Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2017 Review

We love:

• Great driving experience on and off road
• Value for money in quality and safety

Pain points:

• Polarising rear end
• Third row seats are small
• Third row reduces load space and adds weight when not in use

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2017 review

This large four-wheel drive has three rows of seats to accommodate six people comfortably or seven at a pinch. It's definitely worth considering when you need a large, off-road capable SUV.

The exterior of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2017

The exterior styling of the Pajero Sport in 2017 is polarising, and certainly distinctive, with an aggressive rear end, unique tail lights, and upward sweeping sides featuring multiple chrome accents. It's unusual looking, and you won't lose it in a carpark.

Controversial rear end design - image courtesy of WhichCar.

Wipers and headlights are automatic; proximity key entry and push-button start let you keep your keys in your bag or pocket. There's a full-size spare and the wheels are partly-painted aluminium alloy. LED daytime running lights to keep the large SUV visible on overcast days, and both headlights and taillights are LED. There are side steps to help passengers climb in and out of the car too.

Choosing a colour other than white will attract an extra cost.

Inside the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2017

While there's plenty of space for second-row passengers, the third row of seats is much tighter. You can buy the Pajero Sport without the third row of seats if you prefer the space, or fold the two rear seats flat when not in use. The second row can be folded 60/40 or tumbled forward to create luggage space. There are air vents for the rear seats, and the steering wheel can adjust for both reach and height.

Front seats of the Pajero Sport - Image courtesy of WhichCar.

Safety includes seven airbags, with curtain airbags stretching back to the third row of seats, seatbelt pre-tensioners, a reversing camera, blind-spot monitoring and electronic stability control. There's even a pedal misoperation function to help mitigate damage from a collision if your foot slips on the pedal by mistake.

Connectivity

Bluetooth connectivity through a 7.0-inch touchscreen that mirrors the phone through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The base model comes with four-speaker sound output, upgrading to the GLS you'll get six speakers to funnel sound through to the added third row of seats.

What's it like to drive a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2017?

Select 2WD for on-road use to save fuel, 4WD for slippery conditions or high or low-range 4WD for off-road. The Pajero Sport also has a terrain-response system similar to that of the Land Rover to assist the driver to navigate gravel, sand, mud, and rock.

The hill-descent control controls the vehicle in tricky terrain, and the suspension is comfortable both on-road and off-road, removing the worst of the bumps and body roll. The driving experience is truly refined on the road, and off-road too, with enough ground clearance to navigate obstacles, creek beds, and washouts.

If required, you can even increase clearance by removing the rear-diff mounted dampener without experiencing any detriment, or install aftermarket suspension and fitting 32-inch tyres to lift the chassis by 18 millimetres.

Driver assistance gives you confidence anywhere - image courtesy of Which Car.

You can tow up to 3,100 kilograms braked—any large boat or caravan—or 750 kilograms unbraked. Trailer sway detection and stability assist give extra confidence to the driver when towing.

While it's only available as an automatic, paddle-shifters that don't move with the steering wheel give you back control over how you drive, especially useful off-road where the coil-sprung rear suspension proves its value.

Who's the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2017 for?

When you need true off-road ability, space to seat seven, great fuel economy and a quality cabin, a Pajero Sport should be on your shortlist.

With many premium features, plus a five-year, 100,000-kilometre warranty, the Pajero Sport 2017 offers great value for money for a large SUV.

Feature Summary

Price: $52,750

Engine: four-cylinder 2.4L variable-turbo diesel (133kW/430Nm)

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic with paddle-shifters AWD

Wheels: 18-inch part-painted aluminium alloy wheels

Safety: 5 star ANCAP

Fuel: 8.0L/100km

Emissions: 212g/km

AV and tech: 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Seats: 5 or 7

Doors: 4

You can finance a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2017 from $260/week*, get a quick quote to find out exactly what it will cost to purchase this capable large SUV.

No time to shop around for your car? Just tell us exactly what you want, including the features and colour. We will find the vehicle to match and negotiate the best price for you.

*Over a 5-year loan term.