Face-off: Old vs Facelifted Mitsubishi Strada

The 2019 Mitsubishi Strada is, without a doubt, a charmer compared to its predecessor. Thanks to Mitsubishi Motors Philippines for bringing the facelifted model, which garnered excitement since its teaser days. The application of the Dynamic Shield design brought in a new face for the Japanese midsize pickup truck, as well as improvements on the four-wheel drive system. 

However, looking at the newly-launched 2019 Strada alone could justify how far the nameplate has gone. Still, we can’t help but compare it side-by-side with the old model, which has been around since 2015. So, allow us to give you a closer inspection of the changes between the old and the facelifted Mitsubishi Strada.

We can’t proceed and talk about the facelift without talking about the engine option first. Understand that MMPC is now only offering the Strada with one engine option; the smaller 2.4-liter diesel MIVEC 4N15 engine. This gives the truck 179 hp and 430 Nm of torque, which we’re sure is more than enough to perform everyday tasks and weekend recreational activities. Mitsubishi also introduced a new set of transmission systems. The former 5-speed manual and automatic are now replaced with a 6-speed manual and automatic transmissions.

We currently have no information if the Strada nameplate has completely abandoned the 2.5-liter diesel engine. Late arrivals of different variants happen but we can’t say it’s a similar case for the facelifted Strada. 

Of course, the new look is the major highlight of the 2019 Strada, no one would miss that. Just look at how big the difference is between the two models. It’s as if we’re looking at two entirely different generations of the Strada, despite the 2019 iteration being just a facelift. The wide fang-shaped headlamps were replaced with the slim, sharp headlights like the ones on the Montero Sport. The bumper features a set of big fog lamps, as well as the signature C-Shape chrome accents that give the illusion of the ‘X’ fascia.

Looking at it on the side, we can clearly observe that the front end on the 2019 Strada is thicker than the previous model. That made the character lines along the sides more leveled, as compared to the downward diagonal lines on the old model. Even the wheel arches are beefier and more pronounced on the facelifted model. Meanwhile, both models feature the J-line design, which separates the cab from the bed.

If you’re expecting a different ambiance while inside the 2019 Strada, you might feel disappointed the moment you enter the cabin. The facelifted model adopted the old interior design, with few changes such as the new steering wheel design, push start button, instrument cluster, and the new touchscreen 2-DIN infotainment system. The center console also features a new design but it doesn’t affect much of the functionality of the elements.

Remember the old Strada’s infotainment system? Nothing’s changed with the dimensions. However, the new infotainment system is now fully touchscreen. Meaning, there are no push buttons on the side of the actual screen. Also, all variants of the facelifted Strada are offered with an offline GPS navigation system. The new infotainment system looks neater as it’s just a flat surface on the center of the dashboard. 

The 2019 Strada is built on Mitsubishi’s Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution (RISE) high tensile strength steel body. This chassis is also utilized by the Montero Sport, ensuring the safety of passengers by dispersing the force of impact away from the cabin.