2010 Mitsubishi Challenger Reviews

It took a pick-up and applied a four-door wagon body to create an off-road capable SUV, many years before the concept became as common as it is now (Fortuner, Everest, MU-X, and more)

When launched in 1998, the Mitsubishi Challenger was virtually a Mitsubishi Triton pickup with a station wagon body. Over the years it has became more slightly more sophisticated but still shares some components with the Triton. Which is no bad thing as the Triton is a tough ute with a good reputation in Australia. 

Mitsubishi's Challenger off-roader arrived on the market as buyers were shifting more and more towards SUVs without genuine off-road credentials.NEWThe attractively styled mid-sized 4WD wagon was a genuine off-roader built on the Triton chassis and using the Triton turbo-diesel engine and Super Select full-time/part-time 4WD system, and a rear diff lock. There were five models in two trim levels, the LS and XLS, offering the choice of five and seven seats.The Challenger's cabin is a pleasant and comfortable place to reside, although getting in required quite a step up and there was no grab handles to help you. Once aboard, however, you found yourself in comfortable and supportive seats, leather trimmed on the XLS, and faced by a nicely laid-out dash with everything you could need within easy reach and placed where you might expect them to be.Generally, there's ample room for adults in all three seating rows, although the unlucky one that cops the middle of the second row would be cramped and those who have to sit in the third row would only want to stay there for a relatively short trip. The 2.5-litre turbo-diesel does the job comfortably, if a little noisily. It's got plenty of mid-range punch for easy driving and good towing.There was a choice of manual and auto transmissions with gearing that has the engine working at its peak most of the time. On the highway the auto transmission tends to hunt in and out of overdrive on anything but flat roads. Off-road the Challenger is a competent operator, with decent ground clearance, good front and rear angles, as well as adequate protection underneath, a rear diff lock and front traction control.On the black top the Challenger holds its own with most of its rivals. It cruises comfortably, rides well and handles with aplomb for a big traditional off-road wagon. It wasn't lacking in equipment either. Standard features on both models included climate-control air-conditioning, CD player, six speakers, leather steering wheel, cruise. On top of that the XLS range-topper got leather trim, powered driver's seat, wood trim, premium sound, reversing camera, rear park sensors, fog lights and headlight washers.NOWThe Challenger is a solid vehicle with decent build quality and mechanics tell us that it is giving little trouble in the field. There are no serious flaws from the factory, so focus on issues that have resulted from its use. In particular pay close attention to the exterior and underbody for signs of off-road use.Mitsubishi was keen to point out that the Challenger would cope with being beaten around the bush, and some owners may well have taken them up on the challenge. Look for bent fittings and appendages underneath, exhaust hangers, suspension mountings etc. Also look for anything that might indicate water entry into vitals located underneath.Look for scratches, dents and bumps on exterior panels from having bounced off the scenery. Continue shopping should you suspect a car has been used offroad. Check for a service record showing oil changes and regular maintenance, as with all cars servicing is vital to a long life. There was a recall in 2011 to check the floor mats as some were fitted with mats that could affect the operation of the accelerator.SMITHY SAYSGood choice for those who want a real off-roader that isn't out of its comfort zone in town.Mitsubishi Challenger - 2009-2011Price new: $44,490 to $58,890Engine: 2.5-litre, 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 131 kW/350 Nm (auto), 131 kW/400 Nm (man)Transmission: 5-speed man, 5-speed auto, 4WDEconomy: 8.3 L/100 km (man), 9.8 L/100 km (auto)Body: 4-door wagonVariants: LS, XLSSafety: 4-star ANCAP

