Is the Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider the same truck?
The Mitsubishi Raider is not a completely different design; it is a rebadged version of the Dodge Dakota built for Mitsubishi from 2006 to 2009, sharing the Dakota’s platform and mechanics but carrying Mitsubishi branding and some distinctive styling. The Dakota, meanwhile, continued in Dodge’s lineup until its final years in 2011. So they are closely related but not identical.
Overview: two related mid-size pickups
The Dodge Dakota debuted in 1987 as Dodge’s entry in the midsize pickup segment and evolved through multiple design generations. The Mitsubishi Raider arrived later, for the 2006 model year, as Mitsubishi Motors North America’s attempt to offer a North American mid-size pickup using the Dakota’s underpinnings. The Raider was produced through 2009, after which Mitsubishi discontinued it. The Dodge Dakota itself persisted in Dodge’s lineup until 2011 before the model was finally retired. The two trucks therefore occupy the same family tree, but they were marketed under different brands with some design and equipment differences.
Shared foundations
Before outlining what set them apart, it helps to know what they share. The Raider and Dakota were built on the same core platform and used many of the same powertrain options. Many mechanical components—engine choices, transmissions, suspension layouts, and drivetrains—were compatible enough that Mitsubishi could offer the Raider as a branded variant of the Dakota.
- Shared underlying chassis and platform architecture
- Common engine options across the lineup (typical choices included a V6 and a V8 family during the period)
- Available four-wheel-drive configurations and automatic transmissions
- Similar payload and towing capabilities within the same generation range
In this sense, the Raider was not a completely new truck, but a badge-engineered version designed to fit Mitsubishi’s marketing and dealer network while leveraging the Dakota’s mechanical lineage.
Key differences
Where they diverged is mainly in branding, styling, and market presentation. Differences can be seen in exterior and interior design cues, dealer networks, packaging, and model positioning, even though the core components were closely related.
- Branding and styling: Mitsubishi badges, distinct grille and fascia, and unique interior trim
- Market strategy: Mitsubishi-specific branding and dealer network in North America for the Raider, versus Dodge branding for the Dakota
- Production and sourcing: Raider built at a Mitsubishi facility in the United States under a licensing/partnership arrangement, using Dakota-based engineering
- Model years and availability: Raider production ran roughly 2006–2009 model years; Dakota remained in Dodge’s lineup until about 2011
- Trim and feature differences: Mitsubishi-specific options and standard features differed from contemporary Dakota trims, reflecting brand priorities
These differences illustrate how the Raider is a Dakota that wears Mitsubishi badges and branding, with market-specific styling and option packages, rather than a completely separate truck design.
Production timelines and current status
As of today, both trucks are out of production. The Mitsubishi Raider was limited to a short production window (roughly 2006–2009 model years) and was discontinued as Mitsubishi shifted away from this segment. The Dodge Dakota’s production ended later (with the final model years around 2011) as Dodge/Chrysler reorganized its truck lineup. Each remains a part of automotive history as a notable example of badge engineering in the mid-2000s.
Summary
In summary, the Dodge Dakota and Mitsubishi Raider are not identical, but they are closely related. The Raider is a rebadged Dakota designed for Mitsubishi, sharing most mechanicals and the same generation framework while featuring Mitsubishi branding, styling tweaks, and dealer presentation. The Dakota lived on longer in Dodge’s lineup, while the Raider had a shorter run under Mitsubishi. Both are now out of production, but they remain a frequently cited example of badge engineering in the pickup truck segment.
Is a Mitsubishi Raider the same as a Dodge Dakota?
The Mitsubishi Raider is a pickup truck from Mitsubishi Motors that debuted in the fall of 2005 as a 2006 model for the United States market and is based largely on the Dodge Dakota. The name is recycled from the Dodge Raider SUV sold from 1987 to 1990, which was a rebadged Mitsubishi Montero.
Did Dodge use Mitsubishi engines?
Dodge-branded Mitsubishi vehicles were phased out by 1993 except for the Dodge Stealth running through 1996. However, Mitsubishi-made engines and electrical components were still widely used in American domestic Chrysler products.
What Mitsubishi truck looks like a Dodge Dakota?
2006 Mitsubishi Raider
The 2006 Mitsubishi Raider is simply a re-skinned Dodge Dakota with styling coming from Mitsubishi's in-house design center.
Is the Dodge Raider a Mitsubishi?
From 1987-1989, the Dodge Raider was a rebadged Mitsubishi Montero. For 2005-2009, it was flipped. The Mitsubishi Raider was a rebadged Dodge Dakota. During the 5 year model run, less than 22K were sold.
