Tough Warriors: Mitsubishi Strada vs. Isuzu D-MAX (2006)

The pick-up is the modern day equivalent of the workhorse. It does without compromise what other vehicles can’t: haul and pull. Armed with a robust suspension, tough drive train and no-nonsense design, pick-ups have endeared themselves in the hearts and minds of automotive junkies the world over.

However, there’s a change of guard ongoing right now. No longer can pick-ups exist merely as cargo haulers, but must be able to haul the family as well. With the Thai government embracing the light-duty pick-up truck as their “people’s car”, soon manufacturers found themselves a growing demand. So huge a demand in fact, that the ASEAN region is the world’s largest pick-up truck market outside the United States (majority of which is because of Thailand). Car makers took notice quickly and soon engineered pick-ups to be equal parts daily driver, equal parts business partner. Soon, there was an exodus for the pick-up from its beast of burden origins to something more of a social animal.

For this test, the most significant pick-ups not just of the Philippines, but of the entire ASEAN region are pitted against each other in a mano-a-mano test where only one pick-up may be crowned king. On one side sits the Isuzu D-MAX, the perennial best-seller, perhaps best known as being the pick-up that started it all. On the other is the newest kid on the block, the Strada–a product that plays a key role in deciding the fate of the Mitsubishi brand worldwide.

May the best truck win.

Performance and Refinement

Pick-ups are all about the power/economy balance. Surely any car maker can boast of an engine with 1,000 horsepower or a mileage of 49 km/L, but it’s rarer to find a car that does both. In order to keep both power and frugality in check, Isuzu and Mitsubishi both chose to equip their pick-ups with turbo-diesel power. However that’ s where the similarity ends.

Being already a couple of years old in the world market, the Isuzu D-MAX shoulders on with a 3.0-liter DOHC inline-4 with direct-injection technology. Without any sort of common rail technology attached to it, it merely puts out modest figures: 130 horsepower and 279 Nm of torque. However, you’d be surprised how the D-MAX still feels spirited from standstill, perhaps because of its close ratio 5-speed manual. As the speed increases, the Isuzu engine will find it hard to accelerate past 100 km/h. In fact, 80 km/h is already reached by fifth gear, and pushing beyond further may take a long, straight road to accomplish. It sounds and shudders like a typical diesel too. Perhaps smoother than those engines found in say, the Nissan Frontier, but the noise and vibration it generates are a bit too much for today’s sophisticated buyer. During our battery of tests, the D-MAX sipped diesel at a rate of 10.56 km/L.

Utilizing the seasoned 4D56 engine (found also in the previous Strada and Adventure), Mitsubishi grafted on a new double cam, 16-valve head design along with common rail direct-injection technology. This gives the new Strada a huge leap over its predecessor and its rivals. Despite giving up 500 cc of displacement, the Strada still has 136 horsepower and 314 Nm of torque. Compared to the D-MAX, the Strada suffers a lot from turbo lag. Whereas the Isuzu pulls hard fast, the Strada requires some decent engine speed (around 2,000 rpm) to really get going. When it does though, it simply keeps on going. 120 km/h is no sweat for the Mitsubishi, and a long enough straight will see you going 130-140 km/h–a great feat for a pick-up. The 4D56 is also the winner here when it comes to refinement and sophistication. The engine’s Euro-2 compliant (the first in the country) and there’s almost no hint of diesel shudder. The transmission’s equally good with nice and precise shifts and better-spaced ratios compared to the D-MAX’s balky and awkward shift action.

As a side note though, with the Mitsubishi Strada’s lack of low-end torque and car-like gearbox, perhaps pulling stuff is still best left to the more truck-like D-MAX.

Ride and Handling

Often the Achilles’ Heel of pick-up trucks, ride and handling are often sacrificed in favor of better payload or towing capacity. However, with more sophisticated design and engineering methods, pick-ups have increasingly closed the ride handling gap if not with passenger cars, then with large sport-utility vehicles. It must be noted though that offering comfort and handling doesn’t suffice with a pick-up truck–it must be be able to cope with the stress of a full payload without sacrificing overall stability. Again, both the Isuzu D-MAX and Mitsubishi Strada use the same basic Independent Double Wishbone / Semi-Elliptic Leaf Spring set-up but the way they’re tuned are worlds apart.