When introduced to Australia in 1998, the Mitsubishi Challenger was virtually a Triton pickup fitted with a station wagon body. Over the years it retained parts in common with the Triton but became more sophisticated.Challenger is slightly smaller and less passenger oriented vehicle than selling Mitsubishi Pajero. This makes it significantly cheaper. Many 4WD enthusiasts say the Challenger is closer to being a ‘real’ 4WD than the Pajero, and love it for that.Take it to forest trails and it will cope with ease, likewise it handles beach driving well. Having said that, a well driven Pajero can be pretty handy off-road as well. From mid 2007 until December 2009 no new Challengers were built.That’s because the engineers concentrated on designing the all-new Triton (the one with the interesting shape at the rear of the doors) before starting to expand their efforts onto the Challenger. Mitsubishi Challenger was a five-seater until the all-new model of 2009 when a seven-seat option was offered.All Challengers have good head and legroom but the older models are a bit cramped for width in the back for three big adults. Luggage space is excellent in the five-seater, with plenty of length and width. Naturally, the seven-seat models lose space in the rear, but are still pretty good.The area is quite easy to load despite being high off the ground. There is also plenty of in-cabin storage space. The Challenger has reasonable on-road comfort for its type and most owners are happy with its characteristics. Later models improved in this.However, those looking for a very relaxed suburban ride may be better off opting for Pajero instead. The Mitsubishi Challenger’s engine is either a 3.0-litre petrol V6 unit or a four-cylinder 2.5-litre turbo-diesel. The petrol engine is willing enough, but is slightly down on torque at everyday revs.So you have to work at gearchanging to keep it working to best advantage. The five-speed manual gearbox is light and easy to use. The automatic transmission used prior to 2009 is a four-speed unit, then moved up to five-speed unit with the all-new 2009. The auto has Mitsubishi’s semi-intelligent change system and can be used as a sequential manual.The Challenger’ doesn’t use the highly-regarded Super Select 4WD system fitted to the Mitsubishi Pajero, rather it has an old-style setup which normally drives the rear wheels only. The two-speed transfer case can be shifted on-the-fly between 2H and 4H at speeds of up to 100 km/h and the front hubs are automatic.So, apart from the inability to use 4WD on sealed roads the system is almost as good as the Super Select one. Though some see this setup as being old-fashioned it explains part of the aforementioned appeal to buyers looking for a ‘real’ 4WD.The suspension in the original ute-based model has a very firm ride that can make the Challenger tiring on a long trip. Mitsubishi made major revisions to the suspension as part of the mid-2000 facelift and mechanical makeover. The 2009 Triton is much more civilised in the comfort department.Spare parts availability is good and we have heard of no complaints about pricing. Mitsubishi is long established in Australia, having built cars in its Adelaide factory for many years, so is well represented in most areas. Even when you’re deep into the outback there’s a good chance you can find parts and a mechanic who understands the Challenger.Insurance is generally at the lower end as it’s the sort of vehicle that normally sells to conservative people.WHAT TO LOOK FORIf you suspect the Mitsubishi Challenger has had a lot of use on dirt roads and in off-road conditions make a careful check of the interior fittings as the firm suspension can eventually cause squeaks and rattles.Look over the cabin for signs of rough usage, being sure to look into all the hidden storage areas for damage that may have been caused by bored junior travellers. At the same time check out the luggage area for damage and/or bad staining.While the Challenger was built down to a price, quality certainly didn’t suffer and there's the typically impressive Japanese attention to detail. Look under the Challenger’s body for signs of damage caused by too-hard driving in harsh areas. Also look and taste for salt on the chassis rails.Salt can really attack steel and frequent beach use can cause corrosion to rip into the metal if it’s left unchecked. Make sure that the Mitsubishi’s engine starts easily and idles smoothly as soon as it settles into its rhythm.Check the engine doesn't blow any exhaust smoke when accelerated hard, especially after it's been idling for a while. It if does it could be due for an expensive overhaul. Be sure that all gearchanges are smooth and light. Check that 4WD is engaged in both high and low ratios without too much effort.CAR BUYING TIPDon’t even think of handing over your hard earned until you've had a full professional inspection, preferably from an expert on the make/model you’re considering.

