Review - 2022 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

It manages to excel when put under the pump in the Great Outdoors, while remaining spacious and comfortable for school runs and daily driving for up to seven people, making it a perfect addition to the competitive SUV segment here in Australia. 

While prices might have risen in recent years, the Pajero Sport still presents buyers with an extremely attractive value for money proposition, but the question remaining is just how capable is it compared to its fierce competitors? Let’s find out. 

Starting Price: $43,940

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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - GLX (4x4) 7 SEAT Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Mitsubishi Pajero Sport car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport lineup kicks off from $43,940 for the entry-level Pajero Sport GLX 4x2, while the GLS 4x2 is priced at $48,690. Moving to the GLX 4x4 brings the price tag to $48,940, while the GLS 4x4 is priced at $53,690.

From here, the range moves to the Pajero Sport Exceed 4x4 which is priced at $59,190, while the range-topping Pajero Sport GSR 4x4 is priced at $60,940. 

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to change and do not include on-road costs. 

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What Features Does the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Have?

The entry-level Pajero Sport GLX comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloy wheels, and receives LED headlights, daytime running lamps and fog lights, as well as climate control, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, keyless entry & start, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera with parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, as well as an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ radio. 

Moving up the range to the Pajero Sport GLS variant adds a seven seat configuration, automatic wipers and headlights, dual-zone climate control, a powered boot lift, rear privacy glass and an upgraded six-speaker stereo system. 

Mitsubishi also offers a Deluxe Package, priced at $2,500, that adds leather upholstery, powered front seats and a surround-view camera. 

The Pajero Sport Exceed variant receives an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, front parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alerts, a surround-view camera and blind spot monitoring, as well as an upgraded eight-speaker sound system. 

Finally, Mitsubishi’s range-topping Pajero Sport GSR variant gains a set of black 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as a black paint finish for the front grille, roof, bumpers, headlight surrounds and rear spoiler. 

Range Features: 

• 18-inch alloys

• LED headlights, daytime running lamps and fog lights

• Rear view camera with sensors 

• Leather steering wheel and gear lever 

• Keyless entry & start 

• Adaptive cruise control

• 8.0-inch infotainment system 

• Seven seat configuration (GLS)

• Powered boot lift (GLS)

• Dual-zone climate control (GLS)

• Rear privacy glass (GLS)

• 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster (Exceed)

• Surround-view camera (Exceed)

• Heated front seats (Exceed)

• Blind spot monitoring (Exceed)

• Black 18-inch alloy wheels (GSR)

• Black roof, front grille, headlight surrounds and bumpers (GSR) 

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Colours 

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is available in a range of colours, including White Diamond, Dark Blue Pearlescent, Black Mica Pearlescent, Graphite Grey Metallic, Sterling Silver Metalli and Terra Rossa Pearlescent. 

Is it Comfortable to Drive? 

Underneath the SUV styling, the Pajero Sport is actually based on the platform taken from the Mitsubishi Triton ute. 

While this recipe might sound a bit rugged in the context of a family-friendly SUV, the reality is that this platform is tried-and-tested and ready for whatever Australian road conditions can - and will - throw at it, while remaining exceptionally comfortable on daily drives and commutes around town. 

The entire Pajero Sport is powered by the same engine, meaning that everything from the base GLX to the range-topping GSR receive a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel pushing out 133kW/430Nm of torque. On the road, this gives the Pajero Sport a nice amount of push off the line, but considering its hefty kerb weight, it certainly won’t push you back into your seat.

In reality, though, this engine offers enough power for the majority of your driving needs and is complemented by a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission that makes picking up speed around town and on the highway an effortless task. 

Around town, the Pajero Sport remains user-friendly and easy to pilot thanks to the light steering feel, making parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces a simple task, in spite of its size. 

When you leave town, the Pajero Sport continues to shine, thanks to its hefty suspension system that irons out bumps on the road, and offers some true off-roading potential thanks to the Super Select II four-wheel drive system as standard. This offers two-wheel high and low-range 4x4, as well as a locking centre differential for different surfaces and towing assistance. 

