Review: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
This much-loved SUV is back with a bang and it will make you feel like a teenager all over again.
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The Mitsubishi Pajero has a long history as a car much loved by Aussies for its durability and reliability.
Being back in the Pajero Sport was quite nostalgic, it made me feel like I was 15 again and about to set off with my family on a camping trip.
But driving the four-wheel-drive was another experience, I couldn’t quite shake the sense that it’s stuck in the past.
But perhaps that’s the point?
This is an SUV for those who want fuss-free off-road ability, a vehicle that can pull a caravan with no sweat.
A four-wheel drive that isn’t filled with technology, over-complicated software and flashy tech.
Its predecessor was the Challenger, a solid, no nonsense SUV.
The Pajero Sport follows suit with a rugged approach that has attracted a loyal following.
The Pajero has undergone updates over the years, but technically, it’s almost a ten-year-old car.
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That’s clear when you step inside the cabin of the updated 2024 model.
It’s a pretty basic cabin.
But it’s spacious with wide doors and seven seat capacity in most models, and there’s ample space for kids, grandkids, shopping or camping gear.
This year’s model features new 18-inch wheels, revised upper and lower grilles, front and rear bumper garnishes and black headlamp extensions.
On the road, it feels sturdy and tough.
The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine gets the job done, but don’t expect lighting speed.
It has 133kW of power and 430 Nm of torque with a towing capacity of 3100kg.
The eight-speed transmission is robust but I wouldn’t say it’s particularly smooth or responsive.
Off road, the hill descent control function is handy in steep territory.
As are four modes for the all wheel drive system, including high and low-range four-wheel-drive.
You can also choose from four off-road modes: Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand and Rock, each mode performed well in the varying terrains.
For a small person, I found the seating position and visibility to be excellent.
The steering wheel has been updated with leather and a revised digital instrument display
The 8-inch infotainment system is small, the graphics are basic and the menu isn’t what you’d call intuitive.
A new feature is the 360 degree camera but the camera feels like an old and basic unit.
Of course, Mitsubishi has stuck with buttons in place of huge displays, which some drivers will love. Better still, the automaker is in no rush to eliminate them.
The cabin features automatic dual climate control, multiple USB ports, with smartphone storage tray in the front and seat-back pockets for second row passengers.
It’s the simplicity and the underwhelming experience that I think appeals to an older demographic or Middle Australia.
There’s no need to read a manual to figure out the technology, everything does what it’s supposed to do without the unnecessary jazz.
All Mitsubishi Motors vehicles come with a 10 year/200,000 km warranty and 10 years capped price servicing and roadside assistance.
Verdict
Overall, the Pajero seems like the perfect SUV option if you’re ready to retire and take off with your campervan. If you’re not fussed about having the latest technology and a jazzy cabin but you value simplicity, comfort and practicality, then this is the SUV for you.
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Originally published as Review: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
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