Likes
- When new, offers excellent value for money. Used amplifies this
- Great reputation for reliability
- A long list of standard equipment
- Offers everything most would need from a ute-based SUV
Used Mitsubishi Pajero Sport review
2015 - 2023
Dislikes
- Polarising looks
- Doesn’t feel as premium as some of the competition
- The engine is uninspiring to drive
- Lacks brand name panache
Stuff you should know
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a ute-based 5- or 7-seat SUV. Much like the Toyota Fortuner, Isuzu MU-X and Ford Everest it competes with, the Pajero Sport is based on its 4×4 dual-cab counterpart, the Mitsubishi Triton, in the case of Pajero Sport.
The Pajero Sport is powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, producing 133kW of power and 430Nm of torque, and power is sent through an 8-speed automatic and has four-wheel drive.
The Pajero Sport is extremely capable off-road, thanks to its Super Select II 4×4 system, but unlike some of its competitors that only allow 4×4 mode on loose surfaces, Super Select II allows the Pajero Sport to be in 4×4 on grippy surfaces too. This means you can drive in full-time 4×4, making the Pajero Sport one of the safer SUVs to drive.
Available in base-level GLX-trim, the Pajero Sport comes with 18-in alloys, a 7-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, climate control and Super Select II as standard, but spec up to higher grades (Black Edition, GLS, Exceed and GSR) and you can get leather seats, dual-zone climate control, auto headlights, and a surround-view camera, along with much, much more.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
The bash plate mounts are notoriously weak; however, this is simple to rectify as there are stronger aftermarket options available.
The parking brake, if exposed to any sort of mud or just nature in general, they are easily prone to become stuck on or just moving out of adjustment. This will usually bring up an error/warning on the dashboard, in which case you’ll have to take it to a mechanic to get it readjusted.
Interior:
There have been reports of excess creaks or knocks coming from the steering column.
The head units or infotainment systems, in a few examples, have been a bit hit or miss, with reports of some owners having to replace the entire system more than once. Although, this isn’t really common as such though.
Mechanically:
The 4N15 engine isn’t exactly what you’d call a powerhouse, but it does get the job done, and it is considered to be fairly reliable.
By far, the most common issue is split intercooler pipes, with most owners opting for an aftermarket silicone alternative.
This engine has about the same amount of DPF and EGR complications as most other cars in this category, and some of those issues in these are from faulty DPF temperature sensors (and split intercooler pipes).
They run a timing chain, not a belt, so that is one saving in the overall servicing costs, but it recommended the valve clearances be checked and adjusted every 60,000km. Some say (including some dealerships) an audible check is all that’s needed. But the trouble is the valve clearances can get tighter, not looser (which stops the valves from seating properly), which doesn’t make any abnormal noises.
It’s not a cheap exercise, and some owners just flat-out don’t want to pay the extra money to have that done, which is definitely a bad choice.
Another thing that will definitely pay off, in the long run, is fitting a catch can. That helps reduce inlet clogging, which they are prone to. In saying that, a catch can affect your warranty which is an absolute cop-out by dealerships looking for any way possible to not honour your warranty, or it really just demonstrates that they don’t understand how engines work.
The 8-speed auto in these is the Toyota-derived Aisin transmission, and it’s in a variety of rear-wheel-drive applications and is arguably one of the most reliable 8-speed transmissions in this category. With regular servicing, you’re unlikely to have too many issues with it. It is advisable tough if you’re towing to install an additional cooler.
Overall, yes, they are very reliable, but like everything, you need to check the services are up to date, especially if it has the remainder of the
Exterior:
The bash plate mounts are notoriously weak; however, this is simple to rectify as there are stronger aftermarket options available.
The parking brake, if exposed to any sort of mud or just nature in general, they are easily prone to become stuck on or just moving out of adjustment. This will usually bring up an error/warning on the dashboard, in which case you’ll have to take it to a mechanic to get it readjusted.
