Mitsubishi Pajero Sport review finds true off-roader for those on a tight budget

This is the last hurrah for Mitsubishi’s Pajero Sport off-road SUV as manufacturing has ended. It still offers ample ability without breaking the bank.

Spending time in Mitsubishi’s Pajero Sport was the equivalent of the automotive Green Mile.

The death knell has sounded for the off-road SUV which is no longer in production. Along with the ASX and Eclipse Cross, Mitsubishi stopped manufacturing the models due to an overhaul of the autonomous emergency braking system required to comply with Australian Design rules.

Rather than undertake expensive redesigns, Mitsubishi has instead shifted its focus to the future and will bring other all-new models Down Under.

Dealerships still have ample supply of the Pajero Sport due to pre-ordering, and it remains one of the few serious off-road SUVs.

Most SUVs are honed for pure bitumen activities, but the Pajero Sport shares much of its underpinnings with the Triton ute and embraces the road less travelled. It’s the most affordable off-road SUV around starting from $55,000, up against the Isuzu MU-X (four-wheel drive from $58,630) and the Ford Everest (from $59,870).

One trump card is that seven seats are standard on all but the base model and our family tested the GLS version which starts from just below $60,000 on the road.

What do you get?

Sitting one rung up from the base model, the GLS feels utilitarian yet built for adventure with hardy materials.

Feature highlights are a six-speaker sound system, dual-zone aircon, power tailgate, satnav, smart key with push-button start, eight-inch infotainment touchscreen along with smartphone mirroring apps Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Our test machine benefited from the Deluxe pack which adds leather trimmed seats (combination of real and man-made products), power adjustable front chairs and an around-view monitor for an extra $2350.

There are seven seats as standard, but the third row is essentially kids only territory due to limited leg and head room.

Mitsubishi is also offering a $3000 prepaid MasterCard with all Pajero Sports sold until June 30.

The brand has one of the best warranties in the business … but you have to maintain servicing through the dealer network to receive full benefit. Like most manufacturers, there is five years of coverage or 100,000km which is complimentary. To gain 10 years and another 100,000km, owners must continue maintenance with dealers with annual servicing intervals or every 15,000km.

Capped price servicing is available for the first 10 visits, totalling $7490 – it ramps up from about $500 per service early in its life to nearly $1000 once past 120,000km.

White is the only inclusive external colour, with blue, red, silver, grey and black all adding $740, while a metallic white is an extra $940.

Our Mitsubishi Pajero Sport had the Deluxe pack which adds leather trimmed seats, power adjustable front chairs and an around-view monitor for an extra $2350.

How was the drive?

There was no doubt a diesel resided under the bonnet.

The distinctive oil-burner clatter accompanied each push of the start button and highlighted the age. Many of the new diesels are quieter and smoother.

The burly diesel soundtrack was matched by the ride on bitumen, which was somewhat rugged and bouncy.

Yet the Pajero Sport is a true off-roader, its beaten track capability backed by high and low range, along with four modes available via a console dial for the best traction – gravel, mud/snow, sand and rock.

Beach work is well within the Pajero Sport’s remit, and it can also handle some pretty tough terrain without any aftermarket assistance.

The towing capacity is 3.1 tonnes, while gross combination mass is 5565kg. Only the higher-spec Exceed and GSR models gain the full gamut of safety equipment, so the GLS goes without front parking sensors, blind spot warning, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert and misacceleration mitigation.

Our test returned average fuel consumption of just over nine litres for every 100km, which is only just over the official figure from Mitsubishi.

Mitsubishi's MY24 Pajero Sport.

Would you buy one?

Kel: We’ve had a Pajero Sport in the extended family and it’s been a reliable family machine for years. It is beginning to feel its age, but I appreciated the no fuss cabin which was straightforward and the high riding position with great vision. Our GLS did lack some pivotal safety features and didn’t have heated seats – one of my prerequisites. Ultimately the off-road capability isn’t required for me, and I’d prefer an SUV with more comfort for daily activities.

Grant: For Mitsubishi, it’s equivalent to the last of the Mohicans. Replacements are promised, but the Pajero Sport remains one of the best buys in terms of features and function for your money. It’s nothing flashy, but it’s brimming with commonsense with an excellent warranty and widespread dealership network.