Pickup trucks have always been a popular segment in the Philippine automotive scene. For decades, Filipinos loved vehicles that can carry their families and haul commodities. That said, we’ll look at two crowd favorites in the form of the Toyota Hilux and the Mitsubishi Strada.

Interested to see which of these models best suits your needs? Join us in this pickup truck tussle to find out.

Exterior

The exterior dimensions of the Toyota Hilux will vary depending on the variant. The lower trims are noticeably shorter and smaller than the models sitting on the top tier. That said, the Toyota Hilux gives its customers a wide range of choices based on their needs and preference.

On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Strada comes with standard measurements across the board.

Thanks to its multiple size options, we’re giving this round to the Toyota Hilux.

Interior

The interior of the Toyota Hilux is not as complicated as its exterior. Inside are fabric seats, a steering wheel that can be had in either urethane or leather, and door trims that come in either a combination of fabric and silver trims or leather with interior illumination.

It also comes with an analog instrument cluster with a digital screen and an eight-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Meanwhile, the Mitsubishi Strada comes with either fabric or leather seats, a urethane or leather-wrapped steering wheel, and door trims that can also be had with either leather or plastic accents.

Like the aforementioned Hilux, the Mitsubishi Strada also sports an analog instrument cluster with a digital screen but has a smaller infotainment system at seven inches.

With almost similar interior amenities, we’re calling this round a tie.

Engine

Powering the Toyota Hilux is either a 2.4-liter or a 2.8-liter diesel mill. The power plant is mated to either a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic, or a six-speed manual with iMT. Depending on the variant, the powertrain can produce around 147 to 201 horses.

On the other hand, the Mitsubishi Strada packs a 2.4-liter engine in all models. Depending on the variant though you can get it with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. It can generate a total of 178 horses.

With more engine options, we’re giving this round to the Toyota Hilux.

Safety

Safety-wise, the Toyota Hilux comes with a slew of airbags and seatbelts, ABS with EBD, vehicle stability control, hill start assist control, downhill assist control, either a reverse or a panoramic camera, as well as clearance and back sensors.

Mitsubishi equips the Strada with a suite of airbags and seatbelts, ABS with EBD, active stability and traction control, hill start assist, and trailer stability assist. Its range-topping variant gets a forward collision mitigation system, hill descent control, an ultrasonic mis-acceleration mitigation system, and a blind-spot warning system.

With better safety options, this round goes to the Mitsubishi Strada.

Pricing and Variants

Toyota Hilux

Hilux 2.4 E 4X2 MT – P1,135,000
Hilux 2.4 G 4X2 MT – P1,250,000
Hilux 2.4 G 4X2 AT – P1,325,000
Hilux 2.4 Conquest 4X2 MT – P1,440,000
Hilux 2.4 Conquest 4X2 AT – P1,515,000
Hilux 2.8 Conquest 4X4 MT – P1,820,000
Hilux 2.8 Conquest 4X4 AT – P1,895,000

Mitsubishi Strada

Strada GL 2WD – P998,000
Strada GL 4WD – P1,175,000
Strada GLS 2WD MT – P1,250,000
Strada GLS 2WD AT – P1,325,000
Strada GLS 4WD MT – P1,465,000
Strada Athlete 2WD AT – P1,443,000
Strada Athlete 4WD AT – P1,764,000

Verdict

Slightly gaining the edge over the Mitsubishi Strada, today’s win goes to the Toyota Hilux. With better offerings in almost all aspects, Toyota’s entry to the local pickup truck deserves this matchup’s victory.

Photos from Toyota and Mitsubishi

Also read: 

Scanning through the interior of the Toyota Hilux

Up close and personal: The Toyota Hilux

Mitsubishi Strada: Out with the old, in with the new

Pros and cons of the Mitsubishi Strada