Mitsubishi Strada: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Mitsubishi Strada in this catalogue comes in three version-and-generation combinations: the first-generation 2.5 MT with 85 hp, the second-generation 2.5 MT with 105 hp, and the second-generation 2.5 AT with 105 hp. All are Pickup double-cab models with a 2,476 cc Turbo Diesel engine and AWD.
The Mitsubishi Strada in this catalogue comes in three version-and-generation combinations: the first-generation 2.5 MT with 85 hp, the second-generation 2.5 MT with 105 hp, and the second-generation 2.5 AT with 105 hp. All are Pickup double-cab models with a 2,476 cc Turbo Diesel engine and AWD. The key choice is therefore between the lighter first-generation truck and the more powerful second generation, followed by a choice between Manual and Automatic transmission. Price, reliability, payload capacity, and running-cost data were not measured, so they cannot determine the recommendation.
Mitsubishi Strada generations compared
The first-generation Mitsubishi Strada was produced from May 1991 through May 1997. It was offered here as a Pickup double-cab in one version, 2.5 MT. Its engine produces 85 hp at 4,200 rpm and 196 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The truck has a 5-speed Manual gearbox, AWD, a kerb weight of 1,560 kg, and 195 mm of ground clearance.
The second generation ran from June 1997 through November 1999. It retained the Pickup double-cab body but expanded the range to two versions: 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT. Both produce 105 hp at 4,200 rpm and 240 Nm at 2,000 rpm. The Manual has 5 speeds and weighs 1,770 kg, while the Automatic has 4 speeds and weighs 1,780 kg. Both use AWD and provide 235 mm of ground clearance.
Moving from the first-generation 2.5 MT to either second-generation version adds 20 hp, an increase of about 23.5%, and 44 Nm, an increase of about 22.4%. Ground clearance rises by 40 mm, or about 20.5%. The trade-off is weight: the second-generation 2.5 MT is 210 kg heavier, while the 2.5 AT is 220 kg heavier.
Mitsubishi Strada engine specs
Every version uses Diesel fuel, Turbo boost, 4 cylinders in an Inline layout, and a displacement of 2,476 cc. The first-generation engine is mounted Front, longitudinal and has 2 valves per cylinder. In the second generation, the listed mounting changes to Front, transverse and the specification changes to 4 valves per cylinder.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders | Layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 2.5 MT | 85 hp at 4,200 rpm | 196 Nm at 2,000 rpm | 2,476 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second generation 2.5 MT | 105 hp at 4,200 rpm | 240 Nm at 2,000 rpm | 2,476 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second generation 2.5 AT | 105 hp at 4,200 rpm | 240 Nm at 2,000 rpm | 2,476 cc | Diesel | 4 | Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
Because displacement remains 2,476 cc, the extra output of the second generation improves power per litre from approximately 34.3 hp/L in the first-generation 2.5 MT to approximately 42.4 hp/L in both second-generation versions. Torque per litre rises from approximately 79.2 Nm/L to approximately 96.9 Nm/L.
The bore and stroke are listed as 91 × 95 mm for the first-generation 2.5 MT and 91.1 × 95 mm for both second-generation versions. All three have a compression ratio of 21. The engine model, engine-oil type, oil capacity, and engine-number location were not measured.
Performance and fuel economy
Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h was not measured for the first-generation 2.5 MT, second-generation 2.5 MT, or second-generation 2.5 AT. Top speed was also not measured for any version.
City fuel consumption, highway fuel consumption, and combined fuel consumption were not measured for any Mitsubishi Strada listed here. CO₂ output and environmental class were not measured either. These missing figures mean that neither gearbox can be presented as faster or more economical from the supplied specifications.
Weight-to-power provides a useful comparison without claiming measured acceleration. The first-generation 2.5 MT carries approximately 18.35 kg for each horsepower. The second-generation 2.5 MT improves that figure to approximately 16.86 kg/hp, while the second-generation 2.5 AT records approximately 16.95 kg/hp. Despite their extra kerb weight, both later trucks therefore have a better weight-to-power ratio than the earlier version.
Within the second generation, the 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT have identical power and torque. The Manual is 10 kg lighter, so its calculated weight-to-power figure is marginally better. No measured performance result is available to establish whether that small numerical advantage creates a noticeable difference on the road.
Mitsubishi Strada dimensions, weight, and chassis specs
Exterior length, width, height, and wheelbase were not measured for any version. Wheel sizes were not measured. Gross weight and payload capacity were also not measured, so kerb weight must not be treated as carrying capacity.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Fuel tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation 2.5 MT | 1,560 kg | not measured | 195 mm | 75 L | not measured |
| Second generation 2.5 MT | 1,770 kg | not measured | 235 mm | 75 L | not measured |
| Second generation 2.5 AT | 1,780 kg | not measured | 235 mm | 75 L | not measured |
The fuel tank remains 75 L across all three choices. The suspension and brake descriptions also remain consistent: Independent, torsion front suspension; Dependent, leaf spring rear suspension; Ventilated disc front brakes; and Drum rear brakes.
For buyers considering a Mitsubishi Strada camper conversion, the second generation offers 40 mm more ground clearance than the first generation. However, gross weight, payload capacity, body dimensions, and wheel sizes were not measured. The available data therefore cannot show whether any version can safely support a particular camper installation.
Which Mitsubishi Strada version should you buy?
The second-generation 2.5 MT is the strongest all-round choice from the measured specifications. It matches the 2.5 AT at 105 hp and 240 Nm, retains a 5-speed Manual gearbox, and is 10 kg lighter. Compared with the first-generation 2.5 MT, it supplies 20 hp and 44 Nm more, improves calculated power density by about 8.1 hp/L, and adds 40 mm of ground clearance. Its disadvantage is a 210 kg increase in kerb weight.
Choose the second-generation 2.5 AT if Automatic transmission is the deciding requirement. It provides the same 105 hp, 240 Nm, AWD, 235 mm clearance, and 75 L tank as the second-generation 2.5 MT, but uses a 4-speed Automatic instead of a 5-speed Manual and weighs 10 kg more. Fuel-economy and acceleration figures were not measured, so there is no numerical basis here for claiming an economy or performance advantage for either transmission.
Choose the first-generation 2.5 MT if the lowest kerb weight matters more than maximum output or clearance. At 1,560 kg, it is 210 kg lighter than the later 2.5 MT and 220 kg lighter than the later 2.5 AT. In exchange, it has 85 hp rather than 105 hp, 196 Nm rather than 240 Nm, and 195 mm of clearance rather than 235 mm.
Price and for-sale data were not measured, so it is impossible to calculate what the extra money buys or identify a price-based winner. Reliability and problems were not measured as well. Based strictly on the catalogue numbers, the second-generation 2.5 MT offers the best combination of output, clearance, transmission gearing, and weight; the 2.5 AT is the Automatic alternative, while the first-generation 2.5 MT is the lighter but less powerful choice.