2007 Mitsubishi Raider SE

With its highly-capable V8 engine, the SE Double Cab 2WD is the best Raider for those who have substantial towing needs. This well-loaded trim not only contains a full slate of standard features, it also boasts the best torque and towing capacity in the mid-sized import pickup class.

The 4.7-liter, 230-horsepower SOHC V8 is paired with a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Its fuel economy is a rather disappointing (although it's par for the course for a truck like this) 15 mpg city and 20 mpg highway.

Standard safety equipment consists of ABS, Supplemental Restraint System (dual advanced front airbags with two-stage inflators and passenger-side occupant sensor), height-adjustable front seat belts, the LATCH system for child seats, front and rear crumple zones, and tubular steel side-guard beams.

The Special Edition earns its nice trim name with the inclusion of 16-inch all-season tires on machined-aluminum wheels, satin-finish accents, tubular side steps, a bed and tailgate liner, and bedrail protectors. It also comes with a class IV receiver with 4-7 pin harness; a 3.92 Axle Ratio with Limited Slip, a high-capacity radiator, external power steering cooler, and heavy-duty transmission cooler are there to handle the strains of hard work.

The SE badge adorns the outside, of course, as do mudguards and a bright exhaust tip. Underneath there are protective scuff plates. Thanks to a fully-boxed steel frame the Raider has a stiffer chassis that makes it both safe and capable.

The front and rear deformation zones and energy-absorbing octagonal front frame-rail tips also enhance the truck's safety factor. An independent front suspension and rack-and-pinion make it handle well and ride smoothly enough.

Mitsubishi's aggressive style design for this pickup has been a hit with its buyers. The carmaker wishes there were just a few more of those buyers, though, as the related Dodge Dakota continues to outsell the Raider significantly.