For decades, the Mitsubishi Pajero name has been synonymous with rugged durability, off-road prowess, and family adventure in Australia. While the iconic Pajero was discontinued, its spirit lives on in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, a capable 4x4 SUV that blends traditional toughness with modern comfort and features.
The Pajero Sport is built on the same ladder-frame chassis as the Mitsubishi Triton ute, giving it the robustness required for tackling Australia’s toughest terrains—from the sandy stretches of Fraser Island to the rocky trails of the Victorian High Country. At the same time, it is designed with family practicality, offering three rows of seating, advanced driver assistance, and a competitive price point.
In this review, we’ll explore everything that matters to Australian buyers: design, cabin comfort, driving performance, off-road credentials, technology, safety ratings, running costs, and how the Pajero Sport stacks up against rivals like the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X, and Ford Everest.
Exterior Design: Rugged Meets Modern
The Pajero Sport carries a distinctive Mitsubishi design language with the bold “Dynamic Shield” front fascia. The chrome grille, sleek headlights, and sharp bumper lines give it a modern yet muscular look. Higher trims feature LED daytime running lights and stylish alloy wheels that enhance its road presence.
From the side, its high ground clearance and tall stance highlight its 4x4 readiness. The rear design is polarising, with vertical tail lights stretching down the body—a design choice that sparks debate but ensures instant recognition. Roof rails and side steps add practicality, making it easier to mount accessories and load adventure gear.
Available in multiple colours—ranging from crisp white to deep black and metallic finishes—the Pajero Sport strikes a balance between rugged off-road SUV and family-friendly daily driver.
Interior Comfort and Space
Step inside, and the Pajero Sport greets you with a practical, well-appointed cabin. While it doesn’t rival the luxury of high-end SUVs, it offers durability and comfort suited for long Australian drives.
- Seating: The Pajero Sport comes standard as a seven-seater, with supportive front seats and a versatile second row. The third row is better suited for kids or occasional use, but it folds flat to create extra boot space when not needed.
- Materials: Hard-wearing plastics dominate the lower trims, but higher grades offer leather-appointed seats, soft-touch panels, and metallic accents for a more premium feel.
- Technology: A digital driver display, 8-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB ports make connectivity seamless.
- Practicality: With plenty of storage compartments, cup holders, and a decent cargo capacity (especially with the third row folded), the Pajero Sport is built with family life in mind.
While it prioritises function over form, the interior remains comfortable and well-suited for both daily commutes and long-distance touring.
Performance: On-Road and Off-Road
Engine and Transmission
The Pajero Sport is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing around 133kW of power and 430Nm of torque. While it may not be the most powerful engine in the class, it is proven, durable, and well-matched to Mitsubishi’s 8-speed automatic transmission.
On-Road Driving
On sealed roads, the Pajero Sport delivers a surprisingly refined ride for a ladder-frame SUV. It handles everyday driving with ease, offering decent acceleration, stable highway cruising, and manageable steering. The suspension is tuned to balance comfort and toughness, absorbing bumps without feeling overly stiff.
However, the Pajero Sport does lean into corners due to its high ride height and body-on-frame construction. Drivers seeking sedan-like agility will find it less engaging, but this is a trade-off for genuine off-road capability.
Off-Road Ability
This is where the Pajero Sport shines. Equipped with Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system, it allows drivers to seamlessly switch between 2H, 4H, 4HLc, and 4LLc modes depending on terrain. With 218mm of ground clearance, impressive approach and departure angles, hill descent control, and rear differential lock (on higher trims), the Pajero Sport is more than capable of tackling tough tracks, river crossings, and sandy dunes.
Whether it’s a weekend camping trip or a rugged outback adventure, the Pajero Sport feels at home off the beaten path.
Technology and Features
Mitsubishi has worked hard to modernise the Pajero Sport with features Australian families expect:
- Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen with smartphone mirroring (Apple CarPlay, Android Auto).
- Navigation: Available in higher trims, though many drivers prefer smartphone apps.
- Digital Driver Display: Provides vehicle data, trip info, and selectable views.
- Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control keeps the cabin comfortable.
- Convenience: Keyless entry, push-button start, power tailgate, and multi-function steering wheel.
While not as tech-laden as luxury SUVs, the Pajero Sport includes all the essentials, plus some handy extras, making it feel modern without being overwhelming.
Safety Ratings and Driver Assistance
Safety is a top priority for Australian families, and the Pajero Sport doesn’t disappoint. It comes with a comprehensive safety suite that has earned it a solid ANCAP safety rating.
Key features include:
- Forward Collision Mitigation (autonomous emergency braking)
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Blind Spot Warning
- Lane Change Assist
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Multi-view Camera System
- Seven airbags, including curtain airbags covering all three rows
Combined with strong structural integrity, the Pajero Sport inspires confidence whether driving in the city or on remote highways.
Variants and Pricing in Australia
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is available in several trims, catering to different budgets and preferences:
- GLX (base model): Offers essential features with strong value.
- GLS: Adds more comfort, safety, and convenience.
- Exceed: Top-of-the-range with luxury touches like leather seats, premium audio, and advanced driver aids.
- GSR (special edition): Sportier styling with black exterior accents and exclusive trims.
Pricing in Australia typically ranges from around $50,000 to $65,000 drive-away, depending on the variant and location. This positions it competitively against rivals like the Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner, and Ford Everest.
Running Costs and Ownership
Fuel Economy
The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel is efficient for a large SUV, consuming around 8–9L/100km in mixed driving conditions. Real-world fuel use will vary depending on load, terrain, and driving style.
Warranty and Service
Mitsubishi offers one of the best warranties in Australia—10 years or 200,000km (when serviced within the dealer network). Capped-price servicing and long service intervals help keep ownership costs manageable.
Resale Value
While it may not hold value as strongly as a Toyota LandCruiser or Prado, the Pajero Sport retains decent resale thanks to its reputation for durability and off-road ability.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport vs Rivals
When shopping for a rugged 4x4 SUV, the Pajero Sport competes directly with:
- Toyota Fortuner: Reliable and backed by Toyota’s strong reputation, but usually more expensive.
- Isuzu MU-X: Known for reliability and towing capacity, with a slightly more powerful engine.
- Ford Everest: Offers advanced tech and a powerful engine range, but at a higher price point.
The Pajero Sport stands out as a value-packed option, offering genuine 4WD capability, family-friendly features, and one of the best warranties in the market.
Who Should Buy the Pajero Sport?
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is best suited for:
- Families who love weekend getaways and camping trips
- Buyers needing a reliable 7-seat SUV with strong towing ability (up to 3,100kg braked)
- Off-road enthusiasts who want real 4x4 capability at a competitive price
- Drivers who value Mitsubishi’s long warranty and ownership peace of mind
If luxury and high-end performance are top priorities, other options may appeal more. But if you want a rugged, versatile SUV without breaking the bank, the Pajero Sport is a smart buy.
Final Verdict
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is one of the most capable and value-driven 4x4 SUVs available in Australia. It combines genuine off-road ability with everyday practicality, modern technology, and excellent warranty coverage. While it isn’t the most luxurious or the most powerful in its class, it strikes a balance that makes it a compelling choice for Aussie families and adventurers alike.
With competitive pricing, proven reliability, and the toughness to handle Australia’s harsh conditions, the Pajero Sport continues the legacy of the Pajero name while carving out its own identity in the modern SUV market.
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