Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS 7 seat 2017 review

Is there anything interesting about its design?

6 / 10

While we’re not exactly sure which functions the Pajero Sport’s form follows, we do know its bold exterior styling rivals the US President-elect as a catalyst for polarised opinions and caustic commentary. 

A frantic combination of angular highlights, beefy bulges and super-size lighting stands it light years apart from the usual large SUV suspects like Ford’s Everest, the Mazda CX-9, and Toyota’s Kluger.

At close to 4.8 metres it’s long, and it’s tall... like, 1.8 metres tall, which combines with a width measure of just over 1.8 metres to give the rear two thirds of this family truckster the proportions of a loaf of bread (Wonder White not bakehouse). 

There’s also around 18m (okay 18cm, but it’s still a lot) of air space between the top of the tyres and the roof of the wheelarches, which makes it look like the car’s in the early stages of lift-off.

The distinctive styling approach arguably reaches its zenith at the back where an otherwise unexceptional rear end is dominated by tail-lights that look like they’ve melted and drizzled down each side of the cargo door. If there are any lengthier lights in the business, I’d like to see them.

That said, seriously pumped guards front and rear combine with a subtly sloping roofline and tapered side glass to give the Sport an agreeably muscular stance overall.

Inside, things are closer to conventional but still pretty swooshy around the centre console and doors with dramatically sloping silver-grey accent pieces and piano black inserts setting the tone.

A centrally-located 7.0-inch colour touch screen adds a nice touch of tech, but the orthodox analogue instruments (no digital speedo) are very 20th century and the entire interior is finished in roughly 50 shades of grey, without restraining straps.

How practical is the space inside?

8 / 10

Yes, the Pajero Sport’s styling is as polarising as Batman v Superman, but there’s no doubt its design is as clever as it is functional.

As mentioned, this is a tall vehicle, and on approach shorter climbers in particular may be thinking about a ladder and oxygen to aid ascent into the cabin.

But Mitsubishi got there first with generous (standard) side steps running down each side, and strategically placed grab handles to help with the final push to the summit. In fact, there are no less than 10 perfectly located grab handles around the interior.

My family of five’s normal ride is a seven-seat station wagon, so sliding and folding seats is standard operating procedure for any Griswold-style excursion.

We found the Pajero sport to be flat-out fantastic in terms of its accommodation and seating flexibility. Head and legroom are generous across the front and middle row seats, with the pair of third row chairs folding out of the cargo floor quickly and easily via a simple tether pull arrangement.

The 50/50 split folding wayback seats (as the Clearys like to call them) are best for kids up to early teen size, although, depending on their demeanour, grown-ups could squeeze in for short trips. Access is via a single flick of a release handle on either side of the 60/40 split folding centre seat, which causes the backrest and cushion to automatically roll and fold forward. Brilliant.

There are roof level air vents for second and third row passengers, not to mention a generous glove box, numerous oddments trays as well as door bottle/storage bins and two cupholders in the front. It’s the same bottle, bin and cupholder count plus map pockets in the centre, and a there’s a pair of cupholders for the waybacks.

No surprise cargo space is jumbo size, with 673 litres available with the second row seat up, and 1624 litres with it folded (flat). Although a cargo box is hidden under the floor behind the third row seats, in seven seat configuration the load capacity is trimmed dramatically, so all seats filled means day trips only, a roof box up top, or a cheeky trailer on the back.

Tie-down eyes and hanging hooks are sprinkled liberally around the back, as well as a 12-volt outlet and specific lighting, although, unlike the five seat GLX, a roll-out cargo security blind is MIA. The spare wheel is full size slung under the rear of the car.

Does it represent good value for the price? What features does it come with?

7 / 10

The volume seven seat SUV players watch each other like card sharps in a poker tournament, looking for a tell signalling the slightest change in spec or price.

Mazda and Toyota are pros, fine-tuning the AWD CX-9 (from $46,490) and AWD Kluger (from $46,190) to deliver sharp value, but it feels like Ford’s been bluffing, with the excellent AWD Everest priced a clear step above the pack (from $54,990).

Mitsubishi is definitely a player, kicking off the Pajero Sport from $45,000 for the (five seat) GLX, moving through $48,500 for the GLS, to the top-spec Exceed at $52,750.

