Review - 2023 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

The Pajero Sport enters the 2023 model year with a relatively small list of changes, though it remains competitively priced for a family-friendly 4x4 wagon with a lengthy equipment list.

Just how good is the latest Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, then, and how does it stack up against its rivals? Let’s find out.

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Competition

Starting Price: $44,940

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How Much Does It Cost?

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport range kicks off from $44,940 for the entry-level Pajero Sport GLX 2WD, with prices rising to $50,190 for the GLS 2WD.

Four-wheel drive variants of the Pajero Sport lineup kick off from $49,940 for the GLX 4WD, rising up to $55,190 for the GLS 4WD, and up to $60,690 for the Exceed 4WD.

Finally, the range-topping Pajero Sport GSR 4WD is priced at $62,440.

Keep in mind that these are retail prices that do not include on-road costs.

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Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - GSR (4WD) 7 SEAT Specifications

What Features Does the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Have?

Mitsubishi’s entry-level Pajero Sport GLX comes riding on 18-inch alloys and receives LED headlights, fog lights and daytime running lamps, cloth upholstery with a leather-wrapped steering wheel, climate control, keyless entry & start, adaptive cruise control, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Stepping up to the Pajero Sport GLS adds a seven-seat layout, dual-zone climate control, a powered boot lift, privacy glass, a rear floor storage box and a six-speaker sound system.

Opting for the Pajero Sport Exceed adds a surround-view camera, heated, power-adjustable  front seats, an eight-speaker sound system and an 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster, as well as some added safety gear.

Finally, the range-topping Pajero Sport GSR picks up a set of black 18-inch alloys and a black finish for the front grille, roof, bumpers and headlight surrounds.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys 

• LED headlights, fog lights and daytime running lamps 

• Cloth upholstery with leather-wrapped steering wheel 

• Climate control 

• Keyless entry & start 

• Adaptive cruise control 

• Rear-view camera with rear parking sensors 

• 8.0-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto 

• Seven-seat interior layout (GLS)

• Powered boot lift (GLS)

• Surround-view camera (Exceed)

• Heated, power-adjustable front seats (Exceed) 

• 8.0-inch digital instrument cluster (Exceed)

• Black exterior highlights (GSR)

Is the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Comfortable to Drive?

The Pajero Sport uses a platform and suspension hardware borrowed from the rugged Triton ute workhorse, which means it offers a heap of versatility for a family-friendly wagon, though there is a catch.

There are no major sacrifices when opting for the Pajero Sport in terms of ride quality, though it’s less user-friendly when it comes to daily driving, particularly in an urban environment.

While other Mitsubishi SUVs are easy to pilot around town, the Pajero Sport feels substantially bulkier to lug through a car park, and while the steering isn’t too heavy, it does require a lot of input to navigate car parks.

Thankfully, the Pajero Sport’s 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine is solid and makes for some reasonable acceleration off the line thanks to its 133kW of power and 430Nm of torque, which is thrown to the wheels via an eight-speed automatic.

The transmission is a big step up from the six-speed unit used in the Triton ute, while those headed off-road will be pleased to know 4x4 variants receive a locking rear differential as standard for off-roading.

On that note, the suspension has been set up to give the Pajero Sport some serious off-road abilities, which has also helped to soften the ride quality and absorb bumps on a daily drive, though it does tend to roll in the corners and feels a little rough around the edges.

All up, though, the Pajero Sport’s versatility makes it a worthwhile option for adventurous families, though it’s far from the segment leader when it comes to daily driving and refinement.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport’s 2.4-litre turbo-diesel unit is rated at 8.0L per 100km on a combined cycle, making it reasonably fuel efficient, though lagging behind its major rivals like the Everest, Fortuner and the MU-X.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Designed with families in mind, the Pajero Sport’s large cabin offers a decent amount of space, though the interior design is showing some serious signs of its age.

The layout is very familiar to the Triton ute, which means there’s ample headroom for tall drivers and everything receives a solid fit and finish that makes it feel well-built, albeit a little bland compared to its more contemporary rivals.

The driving position is nice and lofty, giving those in the front a good view out at their surroundings.

Up front, the driver and front passenger have a pair of cup holders, a small storage tray at the base of the dashboard, a sizable glove box, small storage options underneath the console and a pair of large door bins for water bottles.

Move to the rear of the cabin and the Pajero Sport’s second row offers enough legroom for tall adults, though headroom can be a little cramped for super-tall occupants.

Creature comforts in the second row include a set of air vents, a centre armrest with cupholders, a pair of USB chargers, a 150V outlet, as well as a pair of ISOFIX anchors and three top tether mounts for child seats.

In terms of seating, the base model comes laid out as a five-seater, while those looking for a seven-seat layout will have to opt for the GLS and above.

The Pajero Sport’s third row is a cramped affair, mostly due to the limited headroom, though legroom is totally suitable for young children.

Finally, the Pajero Sport has a boot measuring in at 131L with all three rows standing, expanding to 502L with the third row folded up against the second row.

Is it Safe?

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has been awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring 15.22 out of 16 for front impact protection and a perfect 16 out of 16 for side impacts.

Standard safety equipment for the base model includes autonomous emergency braking, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, knee and curtain airbags and adaptive cruise control, though no active safety equipment.

Unfortunately, to get your hands on features like rear cross-traffic alerts, blind-spot monitoring and a surround-view camera, you’ll have to step up to the Exceed.

Our Verdict: Is The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Worth it?

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport remains a solid option for adventurous Aussie families, though the ageing platform feels ready for an upgrade - which is exactly what’s in store for next year.

For those that can wait, we’d suggest holding off for a replacement, otherwise keep in mind that it’s more of an off-road creation with some road manners, rather than a user-friendly SUV and see how that stacks up with your priorities.

If you’re tossing up your options in the world of 4x4 family wagons, be sure to reach out to one of our automotive specialists who can help find you the best possible price.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Five-year/100,000km warranty extends to 10-year/200,000km if serviced within network 

2. 3100kg braked towing capacity 

3. Five-seat layout for GLX (seven-seat in GLS & above)

4. 8.0L/100km combined cycle fuel economy 

5. 4x2 and 4x4 systems available; 4x4 picks up locking rear differential