The newer, more modern Mitsubishi Strada exemplifies the move towards a more on-road friendly suspension design. The all-new suspension design absorbs the nastiest road ruts. The roughest of terrains are conquered by the Strada’s underpinnings while still offering a good amount of suspension travel (for the occasional off-road use). The shock is dissipated even before it reaches the cabin thanks to the Strada’s solid construction. Being a larger pick-up, the Mitsubishi may feel a bit lumbering at first, but because of its Rack & Pinion steering rack (often found in passenger cars), the Strada is the much more responsive and willing vehicle. Turning radius is still truck-like, but much more livable than pick-ups of yesteryear. The trade-off for the Strada’s low-speed lethargic steering response is unparalleled high-speed composure. With an engine capable of well past 130 km/h, the Strada feels every bit as confident and planted–a pleasant surprise.

Equally surprising is the Isuzu D-MAX’s spirited handling. It may not match the newer pick-ups in terms of overall ride comfort, but the D-MAX feels very agile, especially at lower speeds. The lower center of gravity and smaller mass is an especially big factor. Steering feel is a bit more numb and require more turns, but effort is lighter which makes the D-MAX an easy pick-up to park. Of course, the lower side glass and square-cut exterior also help quite a bit. There’s some shuddering that enters the cabin, but so far nothing has caused the D-MAX to reel unplanted during any sort of highway run. The test unit already had 45,000 kilometers on the odometer, but it still feels solid with no squeaks and niggles.

Both the Mitsubishi Strada and Isuzu D-MAX offer part-time four-wheel drive. Both are “shift-on-the-fly” systems, but it’s only on the D-MAX where the engagement is a push-button affair. Although it feels more high-tech, this push-button system may prove to be somewhat problematic like the one in the test vehicle. Any attempts to engage either the 4H or 4L are greeted merely with a dash light and nothing more. The straight-forward double-lever approach on the Strada may look a bit old school, but it’s a more proven system and probably less susceptible to problems later on its life.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Designed with families in mind, both pick-ups in this test feature almost car-like qualities in the type of materials used and the overall ambiance. In fact, while pick-ups of the past had exposed metal on the C- or even B-pillar, both the D-MAX and Strada are covered with high-grade plastic. Although they’re still not soft to the touch, like say, those found in an executive sedan, they’ve gone a long way compared to say a couple of years back. Chinese toy quality plastics are now passé and replaced by good and durable materials. At the same time, build quality is at an all-time high. Try as you may, but you’ll never find a sharp edge or flimsy piece of plastic in either of these pick-ups. Perhaps what’s surprising for both the Strada and the D-MAX is how their exterior echoes the interior treatment as well.

The angular and timeless Isuzu D-MAX features a more traditional interior with an upright windshield and square-cut theme. Generally, the D-MAX has an effective and ergonomic cabin. All the controls are within easy reach, particularly the chunky window switches which are operable with tactile feel. There’s a separate button for the power door locks too–something you don’t often see in this segment. The gauges are straight-forward but easy to read with a nice typeface. Seat support is also quite good, especially the front seats, where a lumbar support adjuster is standard. The rear occupants seat a bit upright, but at least their legs aren’t raised and the seat belts are actually adjustable for height. Despite the civilized feel of the D-MAX’s cabin, there are some minor quirks. First, the steering wheel is a tad too close despite any seating adjustment. The gear lever too is a couple of inches shorter–making the engagement of fifth gear more difficult than what it should have been. The ventilation controls too are on the small side (although they do an effective job in beating the Manila heat). The Pioneer 1-DIN stereo/CD/MP3 system is equally confusing though, and despite the complexity of the control, only offers modest sound quality.

Whereas the Isuzu feels more utilitarian and straight-forward, the flashy, concept-car feel of the Mitsubishi is carried over inside and is executed quite well. The sweeping dash design with the prominent silver center console evokes modernity and the use of large round buttons (as opposed to angular switches) make the Strada a breath of fresh air in the segment. The materials used inside are the best yet for a pick-up (comparable to that of a passenger car even). The use of silver accent is much more subtle in the Strada compared to the D-MAX, but somehow, the effect is more classy and effective in the Mitsubishi. The two-tone blue/gray cabin is certainly avant-garde with the blue gauges being the piece de resistance. The seating position is taller than the D-MAX, but not enough to be discontenting. The steering wheel is a large diameter three-spoke (with blue stitching) evokes a feel of massiveness and power. Like most Mitsubishi products, the Strada has first-rate ergonomics with the major controls including pedals, steering wheel and gear knob at all the right places. The Strada is also the first pick-up to offer an automatic climate control system. It’s a bit gimmicky, but its nonetheless effective and easy to operate. That’s not the case however with the Strada’s radio. Although the one installed in this unit is a JVC 1-DIN, the Kenwood 1-DIN player (the default dealer option) has equally small buttons so changing stations or sources may be more difficult. On the plus side, it contains not just an AM/FM receiver, but CD with MP3/WMA support plus a USB and Apple iPod input. Sound quality over FM and MP3 from a CD are of average quality. However, the direct Apple iPod connection provides good bass.

