Acceleration

2WD extended cab, V6 auto.	4WD Double Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
3	5	4.8

V8 models have good power with either transmission, but lack the expected passing reserves. V6 is underpowered for anything but daily commuting and light loads. Towing capacity ranges from 2800 to 6600 lb.

Fuel Economy

2WD extended cab, V6 auto.	4WD Double Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
4	3	4

Test 4WD Double Cab with V8 averaged 14.4 mpg. Mitsubishi recommends regular-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

2WD extended cab, V6 auto.	4WD Double Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
5	5	4.3

Smooth and composed in any configuration. Little of the bounding and jiggle typical of the class. Some choppiness over broken surfaces in 4WD models.

Steering/Handling/Braking

2WD extended cab, V6 auto.	4WD Double Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
3	4	3.9

Steering has direct feel, lacks typical truck sloppiness. Body lean evident in turns, but well-controlled for a pickup. All test trucks wore 17-inch tires. Four-wheel ABS a worthwhile investment over standard rear-only arrangement.

Quietness

2WD extended cab, V6 auto.	4WD Double Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
5	6	4.4

Road noise impressively hushed. Some wind rush at highway speeds. Well-muted engines sound refined in rapid acceleration, though V8s are quieter overall.

Controls

2WD extended cab, V6 auto.	4WD Double Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
5	5	5.8

Controls logically placed, readily accessed. Large gauges easy to read. Interior materials look and feel low grade. Hard shiny plastic covers most surfaces, and some controls lack quality feel.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2WD extended cab, V6 auto.	4WD Double Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
7	7	5.2

Spacious cabin has plenty of head and leg room. Available crew cab front bench seat will accommodate three passengers in a pinch.

Room/Comfort (rear)

2WD extended cab, V6 auto.	4WD Double Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
2	5	2.5

Crew cabs offer three abreast rear seating, but only two adults will fit comfortably. Head and leg room adequate for adults under 6-ft, but taller riders will want more leg room. Extended cab's available forward-facing jump seats best suit those under 5-ft-3, as there's little leg room. Wider-opening rear-hinged doors make for easier loading in tight spaces.

Cargo Room

2WD extended cab, V6 auto.	4WD Double Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
4	5	3.7

Ample center-console and door-pocket storage. Folding rear seats add to extended cab utility.

Value within Class

2WD extended cab, V6 auto.	4WD Double Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
5	6	6.2

Being no more than a reskinned Dodge Dakota, Raider's virtues mirror those of that outstanding pickup truck. Both deliver a laudable combination of quietness, refinement, versatile 4WD, and curtain-side-airbag security. Raider sales never took off, however, so don't consider one in the absence of substantial discounts off the list price.

Total Score

2WD extended cab, V6 auto.	4WD Double Cab, V8 auto.	Class Average
43	51	44.8

Scores for all Compact Pickup Trucks

Low Score		32
Average Score		44
High Score		60