I remember the first time I saw a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport tackling rough terrain - it was during a family camping trip where my eldest son Jimuel insisted we take the "adventure route" through mountain trails. That experience made me truly appreciate what this vehicle brings to the table for off-road enthusiasts. The Pajero Sport has been turning heads in the SUV market since its introduction, and having driven various off-road vehicles over the years, I've developed some strong opinions about what makes this particular model stand out.
Let's talk about what really matters when you're miles from civilization - the drivetrain. The Pajero Sport comes with Mitsubishi's renowned Super Select 4WD-II system, which gives you the flexibility to switch between 2WD for normal roads and 4WD for when things get rough. I've personally tested this system in everything from desert sand to muddy trails, and it's remarkably intuitive. The 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque - numbers that might not sound extraordinary on paper but feel completely different when you're climbing a 45-degree incline. What impressed me most was how the eight-speed automatic transmission manages power delivery, making even tricky descents feel controlled and secure.
Off-road capability isn't just about power though - it's about how the vehicle handles adversity. The Pajero Sport's approach angle of 30 degrees, departure angle of 24.2 degrees, and ground clearance of 218 mm might seem like dry statistics until you're navigating rocky paths where every millimeter counts. I recall one particular incident where Jimuel and I found ourselves on a trail that suddenly deteriorated after heavy rain. While other SUVs in our group struggled, the Pajero Sport's active stability and traction control worked seamlessly with its hill descent control to get us through without drama. That's when you appreciate engineering that's been tested in some of the world's most challenging environments.
Comfort is where many off-road-focused SUVs fail, but Mitsubishi seems to have struck a good balance here. The interior may not have the luxury finishes of European competitors, but the seats are comfortable enough for long journeys, and the cabin remains surprisingly quiet even at highway speeds. I've driven nearly 500 miles in a single day in this vehicle and arrived feeling far less fatigued than I expected. The third-row seating, while not as spacious as the first two rows, has proven useful when Jimuel brings friends along on our adventures. What really matters to me is that the vehicle doesn't punish you during the 95% of time you're driving on normal roads just to excel in the 5% of off-road situations.
From a reliability perspective, Mitsubishi has built its reputation on vehicles that can withstand years of abuse, and the Pajero Sport continues this tradition. Having spoken with owners in various off-road communities, the consensus is that these vehicles regularly reach 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. The diesel engine, in particular, seems almost indestructible when cared for properly. My own experience has been trouble-free for the first 35,000 miles, with only routine maintenance required.
Now, is it perfect? Well, no vehicle is. The fuel economy could be better - I average around 28 mpg on highways and 22 mpg in city driving, though these numbers drop significantly when you're pushing it off-road. The infotainment system feels dated compared to what you find in newer SUVs, and the interior design lacks the wow factor of some competitors. But here's the thing - when you're actually using this vehicle for its intended purpose, these shortcomings matter far less than its capability and reliability.
What ultimately wins me over about the Pajero Sport is how it makes challenging terrain accessible without sacrificing everyday usability. It's not the most luxurious, fastest, or most technologically advanced SUV on the market, but it delivers where it counts. Watching Jimuel's excitement every time we take it off-road reminds me why vehicles like this exist - to enable adventures and create memories. For those who genuinely plan to venture beyond paved roads while still needing a practical family vehicle, the Pajero Sport represents an compelling package that's hard to match at its price point. It may not be the ultimate off-road SUV for everyone, but for adventurers who value capability over flashiness, it certainly deserves serious consideration.
