Reviews - Mitsubishi

Overall Rating

Shogun is the Big Daddy of Mitsubishi's 4x4 line-up; it's also the original, with a heritage covering three decades. It's tough and roomy but way behind modern rivals for refinement.

• Imposing, enduring and highly dependable
• Lots of space in five-door versions
• Good off-road ability and tough engines

• Looks expensive compared to some rivals
• Handling is rather soggy; pronounced body roll
• Parts and servicing are quite costly

With an imposing presence and model names like Warrior and Animal, it's easy to see where Shogun is coming from, and who it's aimed at. Macho looks are appreciated by blokes - and by mums for the school-run leverage it gives - and it does towing and off-roading without effort. It's not as back-to-basics utilitarian as Defender; equipment is good and the interior is civilised. But it's certainly not a luxury family 4x4. The spacious five-door seven-seater long wheelbase cars weigh in at over two tonnes, so they need big engines. The 3.2 DI-D is best, a modern turbodiesel with reasonable acceleration and 30mpg fuel economy if you restrain your right foot. The smooth 3.5 GDI V6 is a little quicker but auto-only and much thirstier. Lack of ride refinement and driving pleasure let Shogun down; progress is jittery or roly-poly depending on speed and surface, and handling is cumbersome in the LWB.

NCAP: Not tested

Best Models: 3.2 Di-D Equippe 5-door

Worst Models: None

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