Mitsubishi L300 Vs Isuzu Traviz: The reigning champ goes up against a promising newcomer

The world of Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) is one of the most productive and popular, especially keeping in mind their target audience. Instantly identifiable by their unmistakable single cab/large bed configuration, these vehicles play a vital role in the topsy-turvy universe of logistics and cargo transport.

Out of the dozens of models that make up this segment of the market, the roost (at least in markets like Indonesia and the Philippines) has been ruled by one name and one name alone in all these decades... And that name is Mitsubishi L300. The Mitsubishi L300 is one of the most common sights on the roads of the Philippines - a fact that will likely remain so for years to come.

However, a new entrant has been on the horizon for a while and is now finally here in flesh & blood. It is called the Isuzu Traviz, and it was first launched in the Indonesian market not that long ago -- but it is now officially available for sale in the Philippines, too. While this rather feisty segment also has the recently revived Suzuki Carry in it, this time, we will keep our focus on the Isuzu and Mitsubishi.

So, between the Mitsubishi L300 and Isuzu Traviz, which one do you reckon will come out on top? Well, that’s what we will try and find out. We will kick things off by talking about the basics of these two LCVs, beginning with their dimensions.

Basic dimensions

As is very noticeable, the newbie here is quite well-equipped to deal with its old but still versatile challenger. That isn’t entirely a shocker as the new Isuzu Traviz was specifically designed and built from the ground-up to compete with Mitsubishi’s highly trusted and proven L300.

Moreover, unlike its Mitsubishi counterpart, Isuzu Philippines Corporation (IPC) has launched the new Isuzu Traviz in two different variants - the S and L. In essence, the L is the larger of the two in its overall dimensions, though when it comes to the all-important payload capacity, the Traviz S is actually rated at a slightly higher 1,660 kilograms. However, that marginal increase of 5 kilograms isn’t as profound, but the 150 mm longer loading area could prove more useful for some customers.

Exterior and interior: How do they compare?

While it is true that those looking for their next LCV aren’t too concerned about their vehicle’s looks as regular car buyers are, some effort from manufacturers doesn’t go unnoticed. The Mitsubishi L300 has been around for a long time now and that kind of shows. Its design, while completely standard and ‘as expected’, misses the when it comes to grabbing any eyeballs.

On the other hand, the Isuzu Traviz undeniably looks like a far newer and more modern product (which it is). Of course, when viewed from the front, there’s little mistaking the Traviz for anything other than a Isuzu vehicle -- the large ‘Isuzu’ branding along with the even larger halogen headlamps which are connected by a huge grille are all unmistakably Isuzu.

The other styling elements on the new Traviz include the 14-inch steel wheels and blacked-out wing mirrors & door handles. Meanwhile, the simpler Mitsubishi L300 makes do with a decidedly ‘90s approach to styling. The boxy cab design is matched to an upright front end that incorporates square headlamps, chrome grille cover, flat side windows, squared-off wheel arches and really basic-looking wing mirrors.

When it comes to the interior of these two vans, there really isn’t too much to talk about. These vehicles are all about practicality, versatility and reliability - aspects that both the Mitsubishi and Isuzu score high on. However, one must remember that the L300 is an older platform at the end of the day, and that certainly shows.

The cabin of the L300 is really quite simple and looks dated when compared to that of the newer Traviz. While the two share the same three-person seating configuration inside the main cab, the overall design of the Isuzu comes across as more modern and slightly more pleasing to the eye. With that being said, it is the L300 that seems to offer more legroom for its front occupants.

Of course, there’s a lot of tacky plastic in the cabin of both of these vans, though that is to be expected. Even though they might not make the interior come to life with their lack of polish or incredible craftsmanship, their main intent is to last for as long as possible even when exposed to the rigours of hard labour.

Engine and transmission

While the L300’s 2.2-litre engine might be smaller in capacity, it makes up for that by providing more grunt across more of the rev range when compared to the Traviz’s 2.5-litre motor.

• The Mitsubishi motor produces over 20 hp and 24 Nm of torque more than the mill found powering the new Isuzu Traviz.
• However, the Traviz makes its case by being a touch more frugal than the L300 - returning approximately 1 kmpl more.
• The fuel tank in the new Traviz has a capacity of 50 litres, whereas the L300’s tank can hold 55 litres.

Standard features

While the Mitsubishi L300 and Isuzu Traviz aren’t state-of-the-art by any stretch of the imagination, here are some of their standard onboard features and equipment…

Price

While the Mitsubishi L300 starts off cheaper, both vehicles come with a 3-year/100,000-kilometre manufacturer warranty as standard.

Also read: Isuzu Philippines inaugurates its 43rd dealership in Calapan City