Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Review

Critic reviews

How does the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport compare with its peers?

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Name	Product	Number of seats	Boot displacement	ANCAP rating	Price (from)	Finder Score
Toyota LandCruiser 200		8 seats	620L	5 stars	$143,101	81.5%	loading Fetching your data...
Alfa Romeo Stelvio		5 seats	525L	5 stars	$65,900	81.25%	loading Fetching your data...
Nissan Patrol		7 seats	550L	5 stars	$71,990	80%	loading Fetching your data...
Toyota LandCruiser Prado		7 seats	480L	5 stars	$53,490	79%	loading Fetching your data...
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport		7 seats	502L	5 stars	$45,000	77.33%	loading Fetching your data...
Toyota Kluger		7 seats	529L	5 stars	$43,550	76.33%	loading Fetching your data...
Nissan Pathfinder		7 seats	453L	5 stars	$41,990	74.5%	loading Fetching your data...
Range Rover Sport		7 seats	784L	5 stars	$95,100	72%	loading Fetching your data...

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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport pricing

Forming the Pajero Sport line-up are four different models, the value for money GLX and GLS SUVs, the aptly named Black Edition (with a dark styling package) and the top of the range Exceed.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX

The GLX is the entry spec Pajero Sport. It is available as a five seater only and its drive-away cost is $44,990. For your money, you'll get an eight-speed automatic gearbox, Super Select II 4WD (a kind of terrain select system), forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, smartphone connectivity (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is missing on many competitors) and rear air vents (also missing on the majority of entry grade models).

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS

Bumping up to the GLS, you have the option of five or seven seats. The five-seater model costs $50,490, while the extra two seats will set you back an additional $1,500, bringing your price up to $51,990. The GLS features leather seat facings, a rear diff locker, automatic rain-sensing wipers and dusk-detecting headlights. You also have dual-zone climate control, a rear spoiler and a dimming rear-view mirror.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Black Edition

The seven-seat-only Black Edition wears an inky exterior styling package that consists of the following:

• Black 18" alloy wheels
• Black nudge bar
• Black grille
• Black roof
• Black tailgate spoiler
• Black roof rails

All for the drive-away price of $53,490.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed

Finally, there's the Pajero Sport Exceed. Mitsubishi fits all the bells and whistles for this range-topper, including a 360-degree bird's eye view camera, a rear spoiler, blind-spot alerts, heated front seats, an eight-speaker sound system and an accelerator override that'll stop you accidentally hitting the right pedal and colliding with an obstacle. See the below video.

Metallic and pearlescent finishes cost an extra $690. The Black edition comes in either Starlight White, Titanium Grey or Pitch Black for no extra charge. The range-topping Exceed can be painted in the following colours at no extra cost:

• White
• Deep Bronze
• Sterling Silver
• Titanium
• Terra Rossa
• Dark Blue
• Pitch Black

The above prices are from Mitsubishi's website. The prices include 12 months rego and CTP insurance, stamp duty, dealer delivery costs and a 7-year warranty (up to 150,000km).

Engine and performance

Powering the entire Pajero Sport range is a four-cylinder, MiVEC, 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine, the same one you'll find in the Triton ute. It produces 133kW at 3,500rpm in the Pajero Sport, and it's good for a decent 430Nm of torque at 2,500rpm.

Mitsubishi pairs the 4N15 diesel with an eight-speed automatic gearbox. The transmission has paddle shift on all models as well as a manual shifting mode. In preparation for off-roading, owners have the ability to choose between high- and low-range ratios and different terrain modes.

Car reviewers' thoughts on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport engine/gearbox line-up

The 2.4 diesel engine is generally thought to be grunty, smooth and not overly noisy. It may not be the most powerful engine available, but having eight ratios and the option to manually override the gear selection process means you can eke out every drop of performance. One reviewer felt the gearbox was sometimes clunky but preferred the Pajero Sport's eight-speed automatic gearbox to the Triton's six-speed transmission. Another tester used the Pajero Sport to tow a car trailer, complete with a vehicle on it. They discovered that even with loads, the engine and gearbox dealt with things confidently and didn't make too much noise in the process.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport engine and transmission statistics

Fuel Efficiency

According to the Green Vehicle Guide, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the following fuel efficiency:

• Combined: 8.0L/100km
• Urban: 9.8L/100km
• Extra-urban: 7L/100km

Based on those figures, driving 14,000 kilometres per year, with roughly two-thirds of the time spent in urban environments, you'll spend approximately $1,944 on diesel.

