Mitsubishi L 200 engines

Since its introduction in 1978, the Mitsubishi L 200 has established itself as a robust pickup truck and has gone through five generations with an impressive variety of drive concepts. The Mitsubishi L 200 engines developed from simple naturally aspirated engines to modern turbodiesels and reflect four decades of Japanese commercial vehicle technology.

Mitsubishi L 200 engines: Historic generations I-III (1978-2005)

The first three generations of the Mitsubishi L 200 shaped the image of the Japanese pickup truck for almost three decades and laid the foundation for its reputation as an indestructible work truck. With proper maintenance, these historic Mitsubishi L 200 engines easily reached 400,000 to 500,000 kilometers, with the robust diesel units often running well beyond that. Major repairs were usually only due after 250,000 to 300,000 kilometers, mainly on auxiliary units such as the water pump or alternator. The absolute top engine of this era was the 2.5 TD (4D56) with its legendary reputation for indestructibility - an engine that is still used millions of times in developing countries today. Technical highlights included the introduction of turbocharging in 1986 and four-wheel drive with selectable gear reduction, while typical problems mainly concerned rust on the bodywork, but not the engines themselves.

Mitsubishi L 200 gasoline engines: Historic generations I-III (1978-2005)

The Mitsubishi L 200 gasoline engine range included various naturally aspirated engines, starting with the 1.6-liter 4G32 (80 hp) in the first generation. The most popular was the 2.0-liter 4G63 with 90-110 hp, which was used in different variants from 1986 to 2005. These Mitsubishi L 200 engines were characterized by extreme simplicity and reliability - timing chain problems or complex electronics were unknown. The 2.4-liter 4G64 (125 hp) was added from 1996 and was considered the most powerful petrol engine of this generation. All historic petrol engines shared the weakness of relatively high fuel consumption of 10-12 liters per 100 km, but offered a service life that modern engines rarely achieve.

Mitsubishi L 200 diesel engines: Historic generations I-III (1978-2005)

The legendary Mitsubishi L 200 diesel engine 4D56 dominated this era in various versions. Starting as a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated diesel with 68 hp, it developed into the 2.5 TD (turbodiesel) with 85-100 hp. This Mitsubishi L 200 engine is regarded as one of the most reliable diesel units of all time - simple in design, easy to maintain and practically indestructible. The 4D56 easily coped with overloading, poor fuel and neglected maintenance. Typical weaknesses were limited to injection pumps wearing out after 300,000 km and occasional problems with the alternator. The running smoothness was modest, the fuel consumption acceptable at 8-9 liters, but the reliability unrivalled.

Mitsubishi L 200 engines: Generation IV (2006-2015)

The fourth generation marked the transition to modern pickup standards and brought with it significantly refined Mitsubishi L 200 engines. At 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers, mileage remained at a high level, with common rail diesel technology bringing greater comfort but also higher maintenance costs. Major engine damage remained rare, but the more complex injection systems required more precise maintenance than their predecessors. The absolute highlight was the revised 2.5 DI-D with 178 hp - an engine that optimally combined power and efficiency. Technical innovations included common-rail injection, variable turbocharger geometry and, for the first time, direct fuel injection, while the biggest problems were polluting particulate filters and sensitive high-pressure pumps.

Mitsubishi L 200 petrol engines: Generation IV (2006-2015)

The Mitsubishi L 200 petrol engine range was completely revised and initially comprised the tried-and-tested 2.4-liter 4G69 with 143 hp and the new 3.2-liter V6 6G75 with 208 hp. From 2010, the modern 2.4 MIVEC with direct injection and 181 hp was added. These Mitsubishi L 200 engines offered significantly more refinement than their predecessors, with smoother running and higher power output. The 2.4 MIVEC developed into the best gasoline engine of this generation, with balanced power delivery and acceptable fuel consumption of 9-10 liters. The V6 engine was problematic, with occasional problems with the timing chains and high repair costs.

Mitsubishi L 200 diesel engines: Generation IV (2006-2015)

The further developed Mitsubishi L 200 diesel engine 4D56 was equipped with common-rail injection and variable turbocharger geometry. In various configuration levels from 136 to 178 hp, it offered significantly more power and comfort than its predecessor. The 2.5 DI-D with 178 hp became the flagship and combined powerful performance with fuel consumption of just 7.8 liters per 100 km. These Mitsubishi L 200 engines retained the basic robustness of their predecessors, but required more precise maintenance of the more complex fuel injection system. Typical problems included clogged particulate filters on short journeys and occasionally defective high-pressure pumps after 200,000 kilometers.

Mitsubishi L 200 engines: Generation V (2015-today)

The current generation represents the most modern state of Mitsubishi L 200 engines and consistently relies on diesel technology with maximum efficiency. With proper maintenance, mileage can reach 250,000 to 350,000 kilometers, although the complex exhaust gas purification system requires regular care. Major repairs are usually only due after 180,000 to 220,000 kilometers, mainly on the complex Euro 6 emission control system. The top-of-the-range engine is clearly the 2.2 DI-D with 150 hp - a state-of-the-art four-cylinder turbodiesel that optimally combines performance, efficiency and environmental compatibility. Technical highlights include the latest common rail generation, SCR catalytic converter with AdBlue injection and adaptive all-wheel drive system, while the biggest challenges lie in the complex exhaust gas purification system and the associated maintenance costs.

Mitsubishi L 200 diesel engines: Generation V (2015-today)

The Mitsubishi L 200 engine range focuses entirely on diesel powertrains with the new 2.2 DI-D unit in two power levels. The Mitsubishi L 200 2.2 DI-D with 110 kW (150 hp) and 380 Nm torque has become the standard engine and offers an excellent balance between performance and consumption. The more powerful variant with 133 kW (181 hp) and 430 Nm is aimed at drivers with higher trailer loads. Both Mitsubishi L 200 engines feature modern four-cylinder technology with an aluminum block, the latest generation of common-rail injection and comprehensive Euro 6 emission control including SCR catalytic converter. The 150 hp engine is considered to be particularly well-balanced and reliable, while the 181 hp version occasionally has problems with the complex exhaust gas purification system.

Conclusion: The best Mitsubishi L 200 engines of all generations

The development of Mitsubishi L 200 engines shows remarkable continuity in terms of reliability over almost five decades. While the historic generations impressed with their extreme simplicity and durability, the modern variants offer significantly more comfort and efficiency while maintaining a high level of reliability. The consistent focus on diesel technology in the newer generations underlines the orientation as a work vehicle.

• Best Mitsubishi L 200 gasoline engine:

The 2.4 MIVEC (181 hp, Generation IV) combines modern direct injection with proven Mitsubishi reliability and acceptable fuel consumption.

• Best Mitsubishi L 200 diesel engine:

The legendary 2.5 TD 4D56 (100 hp, generations I-IV) remains the most reliable engine ever, while the modern 2.2 DI-D (150 hp, generation V) offers the best combination of performance, efficiency and environmental compatibility.

• Best Mitsubishi L 200 hybrid engine:

Hybrid powertrains were never offered on the L 200 as the focus was always on robust commercial vehicle capability.

For maintenance and spare parts for all Mitsubishi L 200 generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.

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