Most SUV buyers simply want a wagon to cart the kids to school and pick up the shopping at the supermarket, rarely do they want to head off the beaten track, but Mitsubishi reckoned there were enough SUV owners who did to produce a wagon that was capable offroad.The new PB Challenger introduced in 2009 was just such a vehicle and it stood apart from the regular SUV pretenders. Sitting between the Outlander soft-roader and the Pajero four-wheel drive the Challenger offered an attractive blend of town manners and real bush capability.While the Challenger sat on a new platform it shared many components with the Triton ute, such as the front chassis and suspension, turbo - diesel engine, transmission, four-wheel drive system and rear axle. The four-wheel drive system that gives it its off-road capability boasts a central diff, dual range, and a lockable rear diff.Its offroad ability is enhanced by its high ground clearance and good, approach, departure and ramp angles. There was just one engine on offer and that was a 2.5-litre common - rail turbo - diesel engine that delivered plenty of low-down grunt to cope with the tough going without being out of its comfort zone around town.Two transmissions were available, a five-speed manual and a five - speed auto, the latter with manual shifting. Two models were offered, the entry level LS that came with the manual gearbox and five seats, and the five-seater XLS that had the automatic transmission. The LS could be optioned up with the auto, and both models could be upgraded to seven seats at extra cost.The XLS was the model with all the fruit with leather trim, satnav, reversing camera, parking sensors, privacy glass, headlight washers, Bluetooth, and upgraded sound. Inside, there is good room all round for all occupants who sit on comfortable seats.When specified the third row of seats has a 50/50 split/fold function and there's still room for a decent amount of luggage behind the third row. Access to the rear is through a lift-up tailgate rather than a swing out door, handier when you're towing, and the spare wheel is located underneath.IN THE SHOPThe Challenger is a solid unit with pretty decent build quality that is giving little trouble in the field. There are no serious flaws from the factory, so focus on issues that have resulted from its use. In particular pay close attention to the exterior and underbody for signs of offroad use. Mitsubishi was keen to point out that the Challenger would cope with being beaten around the bush, and some owners may well have taken them up on the challenge.Look for bent fittings and appendages underneath, exhaust hangers, suspension mountings etc. Also look for anything that might indicate water entry into vitals located underneath. On the outside look for scratches, dents and bumps from having bounced off the scenery.Continue shopping should you suspect a car has been used offroad. Check for a service record showing oil changes.IN A CRASHFour stars out of a possible five isn't a bad result, particularly given the Challenger sits on a ladder frame chassis, which isn't as crash friendly as a unitary body like most SUVs have. But it's got a raft of airbags, front and side, as well as the now expected ABS braking and anti-skid electronics.UNDER THE PUMPThe turbo-diesel engine ensures the Challenger delivers decent fuel mileage, with the manual coming in at 8.3 L/100 km and the auto at 9.8 L/100 km according to Mitsubishi's claims.MITSUBISHI CHALLENGER - 2009-2010Price new: $44,490 to $58,590 Engine: 2.5-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel, 131 kW/350 NmTransmission: 5-speed auto, five-speed manual, 4WDEconomy: 8.3-9.8 L/100 kmBody: 4-door wagonVariants: LS, XLS Safety: 4-star ANCAP

Mitsubishi Challenger returned to Australia in 2010 after an absence of five years.

Diesels have a lot going for them and sales are up in Australia. But they battle to sway buyers put off by agricultural noises from under the bonnet. It's hard enough to convince people in the middle of the weekday when the diesel chatter can be drowned in the hubbub of city noise. But at 5am on a public holiday when you're about the only car on the road, it is deafening. As I drove through the suburbs to start the road trip, the chatter felt loud enough to wake up the locals."Are you going to have to put up with this all day, dad?" asked one teenage daughter. "It'll be fine. Once I get out on the highway, it'll be right," was my hopeful reply. To be fair, once you're on the open road, get used to the noise - and turn up the sound system - you can forget you are in a big, noisy 4WD.The $56,990 5-seat Mitsubishi Challenger XLS was added to the range this year to sit below the Pajero, but above the Outlander, as a serious 4WD that buyers could still live with around town. It has been hailed by writers who took it offroad, but has come in for flak from those who tested it as a big urban runabout. I was trying both in one trip.Around the city the Challenger does feel agricultural, with the 4WD transfer gear stuck next to my left leg, but its size and high-seating position are handy in traffic. On the Hume Highway its a smooth though cumbersome cruiser. It's no sportscar and even old-model small sedans fly past. But the next day when we tackle a rough trek through several abandoned gold mining towns in the mountain forests of the Great Dividing Range the world changes for the Challenger.Faced with a challenge it responds in style. It chugs up the dirt roads that follow the Goulburn River with aplomb. However the onboard satnav is soon searching for answers. Not far out of civilisation and it shows we are driving in the river.And then it goes blank, well green actually. According to the screen we are lost in a forest somewhere. You'd think climbing to the top of the Great Dividing Range you'd actually be getting closer to the satellite but this proves to be uncharted territory. Not so good for an offroad machine.The road deteriorates seriously as we reach the tiny towns of Gaffneys Creek and A1 Mine Settlement - once bustling but now largely abandoned. The Challenger though takes the steep climbs on the narrow dirt roads easily.After passing through the hamlet of Woods Point we climb to the fabled town of Matlock (remember the old TV cop show Matlock Police from the 1970s, but there's no sign of actor Paul Cronin and his police motorcycle now though).What we are confronted with in the dusk is a sign to Walhalla that I think reads 24km. But it actually says 74km and the road becomes atrocious. It's basically a narrow collection of rocks hardly changed since the days of the packhorse. Great 4WD territory but the average speed drops to barely 30km/h as we battle to avoid the gaping potholes. We bounce away around the plateau and begin the descent into the valleys of upper Gippsland. There's no sign of wheel slip on the rocks and the Challenger's high seating position is valuable for peering off the edge of the road into the valley.While this is supposed to be a test of the Challenger's all-round capabilities it also becomes praise for the ability of a humble Toyota Camry. Because around the corner, coming up the hill in the dark we meet a Camry-driving couple with two kids in the back who not only tell us they are aiming to be hundreds of kilometres away near Albury that night, they are low on fuel and the kids are hungry...With the trip now taking a couple of hours longer than Google maps forecast, we roll on through the darkness. The lazy roar of the engine sounds like a bear. The last 10 kays, on the edge of a cliff with a river below, is a narrow one-lane descent. The satnav has given up all hope now. Occasionally a place name appears, drifts around the screen aimlessly and disappears.Finally we arrive at our destination of Walhalla, where the bitumen starts again. The Challenger, now totally covered in dust, has proved its worth as a versatile hauler. Folding the back seats over has given us enough room in the boot for two mountain bikes and our luggage, but you would need a bike rack with the rear seats in use.Fuel economy has been good but not great with the diesel. It averaged about 15L/100km around town but came down to nearer 10-11L/100km on the open road. But it is more frugal than the petrol model.Returning to Sydney via Canberra shows that the Challenger is also a comfortable highway driver. However, it will mostly suit people who are regularly heading off the blacktop. There are better buys on the market, including the Toyota Kluger and Ford Territory, if you rarely leave suburbia.It's a high step to get in and out of the car but once there the leather seats were comfortable and easily adjustable. The reversing camera was invaluable and should be a basic in cars of this size. Overall, it's a big machine, with heaps of lazy power, a bit too noisy, but a delight in the tough stuff.

