Mitsubishi Strada 2018 Philippines Review: It’s your sport truck

The Mitsubishi Strada is one of the longest-running pickup trucks in the local auto market. Having been around for just two years, but the Strada has notched up spectacular success. Back in late 2017, the pickup underwent a significant update mainly covering the powertrain. With an addition of the 2.4L MIVEC diesel engine, will the facelifted Strada get us surprised even in this entry-level GLS 2WD AT? Let’s Philkotse.com help you to find out more about the car in this Mitsubishi Strada 2018 review.

The Mitsubishi Strada 2WD is a great everyday pickup

>>> You may like to read: 10 new features that make the Mitsubishi Strada 2019 worth our wait.

There is no sign to distinguish the MIVEC and non-MIVEC diesel-powered models in this new Mitsubishi Strada 2018 model. In the main, styling tweaks are carried over from the last Strada from bumper to bumper.

In the main, styling tweaks are carried over from the last Strada from bumper to bumper

There is no sign to distinguish the MIVEC and non-MIVEC diesel-powered models in this new Strada

Much like other Mitsubishi cars especially the Montero Sport SUV, it somewhat features a love-hate appearance. Some say that the front grille is sharp and brash while others think it’s too wide. Besides, the rounded bonnet and front fascia is more refreshing than most other rivals which get a chiseled and hard-edged look.

Much like the Mitsubishi Montero Sport SUV, it somewhat features a love-hate appearance

>>> Read more: The Strada is among top 8 pickups with P18,000 monthly payment.

Modifications on the inside are also subtle. The only noticeable is an all-new steering wheel. The old Mirage-like design unit has made room for a new one that seems to borrow from the Montero Sport sibling.

The rest of the Mitsubishi Strada 2018 interior is totally akin to the pre-facelift version’s. It is still full of hard plastic, yet the Strada is engineered to haul stuff.

The old Mirage-like design unit has made room for a new one that seems to borrow from the Montero Sport sibling

An infotainment touchscreen is on tap

The space is good. The rear seats are bent in order not to be too upright and the legroom is enough for rear passengers. Nevertheless, the hip room at the rear should be improved.

The rear seats are bent in order not to be too upright and the legroom is enough for rear passengers

Even though the interior is not opulent, it is well replete with what you need: steering wheel-mounted audio controls, automatic climate control and infotainment touchscreen.

The Strada comes with spacious cabin and bed

The fabric seats are likewise comfortable despite a lack of true height adjuster. Thankfully, compensate for that is a tilt and more importantly, telescopic steering wheel unit which allows drivers with a short arm to get the right driving position more effortlessly.

As noted earlier, the MIVEC diesel engine even is carried over the lower-spec variant. Developed from the Mitsubishi Montero Sport, the 2.4L engine is well capable of mustering 181 PS and a torque of 430 Nm. These figures are very impressive for an entry-level pickup truck. While the Montero comes with an 8-speed automatic transmission, our Strada just features a 5-speed unit.

Speaking of its ride, the Mitsubishi Strada’s ride is admirable and even better than some PPVs in the market today. The pickup can overcome rutted roads with ease and the seat padding is enough to prevent you from backache. In the meantime, sitting at the back is not as harsh and punishing as you’ve expected albeit a bit truck-like feel. Anyway, you’re sitting in a pickup.

The 2.4L engine of the Strada is well capable of mustering 181 PS and a torque of 430 Nm

When it comes to performance, the MIVEC engine is fine. It generates torque and power between 1,500 – 2,500 rpm. Providing you leave it with the power band, it will pull confidently and offer more than what you expect. Nevertheless, the 5-speed automatic gearbox seems not to maximize the revs. Given turbo diesel engines are not made for higher rpms, yet the long fearing pronounces the lag more than its sibling SUV does. Consequently, it doles out power in one large bump, not in a linear way. This is not bad but if only more cogs were added, the performance would be better.

The pickup can overcome rutted roads with ease

The fuel economy is quite good. In heavy traffic, the Mitsubishi Strada 2018 model consumes 8.6 km/L of fuel while on highways, it does 14.7 km/L. With an 8-speed automatic transmission from the Montero, it is believed that the workhorse could have done better.

Handling, to some extent, belongs to a real pickup. The steering offers feel, but much input is required to get it turned. Meanwhile, brakes system is strong but in some cases, it would be spongy.

The maneuverability of the 2018 Strada is excellent. Thanks to a narrow body, the car can easily move through tricky parking lots and tight streets. Besides, the light steering likewise makes the Strada lighter to drive. If you’re afraid that this vehicle is pretty long, the standard reverse camera can be helpful.

In 2018, this base model 2.4 GLS 4x2 AT can be had for P1,325,000, which is P30,000 costlier than the 2017 price due to new excise taxes. That said, this price tag is still affordable when compared to other pickups. That is why this Mitsubishi pickup is listed among the top 5 least expensive pickup trucks you can buy today. So there are more reasons for you to check the latest Mitsubishi Philippines price list besides the price of Strada 2018 below. 

>>> Get the best new and used cars for sale in the Philippines right here.

Everyone might say that Mitsubishi Strada is a superb pickup truck, of course not exclude the 2018 model. It’s is well equipped with equipment, furnished with the necessary equipment and particularly, a potent engine has satisfied most pickup fans. Other than that, it is also reminiscent of a PPV-like model when concerning the shape or form. Brief, the Strada is good for Pinoy motorists who are seeking for a real pickup but do not want to sacrifice too much for a hauler.