Shogun commands off-road

Expert Rating:

Introduction

Mitsubishi's Shogun has largely been forgotten among those searching for big SUVs. As most models become ever more road-biased the Shogun still holds dear its off-road roots. That means it's a touch compromised on-road in comparison, but this is one big vehicle that you won't mind getting down and dirty with. And for many buyers needing its capabilities that remains a large part of its appeal. Add decent pricing, seven-seat capacity and generous specification levels and the Shogun is well worth a look.

What are its rivals?

The Shogun used to count cars like Land Rover's Discovery as a direct rival, but the British car has gone the way of its Range Rover rival into the premium sphere. Instead the Shogun competes with the other rugged machines you'll find on manufacturers' price lists. Its most obvious rival is Toyota's Land Cruiser, which, like the Shogun, mixes some modern SUV traits with the sort of hobnail boot off-road and towing ability that many customers look for in such vehicles.

How does it drive?

There's no denying that Mitsubishi's 3.2-litre turbodiesel is a noisy unit. At low engine speeds there's a fairly pronounced clatter, but it's lusty enough and works well with the five-speed automatic fitted in the range-topping Diamond model we tested. The ride is firm meaning there's surprising body control in the bends - at the cost of comfort. The steering is decently weighted and operating the four-wheel drive system couldn't be easier - there's a transfer selector sitting alongside the automatic transmission. You can shift to four-wheel drive on the move at low speeds, but to do so to low ratio you need to stop first. Take it off the tarmac and the Shogun will impress with its phenomenal off-road ability.

Aside from the sometimes intrusive engine noise the Shogun is a comfortable drive. It's easy on the motorway and visibility all round is great. The rear-view parking camera makes parking a cinch - even if it's a touch pessimistic in your parking ability and warns you way too early about getting close to obstacles.

What's impressive?

In this top-spec Diamond trim you get pretty much everything as standard. There's satnav, premium audio, a sunroof, cruise control, leather seats (all seven of them) and that neat parking camera. Indeed, across the entire Shogun range specifications are generous, with all but a handful of models featuring leather interiors and satnav. It's a handsome thing too, the big alloy wheels filling the huge wheel arches convincingly and its chunky looks appealing. The huge side opening tailgate reveals a massive boot and its big towing capacity should haul even the heaviest of horseboxes.

The Shogun will get you pretty much anywhere too. That might not be that important most of the year, but for rural dwellers not wanting to be cut off when the gritters can't cope or the roads are flooded then having something so capable is a boon.

What's not?

You'll be vilified if you buy a Shogun and drive it exclusively around town. Big 4x4s have their place, and if you need one for towing, hauling or you just live somewhere a bit remote then forget what other people say. It's a big vehicle and you pay the cost for that in fuel consumption and emissions. The official combined consumption of 26.7mpg is something of an unattainable goal; think very early 20mpg figures if you drive it sensibly. CO₂ emissions of 280g/km put it in the top tax band too.

The interior is sturdily built and comfortable, but it's a bit workmanlike compared to some rivals. The driving position is slightly compromised too thanks to limited adjustment on the steering wheel.

Should I buy one?

If you need a big, tough and practical 4x4 then the Shogun is well worth considering. It's pretty much fully loaded with kit, will carry seven (in LWB guise) and does a decent enough job of keeping up with more road-biased SUVs too. It's a bit workmanlike, but that's a part of its appeal - you won't worry about hitching a big trailer on the back or chucking mucky kit into the vast boot. It'll get you anywhere, too. One of the more rugged contenders then, but that's why people like them.

Kyle Fortune