You should bear in mind that these figures are calculated using a testing procedure with very rigorous criteria. Unlike driving on actual public roads, there are no random or uncontrolled influences. On a real-world road, this is obviously not the case and variations in the weather, your driving style and the load you're carrying and even the trim level of your Pajero Sport will alter your fuel economy. Use the brochure numbers as a way to compare different car models.

In the real-world then, how did the testing panel rate the Pajero Sport on fuel usage? It turns out that fuel economy on the Pajero Sport is pretty reasonable, considering it is based around a 4WD ute. The type of driving undertaken varied wildly. On the motorway for a few hours, one outlet read 7.4L/100km on the dash. When towing, the numbers jumped up to low 13s. Another expert suggested to expect averages of below 10 litres in use.

Handling

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has tall tyres, a high body (and therefore high centre of mass), off-road capable suspension and a ute-derived ladder rail chassis. On paper, it sounds like a handling nightmare. However, Mitsubishi engineers have opted to use a multi-link rear set-up with coil springs and a stabiliser bar on the Pajero Sport, rather than leaf springs and a solid axle like the Triton. The result, according to testers, is that the Pajero Sport is more civil and more refined than its commercial-use biased sibling. Another journalist backed this up, saying it felt much smaller to drive than it actually is.

With that said, the Pajero Sport isn't without some foibles. Testers criticised areas of the on-road handling, especially in the urban jungle, saying that the steering was slightly vague. Others suggested it was pretty good for a relatively serious off-roader, especially on the highway. However, the body does shift around a bit, but this is a typical trade-off that must be made in order to have a capable off-roader.

Overall though, the Pajero Sport is fairly well sorted on road. And most of the testing panel were in agreement that the Pajero Sport rides better than the ute it is built on. For a start, it has a 0.6m narrower turning circle at 11.2 metres

In summary, from the comments of the automotive experts, it seems Mitsubishi's Pajero Sport will handle to an agreeable level around town, and it comes into its element when venturing off-road.

Interior and features

Car reviewers rated the Pajero Sport interior somewhat highly. They said it was a modern interior, which had sufficient room, although a few reviewers complained it could do with more in the way of tech and equipment. The middle row of seats has an acceptable amount of legroom, but only for two adults and a child. The rear seats, as is usually the norm, are really only suited for use by children and shorter adults.

Crucially, for a vehicle that can be used off-road, testers commented on the interior, saying it was hard wearing. One major point of contention, a motoring journalist who did some trailer towing with the press car found the reversing camera is positioned slightly off centre. This, they explained, made hitching up a little annoying as the view was distorted slightly.

One reviewer really didn't rate the infotainment system, stating the touchscreen interface was cumbersome and had poor audio quality. Another expressed dissatisfaction with the shape of the dashboard, which they argued would reduce legroom for long-limbed drivers.

GLX

The Pajero Sport range starts with the five-seater-only GLX model. The GLX has a drive-away price of $44,990. It's well trimmed out for the money, which a number of reviewers commented on. For a start, you get an eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters and a 4WD transfer box complete with high-low ratio. There's even the ability to select different off-road modes. However, unlike higher spec models, you don't get a rear diff lock, which could see you get a bit bogged down in sticky mud. Additionally, the Pajero Sport GLX has 18" alloy wheels and a full-size spare.

There's also Mitsubishi's own active safety suite, which includes the following:

• Forward collision mitigation system (FCM)
• Adaptive cruise control (ACC)
• Adjustable speed limiter
• Emergency stop signal function (ESS)
• Emergency brake assist system (EBA)
• Hill start assist (HSA)
• Hill descent control (HDC)
• Active stability control (ASC)
• Trailer stability assist (TSA)
• Active traction control (ATC)
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD)
• Brake override system (BOS)

It's great to see adaptive cruise control as a standard inclusion. For parking and manoeuvring, you get a rear-view camera and parking sensors. Some manufacturers install a lower end infotainment system, perhaps with a smaller screen, on entry models. This isn't the case with the GLX, as you get a 7.0" screen with smartphone connectivity. The only thing you lose out on is extra speakers, with the GLX having just four. Mitsubishi also chose to strip back the aircon to a single zone, but it does have rear vents, which is a bonus for helping occupants in the middle row keep their cool. The seat fabric is designed to repel water, making it practical for families. For an entry-level model, the list of features is rather comprehensive.

GLS

If you want seven seats in your SUV, then you'll need to look at the slightly more premium GLS. This model sells for $50,490 as a five seater and $51,990 with room for seven.