The arrival of an all-new SUV should be a free kick for Mitsubishi in Australia.  It has always done well with four-wheel drives and the latest Challenger, just off the boat, should be a serious threat to anything in the running with serious off-road credentials. But that is two 'shoulds' with no certainty.  The new Challenger looks tough, and it is well equipped with plenty of gear and five or seven seats, and yet ...After driving the latest Toyota Prado, even though it sits a long way up from the Mitsubishi on price, the Challenger does not rate as highly as I expect. And there is something about the lack of refinement in the on-road package, and the lack of go from the turbodiesel engine. . .Still, Mitsubishi Australia is selling the new Challenger against the Nissan Navara, the Holden Captiva, and even the Ford Territory, and so its off-road and towing power will be a significant drawcard.  It is priced from $44,990 with five seats, or $48,890 with a third-row bench, and Mitsubishi has decided to go all-diesel on the engine front with automatics on everything beyond the basic LS model. Moving up through the line-up brings everything from leather seats and giant alloys to a reversing camera.The Challenger is actually a comeback car in Australia, as an earlier model was sold from 1998 and 2006. It now drops back in below the Pajero and above the Outlander wagon.  The previous model was all about off-road work but Mitsubishi says things have changed with the new one.“Owners of the previous model Challenger prized the vehicle for its real-world four-wheel drive ability, rather than its on-road comfort.  When it came to designing the new model, the clear intent was for the design to offer the best of both worlds – and we think we’ve nailed it,” says Rob McEniry boss of Mitsubishi in Australia. “This vehicle is completely new in every aspect and drives like a dream, both on- and off-road.”The Challenger takes a traditional approach to four-wheel drive work, with a body sitting on a ladder frame. It's suspension has wishbones at the front with coil springs in the rear and stabiliser bars to control roll. There is, of course, a set of low-range crawler gears.The 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine makes 131 kiloWatts with 400 Newton-metres of torque, with a claimed fuel economy as good as 8.3L/100km and a tow rating of 2500 kilograms.  The Challenger has a basic LS specification that still includes six airbags and ESP stability control.It's no surprise when Mitsubishi drops a fully-loaded Challenger XLS seven-seater into the Carsguide garage, still wearing battle scratches from a serious off-road drive at the Australian press preview. It looks tough in basic black with side steps and big allows, and a lot nicer than the latest Prado.But then I turn the key. And the diesel engine is much noisier than I expect, both from Mitsubishi and from 2010.  It is also lacklustre on the long climb away from home and the steering is vague, with far too many turns of the sporty little wheel. I'm hoping for better as I spend more time with the Challenger.Things definitely get better when we load the seven seats, and explore the luggage space - with the third row up and down - and the Challenger feels it can easily handle the worst of Australian roads and bush tracks. It's a serious off-roader and you can feel it, even around the 'burbs.But I do not like the shapeless seats, or the too-high driving position, and I can never feel comfortable with the effort needed to get the engine to go. It is a disappointment for day-to-day commuter use, even with the automatic gearbox.  I do like the final finishing, and the design of the dash and cabin, and to know that I could easily go towing or head out into the bush. But I spend almost all my time in day-to-day family work and I can think of plenty of other SUVs I would pick ahead of the Challenger for my needs.I know it will be great for off-road work, and is a great saving on a Pajero or Prado, but the Ford Territory is just as big and nicer for commuting and, provided you don't need to tow and only drive on gravel roads, something like the Toyota Kluger would be more relaxing and easier living.The Mitsubishi Challenger is just that - a challenge to drive.  I find the steering, handling and overall performance a bit sluggish and heavy.In fact, the steering is like driving a barge, except barges I have handled on the water are better. And the engine is as noisy and rattly as the Toyota HiLux I remember from long family trips in the 1980s.Even the rear-vision mirror wobbles in time with the engine, which is something new for me on a test car in 2010. On a positive note, the Challenger is great in the back seats with plenty of storage compartments for extras like shopping. The boot is a great size and could fit plenty even with the rear row seats being used, the reversing camera is big and clear, and the leather trim in the test car is well finished.The Challenger looks good, too. Nice and grunty, without being too futuristic.I like seven seats, with the last row being reasonably comfortable with own air-con vents and cupholders, as well as six airbags, so its a good attempt by Mitsubishi but one that I don't think challenges its rivals enough.The Bottom Line: Looks tough, too tough to drive.

