2024 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport review

The spacious, comfortable and capable third-generation Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has been on sale since 2015.

For a long time it has offered a reasonable price, a capable selectable four-wheel drive system and decent on- and off-road capability. It received an additional update in 2021, as well a minor facelift more recently to keep it relatively fresh for 2024.

The ute-based four-wheel drive segment is quite competitive – think Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, and the soon-to-be-launched Toyota Prado, but is the Paj Sport still worth considering?

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What is new?

For MY24, the Pajero Sport has received a refreshed exterior, new wheels and upgraded interior. 2WD models are no longer available for the Australian market due to lack of demand, and the Pajero Sport remains powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and selectable 4WD system.

Features that have been added include an automatic LED headlight function, automatic rain-sensing wipers, a revised 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheel design, a darkened black headlight extension, and revised front and rear bumper trims.

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There is also a choice of two new colours stolen from the new-gen Triton: Blade Silver Metallic, which is available on the GLX, GLS and Exceed; and Graphite Grey with a black roof, which is available only on the GSR.

Inside the cabin, the Pajero Sport has received a new steering wheel that has been lifted from the latest Triton, as well as a new, updated digital instrument display for Exceed and GSR modes – as well as an improved standard specification for GLX.

How much is it and what do you get?

Prices start from $51,540, topping out at $64,840 before on-road costs; so, depending on the model variant, prices are up between $1600 and $2400.

This is similar to an Isuzu MU-X, which kicks off from $54,900 for the LS-M 4x4 model to $61,400 for the LS-U 4x4. However, it is still cheaper than a Ford Everest, which is priced between $59,240 for the base Ambiente 2.0-litre 4x4 diesel, to $81,115 for the top-spec Platinum.

The entry-level GLX is only available as a five-seater and is priced from $51,540 before on-road costs. GLX includes side steps, roof rails, LED daytime running lights, cloth upholstery with driver’s lumbar adjustment, an eight-inch touchscreen with both wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, four speakers, and an analogue gauge cluster.

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The next model grade is the GLS, which is priced from $56,890 before on-road costs. For a budget family-friendly version, this is the pick of the range as it gets a seven-seat configuration along with a power tailgate, integrated satellite navigation, a six-speaker sound system, and a rear differential lock.

There is also a $2350 Deluxe option for the GLS, which adds leather-appointed seats, driver’s side electric adjustment, and Mitsubishi’s (MAM) multi-around monitor that provides a 360° bird’s eye view of the car.

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The Exceed is priced from $62,590 and is a premium variant that comes with an eight-inch digital instrument cluster, heated front row seats, a premium eight-speaker sound system, front parking sensors, and a remote app function via a smartphone.

The top-spec GSR is priced at $64,840 and includes a new two-tone burgundy, black premium synthetic leather trim, and black door mirrors, door handles and a tailgate handle. The GLX also benefits from dusk-sensing headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.

Storage and practicality

The standard GLX is exclusively a five-seater, whereas the GLS, Exceed and GSR come with seven-seat configurations. There are plenty of storage solutions throughout the cabin and, in terms of connectivity, there is an HTMI in the lower section of the dashboard along with two USB Type-A ports. Unfortunately, the CarPlay feature is wired and, as my iPhone 16 is USB Type-A only, I couldn’t connect to Apple CarPlay.

In the second row, there is a 150-watt power socket along with a USB-A port, air vents on the roof, map pockets, bottle holders in the doors, and a centre armrest with two cup holders. For passengers, there is a decent amount of space for legroom for all three adults, but the rear pews aren’t as wide as a Ford Everest or Toyota Prado. The seats also recline backwards and forwards, but have no sliding adjustment. For young families, there are two ISOfix points, as well as a roof-mounted child restraint top tether point for three points.

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In the third row, there are no ISO fix points or top tether points and, in terms of space, it is only suitable for occasional use or small children.

Boot space with the first row in place is rated at 131 litres; and with the second row in place it expands to 673 litres for the five-seat GLX and 502 litres for the GLS, Exceed and GSR. With all seats folded, it amounts to 1624 litres for the five-seater version and 1488 litres for all seven-seat versions.

All variants also receive a 12V power socket, a small underfloor compartment, a full-sized spare wheel, and Exceed and GSR models get an automatic power tailgate.

Is it safe?

The Pajero Sport received a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2015, but it is worth noting that all vehicles built from January 1, 2023, are currently unrated at this point.

The standard GLX comes with a reversing camera with rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control. Exceed and GSR models receive blind-spot monitoring, front parking sensors, a surround-view camera and rear cross-traffic alert.

Powertrain

The 133kW/430Nm 2.4-litre MiVEC diesel engine performs admirably compared to its closest rivals, but when accelerating beyond 80 to 90km/h, there is a bit of a delay and the turbo-diesel is not as punchy as something like a V6-equipped Ford Everest.

Refinement-wise, the seats in the Pajero Sport offer a lot of comfort. After three hours behind the wheel, the ride remained quite reasonable for a body-on-frame 4WD. In comparison to an MU-X, the steering feels a bit more solid on the road, and the eight-speed gearbox remained fairly responsive through town.

The claimed fuel consumption is at 8.0 litres per 100km, and I managed to achieve 8.6 litres after driving 71k – from Adelaide’s CBD to St Ives. The fuel tank size is 68 litres in capacity.

All variants feature a 4WD transfer box, Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system, selectable off-road modes, and a rear differential as standard for the GLS, Exceed and GSR. The paddle shifters were quite useful, shifting gears between first and second while performing some mild off-roading at Adelaide Hills 4WD Park.

Off-road specs

Towing specs

Ownership

Mitsubishi Australia offers a five-year/100,000km vehicle warranty that covers all new Mitsubishis as standard. Additionally, if you stay on top of your scheduled servicing with the Mitsubishi network, that extends your warranty to an impressive ten years or up to 200,000km, a 10-year capped price servicing plan and four years of complimentary roadside assistance.

The Pajero Sport’s service intervals are 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first, and each visit is between $449 to $999 depending on the service that is required.

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Verdict

The interior may look outdated compared to most of its rivals, and its performance isn’t the best in its category; but as a value proposition, the Pajero Sport offers the best if you want full four-wheel drive capability and decent space for a growing family. In terms of recommended model grade, it’s hard to go past the GLS with the Deluxe pack.

Pricing

*All prices exclude on-road costs
**Deluxe pack for the GLS adds $2350