The 2006 Mitsubishi Raider encounters the same classification hurdle as its Dodge counterpart, as its proportions are essentially identical. Larger in length and wheelbase than a Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Ford Ranger, Nissan Frontier, or Toyota Tacoma – with the exception of the Tacoma Double Cab 4WD. However, positioned beside the full-sized Chevy Silverado, Dodge Ram, Ford F-150, Nissan Titan, or Toyota Tundra, the Raider is clearly medium-sized. Toyota's Regular and “Access Cab” Tundra models are close in dimension, each featuring a wheelbase of 128.3 inches (3 inches less than Mitsubishi) and an overall length of 218.3 inches (1.6 inches less).

That said, Mitsubishi departs – at least in terms of styling – from the Dakota. In fact, the only sheet metal in common between the two is the roof panel, windshield, rear side glass and rear doors. The Dodge's oversized crosshair snout has been replaced by Mitsubishi's smaller body-colored grille, the leftover space turned into an air intake above the aggressive looking aluminum-finished lower bumper, which is designed to look like a skid plate. Like the grille, Mitsubishi's headlights are not as substantial as those on the Dodge and are trimmed with thick chrome below the lamps. On the Dakota, the fog lamps look better integrated into the lower bumper, seemingly undersized on the Raider because of the massive gray-colored bumper extensions. The Raider’s DuroCross trim level brings more aggressive fender flares reminiscent of the Mitsubishi Endeavor, skid plates, and more distinct trim, inside and out.

Mitsubishi's interior layout echoes the Dakota, and the standout characteristic is the ability to seat up to six passengers in Double Cab models, although we would recommend short distances when traveling with the additional sixth rider. Mitsubishi’s main competition – Nissan and Toyota – can only seat five passengers.

Stepping into the Raider, you’ll find a clean, open, highly styled cabin with some trim pieces that are similar to the Ford F-150’s, although they are “common parts” from the Mitsubishi SUV stable. Interior highlights include circular dash-mounted vents, steering wheel controls built into – rather than tacked onto – the wheel and three main easy-to-read gauges in the center cluster. Knobs and controls are large, and are arranged in a simple layout, with the average number of cubbies and bins for stowage, along with a small glovebox.

While Mitsubishi designers call their interior materials “premium,” we found the composite plastic in the cabin hard to the touch and would call the headliner material outdated mouse fur. Other complaints focused on the second-class treatment of rear passengers. Grab handles incorporated into the A-pillars ease entry for front seat occupants, but rear-seat passengers have a tall step-up without the optional side rail trim, and no grab handles exist to assist with entry and exit.