The 2007 Mitsubishi Raider is an all-new midsize pickup truck, although "all new" in this case must be qualified because it uses the chassis and engine of the Dodge Dakota and comes off the Dakota assembly line in Detroit. However, its sheet metal is totally unlike the Dakota's, and its interior is a unique design as well.
The Raider was rushed to market, although because the powertrain is proven, reliability won't suffer. It mostly means that the Raider's individuality will grow as Mitsubishi begins to introduce options to distinguish it under the skin from the Dakota. If you need off-road capability, Mitsubishi makes it available with the DuroCross 4WD model, which is as macho as a Dakota, with better looks to boot.History
For 2007, the V-8 engine, side curtain airbags and Bluetooth interface are no longer available, and the XLS and Limited trim levels have been discontinued. A new transfer case is available on the four-wheel-drive Double Cab, and the DuroCross now features standard satin interior finishes, fog lamps, a sliding rear window and a revised wheel design.
ll models have rack-and-pinion steering, a heavy-duty suspension, and front and rear stabilizer bars. Steel wheels measure 16 inches on the LS Extended Cab, and all models have 16-inch aluminum wheels. A full-size spare tire is installed on all pickups.
DuroCross equipment includes fender trim, mudguards, side steps and a bedliner. Four-wheel-drive trucks add high-pressure gas shock absorbers with increased ride height, a skid plate package and a limited-slip differential.
The Raider's engine range comprises an oddly familiar 210-hp, 230 lb-ft 3.7-liter V-6 available with a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic and a 230-hp, 280 lb-ft 4.7-liter V-8 that can only be had with a five-speed automatic. While having the availability of a V-8 gives the Raider bragging rights over its V-6-powered Japanese rivals, both Toyota and Nissan offer considerably more powerful V-6s than the Raider's low-tech eight-cylinder.
Standard equipment on the LS Extended Cab includes a 40/20/40-split front bench seat, air conditioning, a tachometer, variable intermittent wipers, a CD player with four speakers, power outlets, and front and rear cupholders. An LS Extended Cab Convenience Package adds power windows, locks and mirrors; keyless entry; a second-row seat; cruise control; a tilt steering column; and floormats.
There really isn't much point investing in the V-8 at all, in fact, unless you do a lot of towing or can't resist the pleasant rumble of what just might be an old-fashioned American V-8. Mitsubishi doesn't get the High Output Magnum V-8, which offers around 250 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque because, unsurprisingly, another unnamed vehicle doesn't want to relinquish its best-in-class 7150-lb towing capacity . Mind you, the V-8 Raider can still manage a respectable 6500 lb.