Mitsubishi Challenger 2015 Review

Ute-based SUVs are an interesting 'niche' in the Australian vehicle market. With most offering seven seats, they're firmly aimed at family buyers or couples who like to use their vehicles for far more than just shopping trips and running Johnny and his mates to soccer practice.

With their tough ladder-frame underpinnings, dual-range 4WD systems and utilitarian cabins, they're basically designed for getting dirty. They're also usually pretty good at towing, as well as carting around a load of people and gear.

The other upside is price; these workhorse wagons undercutting more glamorous, purpose-built four-wheel drive SUVs.

On the downside, they're often noisier, less refined and behind the times, technology wise, although that's changing as dual-cab utes evolve into more passenger-friendly chariots.

Which brings us to the Mitsubishi Challenger; an aging warrior based on the equally geriatric, current model Triton ute, which after a decade of service is due to be replaced shortly. As one of the oldest of the current crop of ute-based SUVs, which include the Holden Colorado 7 and Isuzu MU-X, the Challenger shows its age in most aspects.

But while the on-road experience leaves a lot to be desired when compared to similar-sized soft-roaders, the Challenger continues to hold its own in the bush.

Navigating the often tight, twisty, lumpy and bumpy tracks that meander through the Alpine National Park, en-route to our overnight campsite at Wonnangatta Station, the Challenger rarely put a foot wrong.

The high-set driving position combined with sloping bonnet is ideal for off-roading, enabling precise placement of the front tyres during low-speed work. Underneath, there's plenty of margin for error, with 220mm ground clearance, 25-degree departure and 36-degree approach angles and 600mm wading depth.

That said, over a day's driving the under-body did regularly bang up against the countless boulders, dips and mounds littered along the track. Fortunately, like most 'proper' four-wheel drives, the Challenger comes with decent under-body armour to protect its vital organs.

Although missing out on a more user-friendly switchable dial, Mitsubishi's three-differential Super Select system is a cinch to use, transferring from on-road rear wheel drive to high- or low-range four-wheel drive with a short push of a separate lever. Unlike some of its rivals the Challenger also features a factory-fitted rear diff lock, which proved handy on at least one occasion in restricting tyre spin when scrabbling up a particularly steep, slippery incline.

The lack of grunt from the Challenger's under-stressed, 131kW/350Nm 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine is less of an issue off-road, although you still need to work it hard to maintain momentum. You're also forced on occasion to manually select gears using the large, wheel mounted paddle shifters to keep revs in the optimal 'sweet spot' between 1800 and 2200rpm, and for smoother progress generally.

If left to its own devices in 'Drive' the five-speed auto transmission often struggles to keep pace with different speeds and throttle inputs over changing terrain. While a less palatable option for many, the five-speed manual version with 50Nm more torque could be a better option off-road.

As a result, the hard-working Challenger proved quite thirsty, slurping on average 19.1L/100km over our 255km off-road trek – almost double the ADR Combined claim (9.8).

Likewise, the ride isn't especially plush or comfortable over rough terrain. Nor is the separate body/chassis as composed, with extreme levels of feedback delivered through the steering wheel and seat. In fact, the almost constant vibrations and lateral body movement made a few hours of off-roading more tiring physically than it should have been.

The Challenger also misses out on the latest, hill-descent and ascent electronic modes, which would have been handy as unlike the MU-X's excellent reduction gearing, 'low-range' first gear in the Challenger doesn't allow sufficient engine braking on steeper descents.

Where the Challenger does have an edge over its ute-based rivals is in rear cargo space. As a five-seater, it doesn't have the problem of the fold-down third-row taking up valuable storage room. Its 790-litre capacity even tops the seven-seat Prado.

The Challenger's underslung spare tyre, common to ute-based SUVs, does cause one 'packaging' issue with the factory tow bar kit almost jutting out at the rear behind the spare wheel.

But despite its shortcomings, the dated Challenger still mounts a solid case for those looking for a budget bush basher. While the top-spec LS has a sticker price of $49,990 (plus ORCs), we've recently seen deals from as low as $35,000 – so it's worth shopping around.

Also reassuring is a five-year, 130,000km warranty, 48-month / 60,000km capped-price servicing scheme, and up to 3000kg towing. Although the four-star safety rating and engine thirst are cause for concern, especially off the beaten track.

2015 Mitsubishi Challenger LS pricing and specifications:
Price: $49,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 131kW/350Nm
Transmission: Five-speed automatic
Fuel: 9.8L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 259g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Four-star (ANCAP)