2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS

By: Alex Forrest

What do you do if you need a new seven-seat SUV with real off-road ability but don’t want to spend more than $60,000 on a large four-wheel drive? 

Well, a twin-cab ute-based wagon is one option. The past two years have seen this segment suddenly populated by the likes of the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner and this, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

The Pajero Sport is based on the same platform as the Triton twin-cab ute, and replaced the Challenger, which was also based on the Triton of the time.

However, the Pajero Sport is a markedly better vehicle than the Challenger, most notably in the way it functions as a substitute for a passenger vehicle.

Compared with the Challenger, the Pajero Sport’s build quality, refinement and ride quality are significantly improved. A big contributor to the latter is the Pajero Sport’s three-link coil spring rear suspension, which replaces the leaf springs that were in the Challenger and are still in the Triton.

The Pajero Sport variant we tested was the GLS, which is the mid-spec model, sitting below the top-of-the-range Exceed and above the entry level GLX.

What really surprised us was the quality of the interior, which is a marked improvement over the Challenger and on par with its rivals.

Like other vehicles in this class, the Pajero Sport has selectable drive modes for different terrains, which make use of low range gearing, a locking centre differential, high ground clearances and good wheel articulation.

However, these features can also compromise its handling on sealed roads, so consumers will need to weigh up their priorities.

The 2.3-litre turbo diesel makes 133kW and 430Nm. The bigger news is the new eight-speed automatic transmission, which helps keep fuel consumption down to 8.0L/100km.

The third row seats are handy for those seeking some extra seating, but folding them up and down is an involved experience.

Safety equipment in the Pajero Sport is right up to expectations, scoring five stars from ANCAP.

Overall, the Pajero Sport is a rugged, reasonably affordable family off roader – just remember: it’s happiest when the going gets tough.