Is the Dodge Raider a Mitsubishi?
Yes. The Dodge Raider was a badge-engineered version of Mitsubishi's Pajero/Montero, produced for Dodge under a Chrysler–Mitsubishi alliance, not a distinct Mitsubishi model. It was marketed in the United States for a brief period in the late 1980s, reflecting a collaborative effort rather than an independent design.
The collaboration that produced the Raider
During the 1980s, Chrysler and Mitsubishi Motors operated a cross-border partnership to expand their SUV lineups in North America. The Dodge Raider emerged from this alliance as Dodge's take on Mitsubishi’s compact SUV, allowing Chrysler to offer a rugged SUV without developing a new model from scratch. Mitsubishi supplied the underlying platform and mechanical package while Dodge handled branding and distribution in the U.S.
Where the Raider fits in the Mitsubishi family
In other markets, the same Mitsubishi SUV lineage continued under the Pajero, Montero, or Shogun names. The Raider was one of several badge-engineered products born from the partnership, illustrating how automakers combined forces to share platforms and meet regional demand.
Key facts about the Dodge Raider
Before listing the core details, note that the Raider’s U.S. run was brief and remains a niche chapter in both brands’ histories.
- Based on Mitsubishi's Pajero/Montero platform and mechanicals.
- Sold in the United States for a short period in the late 1980s (roughly 1987–1989 model years).
- Produced as part of Dodge’s lineup, representing a badge-engineered collaboration rather than an independent Dodge design.
- Sales were limited, and the Raider name was phased out as the alliance evolved and Mitsubishi refocused its SUV branding.
In summary, the Dodge Raider was not a standalone Mitsubishi model; it was a U.S.-market badge engineered variant of a Mitsubishi SUV designed for Dodge under a cross-brand partnership.
Where the Raider story sits today
Today, Mitsubishi continues to sell its SUVs under the Mitsubishi brand (Pajero/Montero in various regions), while the Raider remains a historical footnote in automotive badge engineering. The episode is often cited as a case study in alliance-driven product sharing from the late 20th century.
Summary
The Dodge Raider is not a modern Mitsubishi model. It was a brief, badge-engineered version of the Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero created for Dodge through a Chrysler–Mitsubishi partnership in the late 1980s. The arrangement showcased how automakers shared platforms to broaden their lineups, but the Raider name did not endure as part of either brand’s current lineup. The underlying Mitsubishi SUV lineage lives on in markets where the Pajero/Montero branding remains in use.
