ATVs with a "trailer": comparison of Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200

Every motorist who is often faced with the transportation of small loads must have thought: "Shouldn't I switch to a pick-up?" This idea logically arises from farmers or small businesses. Also, the need for a small cargo platform is among fans of extreme sports, because in such a car you can carry anywhere with you, for example, a racing motorcycle, bicycles, a boat, surfboards, tents, etc. This car seems to have left the screens of American films. It is called a home mini-truck and a symbiosis of a car and an SUV. A pickup truck has recently settled on the Russian market, so local drivers still have a lot of questions and doubts about it. Let's look at the advantages of this type of car using the example of two Japanese "caravans". L200 or Hilux - we will choose the best pickup.

Roots pick-up

Who is a pickup truck and what is it "eaten" with? We'll figure out. From the very beginning, it was customary to call pickup cars for commercial vehicles with an open cargo platform.

Today, such cars are usually modified cars or SUVs with a body that is divided into two parts. One of them is covered for the carriage of passengers. The second - without shelter, for the transportation of goods, most often weighing up to 2.5 tons.

Legend USA

The first pick-ups drove at the beginning of the 20th century along the streets of the USA and Europe. And the Americans put their production on the stream. It was in America that the car gained extraordinary popularity. Watch any movie "made in USA" - at least one of the heroes, but will surely flash past the viewer in a pickup truck.

In the USSR, cars with a "bifurcated" body were also produced at one time. But they were not in great demand and came out in very small batches.

All will fit!

Now the most popular in Russia are pickups made on the basis of SUVs. For example, Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200. Interestingly, these cars have a lot in common. However, like all off-road pick-ups, in principle. The design is straightforward. Four doors (and there are also two-door versions), five seats, and at the back there is a "stationary trailer" one and a half by one and a half meters.

In such a car, you can transport a large company, and all their belongings. Or another option - do not hesitate to stock up in a construction hypermarket, and on the way home, grab a team of repairmen. No one will be cramped.

So which is better - L200 or Hilux? Believe me, it will be interesting to watch the battle "Hilux vs L200".

Practical motor vehicle

Let's start with the Toyota mini-truck. Everything here is no-frills, modest and only to the point. There is no special automation, all adjustments are manual. Of the special "minced meat" in the standard version, perhaps only the air conditioner can be distinguished. Such a practical motorist to the marrow of his bones.

I sit high, I look far away

The cabin of the Hilux is spacious, good visibility is provided, including the "backside" that can be seen normally.

Toyota is tall enough. Just imagine, in some versions the ground clearance is more than 290 mm! The car looks powerful anyway, but this "height" adds even more to the "thug effect".

To put such a machine on the "belly", you need to try hard. But due to the high ground clearance, both the driver and passengers have to lift their legs well to get into the cabin. Although handrails and powerful footpegs help with this.

When choosing an L200 or Hilux, look at the finish. Toyota did not use expensive materials for its pickup. Instruments, panels, steering wheel, gears - everything is standard Toyota without bells and whistles.

Speed ​​- no, obstacles - yes

How he behaves on the way. It would be correct to say that it is phlegmatic. It keeps very confidently on the canvas, there are no strong rolls or drifts. Without any special emotions, he will stubbornly and purposefully make his way through any drifts and bumps. Down, up - no questions asked.

Some test drives even clearly demonstrate how the Hilux, without straining or clinging to the bottom, literally "jumps" the logs lying in the middle of the road.

But as far as speed and dynamics are concerned, this is not a high-luxury hobbyhorse. He is not used to "playing up", and "lives" according to the principle: "The quieter you go, the further you will be."

The average carrying capacity is almost 900 kg. But the length of the platform for cargo is slightly less than that of the competitor. A car of about 10 liters "eats" in the city, and 7.2 on the highway.

Test drive of the Toyota Hilux car:

"Fresh" version

The most recent version of the Toyota pickup truck appeared on our market in 2011. She drove on seventeen-inch disks and with a "muzzle" a la Land Cruiser.

