Mitsubishi Challenger 2010 review

Mitsubishi Challenger returned to Australia in 2010 after an absence of five years. It's a genuine 4WD, not merely an SUV. As before, Challenger shares many components with the rugged Mitsubishi Triton pickup and so gives it the off-road toughness that stood out on our road test review. Challenger has a different rear suspension setup to the Triton to provide the comfort to carry passengers.

Interestingly, the Challenger has commercial-vehicle styling at the front, not the single grille as is seen on the passenger car Mitsubishis. With strong cues to the Triton, the Challenger uses the latest double-diagonal Mitsubishi grille theme. The rear end is square and practical to maximise passenger and luggage space, but the stylists have been clever in giving it an elegant shape that works nicely.

As well as using strong ladder-frame construction, Mitsubishi Challenger also features a two-speed transfer case with low-range to multiply torque in extreme driving and to let it crawl at ultra low speeds when the conditions are really harsh.

This time around the Challenger can transport seven people, not the five as in the previous models. So it's a genuine people mover, as well as a 4WD – an excellent combination. The rearmost row is probably best suited to children, though adults can be carried with a bit squeezing.

However, the bulk of the ladder frame chassis results in a relatively high floor. This means the rearmost seats can't be folded down into a recess as is possible in a monocoque body. They do fold flat and, in conjunction with the double-fold centre row can create a decent load area. Getting the seats down and up is quite a complex operation.

Mitsubishi has kept it simple in the powertrain setup. The 2010 Challenger comes only with a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine and choice a five-speed manual or automatic transmission. The engine is a modern unit, with a power output of 131 kW. Peak torque is 400 Newton metres with the manual gearbox, but is slightly detuned, to 350 Nm, when it sits in front of the auto.

During the period of our review, we found the engine to be very diesel-like in its sound and feel, with quite a ‘clatter’ from it during acceleration. It's not as quiet or refined as the latest car diesels. But it can be argued that the old-fashioned characteristics of the Challenger engine adds to the character of the vehicle.

Off-road the Mitsubishi Challenger's performance is most impressive. We put it through its paces at a dedicated 4WD drive area and it crawled its way up steep hills, over rocks and across dried-out creek beds. It has a locking rear differential to further aid traction when required.

A drawback is a lack of engine braking from the diesel. That's probably because it's only running a 16.5:1 compression ratio. It was necessary to use the brakes on steep descents on more than one occasion. May we suggest that if you haven’t done any heavy-duty off-road driving in the past that you get some professional tuition? Joining a 4WD club is a perfect way of arranging this, and the social aspect is a real bonus.

Comfort was pretty good on these dirt roads, and we also appreciated its ride and handling on corrugated dirt tracks and regular fire trails. 

On road the 2010 Mitsubishi Challenger displays more comfort than the typical ladder-frame 4WD, yet manages to do so without being too soft in the handling department. It's a long way from being a sports SUV, but it has dynamics that will be considered more than adequate by the great majority of drivers. 

The complete Mitsubishi Challenger range

LS five-seat: $44,990 (manual), $47,490 (automatic)
LS seven-seat: $49,390 (automatic)
XLS five-seat: $54,490 (automatic)
XLS seven-seat: $56,390 (automatic