The Pajero Sport range has a braked towing capacity between 3,000-3,100kg, depending on the variant, which lags behind the 3,500kg of pulling power that some of its main rivals offer. Gross combination mass (GCM) is rated at 5,565kg while gross vehicle mass (GVM) is rated at 2,775kg and towball capacity is rated at 310kg.  

Is it Practical and Spacious? 

While it might have rugged, ute-based underpinnings, the Pajero Sport has been designed with the needs of Australian families as a priority. The result is a utilitarian, family-friendly cabin with a heap of space for bodies, bags and belongings that isn’t afraid to get dirty on long-distance road trips. 

Opting for a seven-seat configuration opens up the true family-friendly potential of the platform, so long as you’re limiting the size of the rear-most passengers to that of a young teenager at the maximum. 

Up front, the driver and passenger are positioned high above the road, offering a great view out over the road. The driver receives a nice leather steering wheel in all variants, while the packaging remains far more sophisticated than the Triton ute that it’s based on, although the infotainment system is beginning to feel a little dated. 

Practicality up front is outstanding, with a hidden storage tray sitting between the driver and front passenger underneath the gear lever, as well as a small storage tray up top for smartphones, a pair of cupholders, storage inside the folding arm rest and in the door bins either side. 

In the second row of the cabin, there’s a decent amount of legroom available for rear passengers, but it’s not outstanding. The Pajero Sport is limited by its platform which features a similar amount of legroom in the Triton dual-cab, which is perfectly fine for kids and teenagers but can feel a bit squeezed as an adult. 

USB chargers as well as a 220-volt charger, air vents and a folding armrest with cup holders add to the practicality in the rear of the Pajero Sport’s cabin. There is also a set of ISOFIX mounts for the parents out there wondering if the Pajero Sport is a good option for families. 

In terms of third row seating, there’s more than enough space for kids to get comfortable for long journeys, making the Pajero Sport a genuine seven seat SUV for Australian families. 

The Pajero Sport has a boot that can accommodate 131L with the three rows of seats standing, which expands to 502L with the third row folded flat, while a full-sized spare tyre sits underneath the boot floor, which is a nice touch in a world filled with space-saver spare tyres. As a point of reference, the five-seat Pajero Sport offers 673L of boot space. 

Is it Safe?

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has been awarded ANCAP’s maximum five-star safety rating, but base models remain lacking in some key features that its competitors are happy to throw in free of charge. 

All Pajero Sport variants receive autonomous emergency braking, a rear-view camera and parking sensors, adaptive cruise control system and a host of airbags, key features like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts are reserved for the more premium Exceed and GSR variants. 

Is it Fuel Efficient? 

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is rated at 8.0L per 100km on a combined cycle, which is a pretty respectable fuel economy figure when you consider its sheer size and weight. 

It’s likely that with a full load of passengers and their belongings you’ll see fuel economy jump into the double digits, but this applies to effectively all of the Pajero Sport’s competitors, too. 

Our Verdict: Is the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Worth it?

If you’re looking for a car that can confidently tick multiple sets of boxes, the Pajero Sport is well worth taking a closer look at. When it comes to everyday driving and commuting duties, the platform remains easy to drive and exceptionally comfortable on smooth surfaces, while offering some genuine off-road driving capabilities that add to the flexibility of the package. 

As a weekender, workhorse and daily driver, the Pajero Sport is an impressive addition to Australia’s crowded SUV lineup, and is well deserving of a spot on your shortlist. On that note,  if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925 

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-star ANCAP safety rating 
2. Seven-seat configuration available in GLS and above variants
3. 3,100kg braked towing capacity
4. 5,565kg gross combination mass 
5. Fuel economy of 8.0L per 100km  

Pros 

• Extremely comfortable driving dynamics 
• Genuine off-road potential 
• Tough platform handles Australian B-roads with confidence 

Cons

• Key safety features reserved for premium Exceed and GSR variants 
• Uninspiring cabin aesthetics 
• Outdated infotainment system 

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Competition