimited miles Roadside Assistance, which includes free towing to the nearest authorized Mitsubishi retailer.

Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc., (MMNA) is responsible for all manufacturing, finance, sales, marketing, research and development operations for Mitsubishi Motors in the United States. MMNA sells coupes, convertibles, sedans, sport utility vehicles, and light trucks through a network of approximately 500 dealers.