The Mitsubishi Challenger XLS 2.5L DID can be described as an honest 4wd. It has a blend of comfort, robustness and off road capability. The XLS is a 7-seat midsized 4WD wagon with a 2.5L CRDi Turbo Diesel mated to a 5 speed Sports Mode automatic with INVECS II Smart Logic.
The XLS Challenger features side steps, chrome exterior door handles, mirrors, roof rails, fog lamps, headlamp washers, full chrome grille, privacy glass and reversing sensors as standard.
Inside the Challenger has a clean and understated layout, which is close to the Triton. The electrically adjustable driver’s seat is comfortable but could do with more travel and the steering wheel is comfortable in your hands but needs reach adjustment.
Internal features for the Challenger XLS include automatic air-conditioning, steering wheel mounted cruise control and audio controls, power windows with driver’s automatic up and down, remote keyless entry and central locking, and leather bound steering wheel, gear shift, park brake and transfer lever, colour centre display and an audio jack for MP3 player connection.
Challenger XLS features leather seat trim, power driver’s seat, wood-trim console and centre panel, and cargo blind and cargo room net. The XLS also includes Mitsubishi’s Power Sound System with eight speakers for premium quality audio, Mitsubishi Multi Communication System (MMCS) with satellite navigation, reverse camera and video jack and hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.
Challenger XLS with seven-seat option features third row seating with 50/50 split rear seat, manual rear seat air-conditioning controls and under-floor storage area.
With a 4 star ANCAP rating, the Challenger features driver and passenger front and side SRS airbags and curtain SRS airbags, MATT (Mitsubishi’s All Terrain Technology system) which includes Active Stability and Traction Control (ASTC), Multi-mode ABS with EBD, and rear diff lock.
The engine produces 131kW @ 4,000 rpm and 350Nm @ 1,800 rpm when mated to the INVECS II Smart Logic automatic transmission with Sports Mode with economy of 9.81l/100kms.
The Challenger body is built on a ladder-frame chassis and displays comfortable and controlled driving characteristics through the application of coil-spring suspension all round. Exceptional four-wheel drive ability comes from the Super Select four-wheel drive system, which allows the driver to choose between four driving modes with shift on the fly ability. The go anywhere ability is enhanced by the rear diff lock which gives the Challenger more capability than most drivers will ever need.
Towing capacity is a generous 3000kg and with the combination of ladder frame chassis and 2.5L motor you really don’t notice what you have behind.
However like all vehicles it has its faults. Being based on the Triton it is not as smooth as some of the others in its segment, it is a little noisy and needs more power. The automatic has less torque than the manual and it’s noticeable.
The Mitsubishi Challenger XLS will seat seven in relative comfort, will go anywhere off road you may wish to go, will tow the camper trailer or Jet Ski to that hidden spot.
What is good:
• Off Road ability
• 7 seats good for teenagers
• Honest and Robust
What is not so good:
• Slightly underpowered
• Noisy and not a smooth as others
• Driver’s seat needs more travel
Model Mitsubishi Challenger XLS
Model Price $62,658 RDAP
Drivetrain 4WD 2.5L CRDi 5 speed auto
Power 131 Kw @ 4,000 rpm
Torque 350 Nm @ 1,800 rpm
Safety 4 Star ANCAP
CO2 Emissions g/km 259
Green Vehicle Rating 2 ½ Star
Economy (ADR comb) 9.8 L/100km
Tow Capacity – Max 3000 kg
Tow Ball Rating 300 kg
Servicing $855 – 3yrs/45,000km
Warranty 5yr/ 130,000 km with full roadside assist
Overall OzRoamer Rating 89/100
Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 9
Equipment 8
Performance 8
Ride & Handling 7
Practicality 10
Fit for Purpose 10
Towing Ability 9
Off Road Ability 9
Value for Money 10
