What To Know
- The L200’s interior offers a spacious and functional layout, with ergonomic controls, a large touchscreen display, and a variety of storage options.
- While the Mitsubishi L200 offers a competitive price point, the Toyota Tacoma ultimately provides a more well-rounded package with superior performance, a more refined interior, and a proven track record of reliability.
- It offers a more powerful and efficient engine, a more refined and comfortable interior, a wider range of features, and a superior reputation for reliability and resale value.
In the competitive pickup truck arena, two formidable contenders stand tall: the Toyota Tacoma and the Mitsubishi L200. Both vehicles boast impressive capabilities and loyal followings. But which one emerges victorious in the ultimate showdown? This comprehensive blog post will delve into the key aspects of each pickup, comparing their performance, design, features, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Performance: Power and Efficiency
Engine Power: The Toyota Tacoma offers a range of engine options, including a 2.7-liter four-cylinder producing 159 horsepower and 180 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.5-liter V6 that delivers 278 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. The Mitsubishi L200, on the other hand, comes with a single 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine that generates 178 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque.
Towing and Payload Capacity: When it comes to towing, the Tacoma takes the lead with a maximum towing capacity of 6,800 pounds. The L200 follows closely behind with a towing capacity of 6,600 pounds. In terms of payload capacity, the Tacoma can handle up to 1,685 pounds, while the L200 offers a slightly higher payload capacity of 1,764 pounds.
Fuel Economy: The Tacoma’s 2.7-liter engine delivers an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway. The V6 engine provides slightly lower fuel economy, with an EPA rating of 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. The L200’s 2.4-liter diesel engine impresses with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
Design: Rugged Exterior and Comfortable Interior
Exterior Design: The Toyota Tacoma exudes a rugged and muscular exterior, with a bold grille, flared fenders, and a high ground clearance. The Mitsubishi L200 also boasts a rugged appearance, featuring a wide stance, aggressive headlights, and a sleek profile.
Interior Design: Inside the Tacoma, you’ll find a well-appointed cabin with comfortable seats, a user-friendly infotainment system, and ample storage space. The L200’s interior offers a spacious and functional layout, with ergonomic controls, a large touchscreen display, and a variety of storage options.
Features: Technology and Convenience
Infotainment System: The Tacoma comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The L200 offers a more advanced 8-inch touchscreen system with a built-in navigation system and smartphone mirroring capabilities.
Safety Features: Both the Tacoma and the L200 offer a comprehensive suite of safety features, including lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The Tacoma also features a blind-spot monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert.
Convenience Features: The Toyota Tacoma provides a range of convenience features, such as a push-button start, keyless entry, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. The Mitsubishi L200 offers similar convenience features, including a remote start system, heated seats, and a dual-zone climate control system.
Reliability and Resale Value
Reliability: The Toyota Tacoma has a reputation for exceptional reliability and longevity. It consistently ranks among the top-rated pickup trucks in terms of reliability by J.D. Power and Associates. The Mitsubishi L200 also has a solid reliability record, but it does not quite match the Tacoma’s stellar reputation.
Resale Value: Both the Tacoma and the L200 hold their value well over time. However, the Tacoma tends to have a slightly higher resale value due to its strong demand and reputation for reliability.
Price and Value
Pricing: The Toyota Tacoma has a starting price of $27,150, while the Mitsubishi L200 starts at $28,890. As you move up the trim levels, the price difference becomes more significant, with the top-of-the-line Tacoma models costing several thousand dollars more than the L200.
Value: When considering the overall value of these two pickup trucks, it’s important to weigh their performance, features, reliability, and resale value. While the Mitsubishi L200 offers a competitive price point, the Toyota Tacoma ultimately provides a more well-rounded package with superior performance, a more refined interior, and a proven track record of reliability.
Final Verdict: The Victor is…
In the epic showdown between the Toyota Tacoma and the Mitsubishi L200, the Tacoma emerges as the victor. It offers a more powerful and efficient engine, a more refined and comfortable interior, a wider range of features, and a superior reputation for reliability and resale value. While the L200 is a capable and affordable option, it simply cannot match the overall excellence of the Tacoma.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Which pickup truck has the higher towing capacity?
A: The Toyota Tacoma has a higher towing capacity of 6,800 pounds compared to the Mitsubishi L200’s 6,600 pounds.
Q: Which pickup truck has the better fuel economy?
A: The Mitsubishi L200 has better fuel economy, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, compared to the Tacoma’s 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.
Q: Which pickup truck has a more advanced infotainment system?
A: The Mitsubishi L200 has a more advanced infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen display and built-in navigation, while the Tacoma comes with a 7-inch touchscreen and smartphone mirroring capabilities.