The change is refreshing when it comes to getting into something with drive to all four wheels that can actually use it.  The new Mitsubishi Challenger has been a while coming back to the market but it has been worth the wait.With plenty of the good bits from its LCV Triton cousin, the Challenger turbodiesel - in this case an LS five-seater - sounds a little trucky when first started, but it's not thrashy or too rough from within.The $44,490 base-model five-seat LS (the auto starts from $46,990) sits on 17in alloy wheels, including a spare to match, has side steps, climate control, wheel-mounted cruise and sound system controls, power windows, remote keyless entry and central locking, a six-speaker CD sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter and cloth trim.The centre display shows the current radio station but also has a compass, trip computer, exterior temperature display, altimeter and even a barometer, although the last two are a bit naff - unless you're planning on drawing topographical maps or doing your own weather forecasting.There's dual front, side and curtain airbags, stability control and anti-lock brakes, so the equipment list is decent.But the best bits on the features list are what the company calls Super Select 4WD and the rear diff lock, the latter being standard fare.  The wagon can be run in 2WD or 4WD with the centre diff unlocked - the rear-wheel drive mode will give a slight reduction in fuel consumption but means you have to be a lot more judicious with the right foot, as 400Nm of torque can set the rear wheels talking.Run in 4WD mode, with plenty of city and country running, with some dirt work, the fuel consumption from the 131kW/400Nm 2.5-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder was still returning around 10 litres per 100km, despite hauling two tonnes around.Throwing the Challenger at unsealed surfaces didn't cause any concern at all, with the 4WD system offering ample traction. Rougher dirt showed the ladder-frame chassis still feels a little rubbery but the ride quality is good, the payoff being that it rolls around a little bit and the steering needs plenty of twirling in tight stuff.Locking the centre diff, employing the rear diff lock and getting into bumpier stuff doesn't deter the Challenger either, with more than enough gumption to get way off the beaten track, even on road-biased rubber.Complaints with the Challenger - the powerplant needs a solid prod of the throttle and 2000rpm on board before it hits its straps.  The 70-litre fuel tank is a little on the small side for a serious off-roader - even if it was running at 8.3l/100km it's range is well under 900km, which is below par for the category - the new Prado's tanks carry 150 litres.Rear vision is a little restricted, which would make parking sensors a must - a desire not unique to this model, but a safety feature that would be a good addition to all SUVs and wagons.If you have any desire get the wheels dirty on your family wagon, the new Challenger is priced competitively and will go much deeper into the scrub than most of the medium SUV offerings.

After being missing from the market for almost three years, the Mitsubishi Challenger has made a welcome return to the Australian 4WD scene.