Interior:
There have been reports of excess creaks or knocks coming from the steering column.
The head units or infotainment systems, in a few examples, have been a bit hit or miss, with reports of some owners having to replace the entire system more than once. Although, this isn’t really common as such though.
Mechanically:
The 4N15 engine isn’t exactly what you’d call a powerhouse, but it does get the job done, and it is considered to be fairly reliable.
By far, the most common issue is split intercooler pipes, with most owners opting for an aftermarket silicone alternative.
This engine has about the same amount of DPF and EGR complications as most other cars in this category, and some of those issues in these are from faulty DPF temperature sensors (and split intercooler pipes).
They run a timing chain, not a belt, so that is one saving in the overall servicing costs, but it recommended the valve clearances be checked and adjusted every 60,000km. Some say (including some dealerships) an audible check is all that’s needed. But the trouble is the valve clearances can get tighter, not looser (which stops the valves from seating properly), which doesn’t make any abnormal noises.
It’s not a cheap exercise, and some owners just flat-out don’t want to pay the extra money to have that done, which is definitely a bad choice.
Another thing that will definitely pay off, in the long run, is fitting a catch can. That helps reduce inlet clogging, which they are prone to. In saying that, a catch can affect your warranty which is an absolute cop-out by dealerships looking for any way possible to not honour your warranty, or it really just demonstrates that they don’t understand how engines work.
The 8-speed auto in these is the Toyota-derived Aisin transmission, and it’s in a variety of rear-wheel-drive applications and is arguably one of the most reliable 8-speed transmissions in this category. With regular servicing, you’re unlikely to have too many issues with it. It is advisable tough if you’re towing to install an additional cooler.
Overall, yes, they are very reliable, but like everything, you need to check the services are up to date, especially if it has the remainder of the new car warranty.
Recalls:
- 29 March 2016 – Tow bar flange bolts may become loose during normal use. This recall affected 18,102 units built between 2015 & 2016.
Exterior:
The bash plate mounts are notoriously weak; however, this is simple to rectify as there are stronger aftermarket options available.
The parking brake, if exposed to any sort of mud or just nature in general, they are easily prone to become stuck on or just moving out of adjustment. This will usually bring up an error/warning on the dashboard, in which case you’ll have to take it to a mechanic to get it readjusted.
Interior:
There have been reports of excess creaks or knocks coming from the steering column.
The head units or infotainment systems, in a few examples, have been a bit hit or miss, with reports of some owners having to replace the entire system more than once. Although, this isn’t really common as such though.
Mechanically:
The 4N15 engine isn’t exactly what you’d call a powerhouse, but it does get the job done, and it is considered to be fairly reliable.
By far, the most common issue is split intercooler pipes, with most owners opting for an aftermarket silicone alternative.
This engine has about the same amount of DPF and EGR complications as most other cars in this category, and some of those issues in these are from faulty DPF temperature sensors (and split intercooler pipes).
They run a timing chain, not a belt, so that is one saving in the overall servicing costs, but it recommended the valve clearances be checked and adjusted every 60,000km. Some say (including some dealerships) an audible check is all that’s needed. But the trouble is the valve clearances can get tighter, not looser (which stops the valves from seating properly), which doesn’t make any abnormal noises.
It’s not a cheap exercise, and some owners just flat-out don’t want to pay the extra money to have that done, which is definitely a bad choice.
Another thing that will definitely pay off, in the long run, is fitting a catch can. That helps reduce inlet clogging, which they are prone to. In saying that, a catch can affect your warranty which is an absolute cop-out by dealerships looking for any way possible to not honour your warranty, or it really just demonstrates that they don’t understand how engines work.
The 8-speed auto in these is the Toyota-derived Aisin transmission, and it’s in a variety of rear-wheel-drive applications and is arguably one of the most reliable 8-speed transmissions in this category. With regular servicing, you’re unlikely to have too many issues with it. It is advisable tough if you’re towing to install an additional cooler.