Additions include a rear differential lock, dimming rear-view mirror, auto dusk-sensing headlamps and rain-detecting wipers. Mitsubishi upgrades the sound system with two additional speakers, totalling six. The AC system is also an improvement over the GLS, with dual-zone climate control. GLS models have halogen fog lights, which the GLX models do not. Finally, rounding out the smart cabin are leather seat facings, with an electrically adjustable driver and front passenger seat.

Black Edition

Next in the range is the Black edition. As the name suggests, this trim has multiple components finished in black, including the alloy wheels, the grille, the roof, the spoiler, the roof rails and, unique to the Black Edition, the nudge bar. You'll spend $53,490 for the seven-seat-only Black Edition.

Exceed

Filling a buyer's desire for extra tech and luxury is the top level Exceed Pajero Sport. The Exceed has two additional active safety features not available on the rest of the range: a blind-spot warning system and an assist that will stop you from accidentally accelerating into things. Improving upon the solitary reversing camera is Mitsubishi's multi-around monitor. This set-up shows a bird's eye view of your surroundings. This model also benefits from front parking sensors. Adding to the high-end feel is a premium sound system with eight speakers. Keeping your headlamps crystal clear is a pair of headlight washers. The Exceed makes cold mornings a little more pleasant, thanks to heated seats up front. The drive-away price for all the extra gadgets is a not too unreasonable $56,990.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport safety and driver assists

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport interior and comfort features

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport exterior styling features

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport off-road features

Verdict

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is an accomplished SUV, well suited to the needs of the modern family. It's also keenly priced and generally well rated by our panel of auto experts. It has also won shoot-outs against its rivals like the Ford Everest, the Isuzu MU-X, the Toyota Fortuner and the SsangYong Rexton. A few journos weren't enamoured with the rear-end styling, but if that doesn't bother you, you're getting a capable and luxurious 4x4 for your money. It seems that many felt the seven-seater GLS was the pick of the crop, offering the perfect blend of value and high-end trimmings.

Compare some options to finance a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

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Name	Interest Rate (p.a.)	Comp. Rate (p.a.)	Application Fee	Monthly Fee	Monthly Repayment
loans.com.au - New - Variable Rate Special Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.24% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.36% to 8.85%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $936.14	Go to siteMore Info Compare
OurMoneyMarket New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $934.23	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Stratton Finance New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $931.85	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 6.52% p.a. depending on the lender you are approved with. Apply for up to $300,000 and use cash or trade in a vehicle to use as a deposit. Optional balloon payment available.
Verified Lending Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $200,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.1% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.06% to 22.99%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $939.9	Go to siteMore Info Compare
Simplify New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.19% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.6% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $927.29	Go to siteMore Info Compare
NRMA New Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $130,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.29% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $945.77	Go to siteMore Info Compare	Note: Take out a loan for an eligible electric vehicle and receive a 1.5% discount on your personalised interest rate (interest rates start from 5.79% p.a. and comparison rates from 6.49% p.a.)
RACV New Car Loans Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.29% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $945.77	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 7.29% p.a. A larger loan of $5,000 or more to help you buy a new or used car. 5-hour pre approval available and no ongoing fees.
OurMoneyMarket Used Car Loan - No Vehicle Age Limit Fixed1 - 7 Years $2,001 - $75,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.57% to 18.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 7.19% to 21.78%	Application Fee $250 min.	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $934.23	Go to siteMore Info Compare
NRMA Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $130,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 8.49% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 9.21% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $962.64	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a. Finance a used car with NRMA and benefit from a fixed rate term and no monthly fees. Pre-approval available within 5 business hours.
Stratton Finance Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.52% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.95% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $931.85	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate loan from 6.52% p.a. with a comparison rate of 6.95% p.a. A used car loan of up to $300,000 with quick approval times and balloon payment options.
Simplify Used Car Loan Fixed1 - 7 Years $10,000 - $300,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 6.19% to 18%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 6.6% to 23%	Application Fee $395	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $927.29	Go to siteMore Info Compare
loans.com.au - Variable Rate Used Car < 5 years Variable3 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 7.74% to 7.74%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 8.85% to 8.99%	Application Fee $400	Monthly Fee $8	Monthly Repayment $956.98	Go to siteMore Info Compare
RACV Used Car Loans Fixed1 - 7 Years $5,000 - $150,000	Interest Rate (p.a.) 8.49% to 16.99%	Comp. Rate (p.a.) 9.21% to 17.77%	Application Fee $499	Monthly Fee $0	Monthly Repayment $962.64	Go to siteMore Info Compare	You'll receive a fixed rate from 8.49% p.a. Benefit from no ongoing fees, 5-hour approval and a 21-day satisfaction guarantee. Interest rate discounts for members.

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Pictures: Mitsubishi