The Strada is one of the most successful and oldest pickup trucks in the Philippines by auto industry stalwart Mitsubishi, currently competing in the local midsize pickup truck category. In January 2019, the third-generation model of the truck acquired its rightful renovation. Some of the updates include a more muscular body sculpture and the Dynamic Shield exterior styling. Like the current models of the tri-diamond brand – the ASX, Xpander, Montero Sport, and the like – the Strada features the "X" fascia. It also comes with C-shaped chrome accents that trace the fog lamps and slim headlights.
Its exterior showcases a sporty, athletic, and agile look giving an impression that it is ready to overcome any roads in the country, while the interior accentuates quality and soft-pad materials. The midsize pickup truck is offered in 4x4 or 4x2 variants. Disregarding its facelift, from its former 2.5-litre Common Rail Direct Injection 4D56 diesel engine, it is now powered by a 2.4-liter in-line four diesel with Variable Geometry Turbo and MIVEC 4N15 engine only. Thus, leaving the truck with a single powerplant option. It can generate torque power of 430 Nm, and 181 horsepower to the wheel through either a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission.
Launch
On January 26, 2019, the Mitsubishi Strada was launched with a facelift. Today, it features the Mitsubishi Shield Design language and now runs in a 2.4-liter turbo diesel engine. A modern pair of projector headlights and fog lights come with the redesign of its current body. The primary projector LED headlights at the top splits the lighting into two while the signal lights are mounted at the bottom.
A tougher and meaner-looking Athlete variant is also offered by Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corporation (MMPC). This top-ranging variant is offered with limited paint options such as sunflare orange pearl (for 4WD only), white diamond, and graphite gray metallic. All the said options come with exclusive black decals to display and more aggressive and rugged appeal whether on-roads or off-roads.
Look tough and be tough with the Mitsubishi Strada
Exterior
The Mitsubishi Strada appears to have similar outlines to that of Mitsubishi Montero Sport and Xpander thanks to the identical exterior details such as the fog light housings and bumper layout. It is ideal for those who want a workhorse vehicle with high torque values, but still showcase sleek styling from the front all the way to the back.
The Athlete variant in sunflare orange pearl
Depending on its variant, the midsize pickup truck utilizes either a 17-inch or 16-inch wheels, and it has a more chiseled and rounded front region compared to its competitors, which feature either rounded or sharp edges. Practicality-wise, it has small but attractive taillights and swept-back headlamps. It also comes with a double-wishbone suspension with coil spring and fixed elliptic springs with telescopic travel at the front. It can adapt on unmanned roads because of its high ground clearance that measures 205mm and is equipped with a long wheelbase of 3,000mm.
Interior
The Mitsubishi Strada has a double-cabin configuration that offers enough legroom and space for occupants, providing a cabin length of 1,745 mm. Audio controls and automatic climate control affixed on the leather-wrapped steering wheel are featured in the midsize pickup truck as well. Additionally, its steering wheel is equipped with a telescopic adjuster that is convenient for drivers of different arm length and height.
Good for families of four
As for the top-of-the-line Athlete variant, it comes with 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat to further improve ergomics when driving. Other exclusive features in the said variant include two-tone leather seats and a dual-zone automatic climate control system.
Technology & Safety Features
The lower-end variants of the Mitsubishi Strada feature a 2-DIN touchscreen infotainment system. It comes with ready-to-use navigation and supports AUX, USB, Bluetooth, and iPod compatibility. Meanwhile, the Athlete variant is equipped with an 8-inch infotainment system complemented by a 6-speaker sound system including two tweeters.
The two-tone interior is looking sharp
As for safety, the pickup truck is installed with traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), brake assist, hill start, seven airbags, and blind-spot warning. In addition, the Mitsubishi pickup passed the side impact test and achieved a 5-star rating during the ASEAN NCAP for its adult protection. However, it only garnered a 2-star rating for its child protection.
Platform & Chassis
The Mitsubishi Strada is a four-door double cab, a body-on-frame midsize pickup truck that rides on the Mitsubishi K platform. It has a measurement that spans 5,305 mm in length, 1815 mm in width, and 1,795 mm in height. Other key measurements include the wheelbase which measures 3,000 mm and the ground clearance standing tall at 220 mm.
A reliable workhorse from the Japanese car brand
As for the suspension, the midsize pickup truck utilizes an independent wishbone setup for the front end and a live axle with leaf springs for the rear end. Disc brakes for the front wheels and drum brakes for the rear wheels provide the vehicle's stopping power.
Engine & Drivetrain
The Mitsubishi Strada is considered a powerful pickup truck and provides enough grunt for the drivers' accelerator pedal. All variants of the truck are powered by a 2.4-liter 4N15 turbocharged diesel engine capable of generating 179 hp at 3,500 rpm and 430 Nm of torque at 2,500 rpm. The engine can be paired to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission with sport mode and magnesium alloy paddle shifters, depending on the variant.
The black decals are a nice touch
Its steering wheel is heavier, which is normal for pickup trucks, but in terms of maneuverability, it will not be a problem and can be handled easily during traffic, thanks to its slim body type. For the vehicle's fuel efficiency, in heavy traffic, the mileage meter shows an average of 8.6 km/L margin. On the other hand, with the use of cruise control, the truck provides a 14.7 km/L when out on the highway.
![Which 2021 Mitsubishi Strada variant should you buy? [Comparison Guide]](https://img.philkotse.com/crop/270x152/2021/05/04/WFFKkBCT/mitsubishi-strada-variant-guide-8110.png)