Overall, yes, they are very reliable, but like everything, you need to check the services are up to date, especially if it has the remainder of the new car warranty.
Recalls:
- 29 March 2016 – Tow bar flange bolts may become loose during normal use. This recall affected 18,102 units built between 2015 & 2016.
Should you buy it?
Well, if you can handle the polarising looks of the thing, yes, you should totally buy a Pajero Sport.
When brand new, the Pajero Sport offers immense ability, a great range of features and equipment and really everything you’d want from a ute-based SUV.
And when used, it simply provides even more value for money, plus is proving to be ultra-reliable, build quality is consistent, and it might potentially be the pick for this particular category.
But don’t get us wrong, it’s not perfect, and there are compromises and areas that could be improved, but the same can be said for all of the Pajero Sports competitors.
Just like the dual cab utes the Everest, MUX, Fortuner and Pajero Sport are based on, they’re all really good, and they’re all a little bit shit here and there.
But the Pajero Sport arguably offers the best bang for your buck, and for us, if it ticks all the pre-purchase boxes, is a winner.
Well, if you can handle the polarising looks of the thing, yes, you should totally buy a Pajero Sport.
When brand new, the Pajero Sport offers immense ability, a great range of features and equipment and really everything you’d want from a ute-based SUV.
And when used, it simply provides even more value for money, plus is proving to be ultra-reliable, build quality is consistent, and it might potentially be the pick for this particular category.
But don’t get us wrong, it’s not perfect, and there are compromises and areas that could be improved, but the same can be said for all of the Pajero Sports competitors.
Just like the dual cab utes the Everest, MUX, Fortuner and Pajero Sport are based on, they’re all really good, and they’re all a little bit shit here and there.
But the Pajero Sport arguably offers the best bang for your buck, and for us, if it ticks all the pre-purchase boxes, is a winner.
Should you buy it?
Well, if you can handle the polarising looks of the thing, yes, you should totally buy a Pajero Sport.
When brand new, the Pajero Sport offers immense ability, a great range of features and equipment and really everything you’d want from a ute-based SUV.
And when used, it simply provides even more value for money, plus is proving to be ultra-reliable, build quality is consistent, and it might potentially be the pick for this particular category.
But don’t get us wrong, it’s not perfect, and there are compromises and areas that could be improved, but the same can be said for all of the Pajero Sports competitors.
Just like the dual cab utes the Everest, MUX, Fortuner and Pajero Sport are based on, they’re all really good, and they’re all a little bit shit here and there.
But the Pajero Sport arguably offers the best bang for your buck, and for us, if it ticks all the pre-purchase boxes, is a winner.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
Body Style:
5-door SUV
Engines:
2.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power:
133kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Torque:
430Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Transmission & drivetrains:
8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4×4)
Fuel Consumption:
8.0L/100km
Length:
4785mm
Width:
1815mm
Height:
1805mm
Kerb Weight:
2045 – 2070kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
3100/750kg
Body Style:
5-door SUV
Engines:
2.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power:
133kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Torque:
430Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Transmission & drivetrains:
8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4×4)
Fuel Consumption:
8.0L/100km
Length:
4785mm
Width:
1815mm
Height:
1805mm
Kerb Weight:
2045 – 2070kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
3100/750kg
Body Style:
5-door SUV
Engines:
2.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power:
133kW – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Torque:
430Nm – 2.4 litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Transmission & drivetrains:
8-speed automatic, four-wheel drive (4×4)
Fuel Consumption:
8.0L/100km
Length:
4785mm
Width:
1815mm
Height:
1805mm
Kerb Weight:
2045 – 2070kg
Towing (braked/unbraked):
3100/750kg
Warranty & servicing
Warranty:
5-year/100,000kms
Servicing:
12 months/15,000kms
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of January 27, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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