Isuzu Traviz vs Mitsubishi L300: Commercial vehicle brawl
Commercial vehicles like the Mitsubishi L300 and the Isuzu Traviz are without a doubt very important vehicles. For businesses, these vehicles are their go-to for transportation. They’re more affordable than most pickup truck models, and their closed, roofed bodies are better at protecting whatever they’re carrying.
For local government units, these vehicles are also useful. They can function in a very wide array of roles from transporting relief goods, transporting people, and some even use them as an ambulance. All this is of course, are testaments to these vehicle’s robustness and reliability.
So, which commercial vehicle is better on paper? Which provides more usability and practicality for the buck? The Isuzu Traviz or the Mitsubishi L300?
Let's find out which commercial vehicle is better on paper
2. Isuzu Traviz vs Mitsubishi L300: Exterior
While the Isuzu Traviz is longer and taller than the L300 FB body. It measures 4,600 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, and 1,955 mm high. Its wheelbase is also longer at 2,400 mm, and it has 5 mm more ground clearance at 200 mm.
Compare that to the Mitsubishi L300 with the FB body, which measures 4,260 mm long, 1,695 mm wide, and 1,895 mm tall.
The Mitsubishi made van’s wheelbase is shorter at 2,350 mm, and it has less ground clearance at 195 mm. Of note, The Traviz has a smaller version called the Traviz 2.5 S. It is however still longer and taller than the L300.
Which is the better looking vehicle? Is it the Traviz (left), or the L300 (right)?
For those who aren’t aware, the Traviz actually uses an Isuzu N-Series cab combined with the chassis for the Isuzu D-Max. Meanwhile, the L300 we have today is of course derived from the same chassis used by the equally robust L300 Versa Van.
As for exterior features, both of these vehicles are very basic. Both have halogen headlamps, halogen taillights, and 14-inch steel wheels.
Note also that as commercial vehicles, both the Traviz and the L300 can be configured to suit many purposes. Both have a closed van type body, an aluminum box body, a flat-bed truck body, and the passenger body.
3. Isuzu Traviz vs Mitsubishi L300: Interior
Going inside, both the Isuzu and Mitsubishi commercial models are basic. But nonetheless, both have manual air-conditioning, and both have variants that come with rear AC vents. Sure, many details on their respective dashboards are a bit angular, but everything to their 1-DIN units to their numerous cubby holes is well arranged and usable.
Both also have 2-speakers attached to the aforementioned entertainment system, and both of their front cabs can fit in three people including the driver.
Both the Traviz's (left) and the L300's (right) interiors are simple, that's for sure
>>> Related: L300 is the top-selling Mitsubishi in August with 699 units sold
4. Isuzu Traviz vs Mitsubishi L300: Engine and performance
Under the hood, or rather under its cab, the L300 is powered by the 2.2-liter 4N14 Euro-4 compliant turbo diesel engine. It can make up to 98 horsepower and 200 Nm of torque, and it sends power to its rear wheels via a five-speed manual.
In comparison, the Isuzu Traviz is propelled by the 4JA1 inline-4 diesel engine. It’s a fair bit weaker than the L300, making 77 horsepower and 176 Nm of torque. Do note that the Traviz is a bit heavier than the L300.
As for suspensions, both the Traviz and the L300 make use of leaf spring-type suspensions for the rear. The L300 however has an independent wishbone front suspension, while the Traviz has a double-wishbone front suspension. Both models have ventilated disc brakes for the front, and drum brakes for the rear.
Specs |
Isuzu Traviz |
Mitsubishi L300 |
Engine |
4JA1 Inline-4 Blue Power Diesel |
4N14 Inline-4 DOHC Turbodiesel |
Displacement |
2.5-liters |
2.2-liters |
Horsepower |
78 |
98 |
176 Nm @ 1,800 RPM |
200 Nm @ 1,000-3,500 RPM |
|
Curb weight (cab and chassis variants) |
1,290 kg (Traviz S), 1,295 kg (Traviz L) |
1,130 kg |
Fuel Capacity |
50 liters |
55 liters |
5. Isuzu Traviz vs Mitsubishi L300: Safety
For safety, both the L300 and the Traviz get no airbags, but both do have seatbelts. The Traviz however, does come equipped with a reverse warning buzzer, while the L300 is not.
>>> Related: Seatbelts and Airbags: The ins and outs
6. Isuzu Traviz vs Mitsubishi L300: Variants
Mitsubishi L300 Variants |
Price |
L300 Exceed with FB Body (Dual AC) |
Php 998,000 |
L300 Cab and Chassis |
Php 804,000 |
Isuzu Traviz Variants |
Price |
Traviz L Cab and Chassis |
Php 992,000 |
Traviz S Cab and Chassis |
Php 962,000 |
7. Isuzu Traviz vs Mitsubishi L300: Conclusion
Being underpinned by the D-Max frame, we can be certain that the Traviz is robust. Its longer wheelbase and overall length will also enable it to carry longer, or even more objects than the L300.
The Isuzu Traviz is longer, so it might have more space than the L300
The Mitsubishi L300 however packs a more powerful engine than the Traviz. It delivers more torque at a lower range, and that’s a boon especially if you’re carrying particularly heavy loads or going through very rough terrain.
Apart from that, the L300, as a commercial vehicle, has been around for quite some time now. In short, it has already proven itself in the local market. But then again, while the Traviz is new, Isuzu has a record of making competent diesel vehicles.
>>> Related:
The Mitsubishi L300 however, is clearly the more powerful vehicle
For more comparison articles like this, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.