The GLX standard equipment list includes keyless entry with push button start, Smartphone Link Display Audio for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, DAB radio, six-speaker audio, reversing camera and rear parking sensors, the Super Select II console-switchable 4WD system, as well dual-zone air-conditioning, leather trim, electric front seats, cruise control, leather bound steering wheel and gear knob, rain-sensing wipers, LED auto headlights and an electrochromatic rear view mirror.

What you won’t find is sat nav, although there is a GPS function that provides your exact longitude and latitude. But then, nav through Android and Apple apps is obviously possible.

What are the key stats for the engine and transmission?

8 / 10

It’s a single engine and transmission combination for the Pajero Sport range, and that’s a 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, driving all four wheels through an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission.

The alloy block engine features some tricky gear including variable valve timing and common rail fuel injection, as well as a variable geometry turbocharger and electronic throttle control. 

Maximum torque (430Nm) arrives at 2500rpm, with peak power (133kW) taking over at 3500rpm, while claimed combined fuel economy is just 8.0L/100km, and we averaged 9.8L/100km on test. Not too shabby for a two tonne, seven seat four-wheel drive. Fuel tank capacity is 68 litres.

The transmission incorporates a sport setting as well as an adaptive control system with modes to optimise shift mapping uphill (particularly when towing), as well as a ‘throttle release control’ which temporarily prevents upshifting when the accelerator pedal is released to provide engine braking, and maximise engine response when you get back on the gas.

Braked towing capacity is 3100kg, and unbraked you’re looking at 750kg.

How much fuel does it consume?

1 / 10

What's it like to drive?

7 / 10

At the risk of labouring the ‘this is a tall vehicle’ thing, this is a tall vehicle, and if you’re after a commanding driving position, the Pajero Sport delivers it in spades.

For my seating position, the base of the driver’s seat is exactly 30cm higher off the ground than our seven seat wagon (770mm v 470mm), and during a week behind the wheel I found myself literally looking down on other SUV drivers and regularly locking eyes with bus drivers operating on a similar visual plane.

Another strong impression is a degree of diesel clatter at start-up and in the lower rev range. The noise diminishes rapidly as speed rises, but it’s there. And the issue is amplified by doughy throttle response from step off, with torque arriving in a distinctly non-linear push from about 2000rpm.

From there you’ve only got another 2500rpm until the engine says I’m not spinning any faster, but there’s plenty of acceleration on offer in that band. Paddle shifters, attached to the steering column rather than the wheel, also help wake up the engine in the mid-range, although it must be said shifts are less than instantaneous.

Suspension is independent by double wishbones at the front, with a three link set-up on a rigid axle at the rear, while the standard wheel/tyre combination comprises fat 18-inch alloys shod with 265/60 Bridgestone Dueler H/T rubber.

Ride quality and seat comfort/support is fine in general, but high-frequency jitters coming up through the suspension do make their presence felt, especially at slow speeds, even on smooth surfaces.

Road feel through the rack and pinion steering is modest, and not surprisingly (did I mention this is a tall vehicle) body roll is noticeable. Braking is by discs all around (ventilated front), and they deliver progressive and firm stopping power.

Warranty & Safety Rating

Basic Warranty

5 years/100,000 km warranty

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ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is fitted? What safety rating?

7 / 10

The Pajero Sport scores a maximum five star ANCAP rating, and despite its light commercial roots, packs an impressive array of active safety tech including ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution (EBD), emergency brake assist, active stability and traction control, a rear view camera, as well as trailer sway control.

On the passive side of the safety ledger the Sport incorporates Mitsubishi’s RISE (Reinforced Impact Safety Evolution) body architecture, plus seven airbags (driver and front passenger, side, side curtain and driver’s knee).

There are ISOFIX child seat locating points on the outer two positions of the middle row seat, with a top tether hook fixed in the roof for the centre.

What does it cost to own? What warranty is offered?

8 / 10

Mitsubishi’s new car warranty is five-years/100,000km, with a five-year body perforation corrosion warranty, and a 12 month/unlimited km battery warranty running in parallel.

Service pricing is capped at $350 for the first service (15,000km/12 months), $450 for the second (30,000km/24 months), and $550 for the third (45,000km/36 months), meaning scheduled maintenance for the first three years or ownership won’t go past $1350.

Pricing & Specs Insurance Quote

Verdict

Pricing Guides

$30,408

Based on 164 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.

LOWEST PRICE

$16,290

HIGHEST PRICE

$40,950

See all Mitsubishi Pajero Sport pricing & specs