There are even larger mirrors, and the cabin has a touch screen and a modern audio system. Additional compartments for things are provided under the seat of the back sofa. This model also has a built-in video system that displays the picture "overboard".

Basic features

In the basic configuration, the Toyota pickup comes with a 2.5-liter engine. It is diesel and turbocharged for increased power. Such an engine produces 144 "horses". Gearbox - mechanics. In the "base" - ABS-ka, central locking, air conditioner, electric lifts on the windows, heated windows, mirrors and armchairs.

In total, the manufacturer offers three modifications of the Hilux: "Standard", "Comfort" and "Elegance", "Prestige" and "Prestige Plus".

The cost of high-luxury cars is from 1.2 million rubles.

Summing up, Toyota can be safely recommended as a powerful and reliable car. And at the same time, as understandable and flexible in management.

"Elka" XXXL

But we have a comparison of Hilux and L200, therefore, from praises of Toyota, we turn to an analysis of the merits and demerits of Mitsubishi.

Note that this is the best-selling pickup truck within Russia. It is the luxury version that is impressive here. Complete with complete electronics, comfortable seats in the cabin and expensive finishing materials.

With a slight movement of the hand, the roof turns ...

But here's the thing: this pickup is ... covered. So, a special removable structure is put on the body. As a result, a roof, door and glass appear at the rear of the car.

It turns out a small van. In the case when an open cargo area is needed, this "top" can be easily removed. You just need to unscrew the bolts, which will take very little time. Moreover, protection is provided here so that thieves could not remove the structure.

A nice little thing - the platform is covered with a "carpet" made of plastic, which resembles fabric in structure. This is great because the load does not scratch or damage the metal surface.

Meet in the face

Outwardly, you can see that the car is very similar to a jeep, only a longer version of it. Frankly, many motorists emphasize that if you choose Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200 by the "face", then the appearance of the "Elka" is much more attractive. Experienced people also say that the landing in Mitsubishi is more comfortable - the thresholds are lower.

Road behavior

What's the comparison between the L200 and the Hilux on the road? An important point. Mitsubishi has endowed its pickup with the function of switching from rear-wheel drive to all-wheel drive (in conditions of driving at speeds up to hundreds).

L200 performs well in urban conditions, despite its size.However, it is not possible to control the situation "from behind" through the interior mirrors. This causes some discomfort, especially when parking.

In general, the car has a smooth ride. She easily overcomes obstacles. True, if in the Hilux it is possible at the same time to give the gas, then in the case of the Elka it is better to slow down.

High-speed "but"

Like Toyota, the Mitsubishi pickup is not designed to be swaggering on the road. He is also a fan of quiet running. Moreover, it drives even slower than the competitor. In this criterion, L200 against Hilux has no arguments at all. Sotochka can only be done after almost 18 seconds. Toyota has this figure - 11.6 seconds.

The car "eats" almost 11 liters in the city and 7.5 liters on the highway.

We continue the duel "Toyota Hilux vs Mitsubishi L200". And here's the fact that the L200 most often has a higher carrying capacity. On average - 1060 kg.

Test drive the car Mitsubishi L200:

Standard "set"

The base model L200 is equipped with a 2.5-liter diesel engine, it shows 136 hp. from. This model has 5 automatic transmissions. In total, there are four complete sets of "Elki". The price for L200 starts at 1.5 million rubles.

Long-term "project"

Note that not everyone can buy such a car in Russia. Typically, pick-ups appear in wealthy families as a second car - a car for recreation.

That is why such a machine is a long-term "project". With its characteristics and gentle operation, the car will serve its owner for many years.

"Japanese" in the garage

We tried to compare L200 and Hilux and now we can say for sure: the cars are similar both in appearance and in technical qualities. Yes, Mitsubishi is a more fashionable model and captivates with the ability to transform into a covered truck. But it is also more expensive. For the rest ...

Both cars cannot boast of high-speed capabilities, but they overcome obstacles along the way in such a way that not a single jeep dreamed of. All-terrain vehicles with a "trailer" - this is how these cars can be characterized. If you are looking for such a car, then feel free to bring any of these "Japanese" to your garage.