Design and Styling

With pick-up trucks now as common on the high streets as they are on the country side, styling cannot take a back seat anymore. The pick-up buyer is now becoming more sophisticated, wanting snazzy styling as much as better interior room and increased payload capacity. This presents a daunting task for stylists as pick-ups must maintain a high degree of usefulness (i.e. a flat cargo bed) as well as good rough road capability. Therefore, pick-ups must have a good approach and departure angles as well short front and manageable rear overhangs. So what’s a designer to do?

In the case of the Isuzu D-MAX, boxy is sexy. Without a doubt, the 90-degree corners and even square-cut headlamps make the D-MAX look tough and sophisticated without being overly comical. There is almost no front overhang and the rear overhang is kept to a minimum–all in all assuring of good if not exemplary off-roading capability. There are some pinches of chrome splattered on the grille, door handles and mirrors, but they do little to distract from the clean and uncluttered lines. Everything is executed simply but nicely on the D-MAX–even the six-spoke alloys which suit this vehicle perfect. As a side note though, the 2006 model D-MAX is now sold with chrome alloy wheels–something rather inappropriate for provincial excursions.

Taking a page off Toyota’s design book, the Mitsubishi Strada goes from simple to space-age and high-tech. Like the Toyota Hilux launched about a year ago, the Strada has grown tremendously, now towering over even the D-MAX. Mitsubishi designers however are able to keep the proportions tidy by using a design theme inspired by its Pajero Dakar Evolution rally car. With a sci-fi front end and promiscuous front fenders, the Strada is excellent styled in everyway–even better than the US market Mitsubishi Raider pick-up truck. At the back, there’s little designers could do to improve the cargo bed, but the deletion of chrome strips on the bumper make for a much more sophisticated look–a styling cue hopefully other car manufacturers would adapt.

The story is pretty much the same inside both vehicles, with the D-MAX taking the simple road, while the Strada the flashy road. It may seem that both are designed worlds apart, but both are equally appealing, with perhaps the Strada taking the top honors because of the nice detailing such as those found on the fuel cap and front fog lamps.

Value for Money and Verdict

The improvements seen on pick-up trucks aren’t free, and it shows with their steadily rising suggest retail prices. Nonetheless, it’s something consumers are willing to pay to make their family vehicles more comfortable, safer, more fuel efficient and of course, more reliable. Both of the models tested are range-topping manual versions: the Isuzu D-MAX 4×4 LS M/T and the Mitsubishi Strada 4×4 GLS M/T. Both are equally equipped with similar features such as dual SRS airbags, anti-lock brakes, multi-format CD players with 6 speakers as well as part-time four-wheel drive. The huge price disparity of P 130,000 is down to engine. The Isuzu D-MAX is priced at P 1,330,000 because of its larger, 3.0-liter direct-injection engine. On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Strada is P 1,200,000 because it uses a smaller 2.5-liter common-rail direct-injection unit. A similarly-engined Strada (available in Thailand) with a 163 horsepower 3.2-liter common-rail would have cost a stratospheric P 1,500,000 ++, so bringing it locally would be out of the question.

Going back to how a pick-up must be designed now, it looks as if the champion is the Mitsubishi Strada. Although it may lack the low-end grunt of the Isuzu D-MAX, it pretty much outshines the competition in every other department. The Strada has the best interior room, the most sophisticated cabin, the most original features and of course, a refined and smooth common rail engine that shames even the big boys. For the less informed, the Mitsubishi Strada may look like a pretend truck, but underneath, it’s just as tough and durable as you’d come to expect from a rugged workhorse. It has all the tough truck requirements such as low-range four-wheel drive, large diameter off-road tires and excellent ground clearance. What sets the Mitsubishi Strada apart from other pick-ups is that it managed to finish charm school and ended up being more sophisticated, refined and lovely as well.

By Ulysses Ang | Photos By Ulysses Ang