Things move quickly in the Philippine's competitive pick-up truck gaming, and if you want proof, look no further than Mitsubishi. The Japanese marque made more minor changes to the 2020 model just months after the launch of the refreshed model, but the upgrades will appeal mostly to those who want to head off-road.
Improvements on the Strada may be small but it is significant as Mitsubishi aims to draw customers from aggressive rivals including the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. As before, value and capability are central to the Strada's appeal.
Exterior
The Strada's looks may be polarising, but few will disagree that it's miles and miles better looking than the model it replaced. The top spec premium's tray-mounted sports bar is now black instead of polished aluminium, which gives the truck a more elegant look.
The large turn signals and fog lamps are a tad overkill but it is with function, which light up the corners when you turn the wheels and they heighten the bold look of the new Strada. The LED rear combination lamps further accentuate the truck's width, simple yet smart.
Interior
Cabin practicality is unchanged - comfortable, if a bit narrow for three adults in the back. Not all pick-up trucks get the Strada's reach and rake adjustable steering column and there's two cupholders up front.
Seats are lovely to sit on and are very comfortable despite the usual pick-up bouncy suspension. Dual-zone air-conditioning lets the driver and front-seat passenger set their desired cabin temperatures independently, and the surprise upgrade, rear air circulator for the rear seats which looks nothing like air vents. I thought it was some sort of weirdly small sun visor for the rear passengers. Odd looking as it may, you don't get air circulators on other pick-up trucks so this is a neat feature.
Engine
The Strada is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel rating at 179 hp and 430Nm of torque. It is a very modern design that performs well for its relatively small capacity, and feels smooth and refined. Fuel economy is a strong point and ranges from 7.9 litres/100km
Drive
Ride comfort is fair for a pick-up truck rather than outstanding, but the steering has an evenly weighted feel and the Strada feels competent and confident in most situations. Off-road, the Strada will get where most buyers fear to tread, but it’s still better suited as a lifestyle vehicle than a heavy hauler. Super Select four-wheel drive system on the GLS and GLS Premium, which gives you the option of full-time four wheel drive in high range with a centre diff like an SUV, to give you more grip on wet slippy roads as well as all rugged low range off road abilities.
There are two different types of four-wheel drive systems available depending on grade - Easy-Select 4WD and Super-Select 4WD-II. Truth is either will pull you out of a sticky situation effectively, especially since the top spec variant now offers a rear differential lock as standard. Maximum towing capacity is the same as before: 3100kg. However, with the changes the payload has decreased by 2–3kg on the GLS Premium auto (855kg).
Verdict
Overall, the Mitsubishi Strada, while not as car-like to drive as some of its rivals, but for a pick-up truck, it is easy to drive in town. Its impressive value for money at Php 1,710,000 you get a well equipped vehicle with the latest safety aids what most rivals do not have.
While changes in the 2020 model are by no means wholesale, but they do reinforce its standing as one of the segment’s best all-rounders. It's good to see Mitsubishi refining the product so quickly, and the Strada represents a good value, and top quality truck.
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