2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Review

Detailed Review

The first generation of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport commenced its production in 1996 and continued up to 2008. The second version was in production from 2008 to 2015. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is currently in its third iteration and it has undergone numerous facelifts from the front fascia to the rear end and has a lighter body compared to its predecessors.

The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport comes with one engine option, a 2.4 L (Diesel) linked to either a manual or automatic transmission.

2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport grades

1. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS- This grade comes with AM/FM Radio, Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, automatic rain-sensing wipers, a rear spoiler, roof rails, a tow bar, multiple airbags and an anti-lock braking system.
2. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX- This grade has a reverse camera, front & rear parking sensors, LED daytime running lights, a push button start, privacy glass, a paddle shift gear control, dual climate control, and cruise control.
3. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GSR- This grade boasts 18-inch alloy wheels, Apple Car Play, Android Auto, power windows, a forward collision mitigation system, power mirrors, a centralized door lock, Isofix child restraints, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, and a brake assist.
4. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed- This grade is equipped with heated front seats, front & rear parking sensors, a 12-volt power output, a tow bar, a roof spoiler, AM/FM Radio, anti-lock braking system, automatic light sensing headlights, and power windows.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a more functional cabin that is somewhat pleasing. The first row has plenty of legroom and headroom and more space can be created through reclining the seats. The second row is also impressive for it boasts sufficient knee room and headroom. Its seats can also recline for additional comfort. The third-row seat is ideal for kids only as adults or taller passengers will find it crampy.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport features multiple-compartment storages that are intended to improve the comfort of its occupants. A glove box compartment, a center console, door panel storage, and two cupholders are encompassed in the first row. The second row has two cupholders mounted on the armrest, jacket pockets, and door panel storage. Passengers in the third-row seat have access to cupholders.

Boot Space

The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a sizeable cargo area that can accommodate small and large goods. To create extra space for more cargo, the second and third-row seats can be folded.

Exterior

The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the Mitsubishi L200 share the same fundamentals but the finished execution in the design of the Pajero Sport is breath-taking. It has a striking front-end design with the prominent Mitsubishi’s dynamic shield nose enhanced with a chrome-accented grille that bears the brand’s emblem and striking LED daytime running lights as well as the headlights. Fog lamps which come as standard are well positioned on either of the sides on the lower skid plate. Air vents are also incorporated in the lower fascia.

The side profile has a somewhat longer wheelbase that in turn results in a spacious cabin. There are nicely done contours that enhance the vehicle’s visual appearance. A chrome line running from the A-pillar to the C-pillar depicts an upscale the manufacturers have done on the Pajero Sport. The space between the tires and the wheel arches is enough proof that this vehicle can effortlessly cruise in off-road terrains. Running boards are also present and they aid passengers to easily embark or disembark from the vehicle.

The rear styling features distinctive vertical tail lights and turn signals which extend down almost to the lower bumper. Its tailgate is electronically actuated and this comes in very handy when your hands are full of cargo. The roof spoiler not only improves the aerodynamics but also enhances the vehicle’s sportiness.

2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Safety Features

The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport features multiple airbags, traction control, lane keep assist, traction control, cruise control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, lane departure warning, hill start assist, and blind spot monitoring.

2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Fuel Consumption

2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4 L diesel engine consumption- 12.5 km/l on average

2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Acceleration

2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.4 secs

The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Fuel Tank Capacity: 68 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a ground clearance of 8.5 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport spares, especially body parts are not as easily available in Kenya and they are sometimes expensive. Service parts are fairly affordable and easy to find within Nairobi and other major towns.

Stability And Handling

The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport offers a good blend of on-road comfort and off-road capability. It has a smooth and pleasant ride. The steering wheel is very responsive to road curvature for it is power-assisted. Because it is derived from the Mitsubishi L200 or Triton as it is known in other markets, it is based on a body-on-frame construction that gives it more agility. The suspension system is quite rigid and protects occupants from jerky movements that could make the passengers feel uncomfortable. The incorporation of stability and traction controls allows the Pajero Sport to cruise easily on uneven surfaces be it on mud, sand, or even gravel.

This vehicle comes standard with a 4WD system and a low range-gearing that lend it an excellent off-road capability. Hill start assist, and hill descent control also play a big role in the Pajero Sport when cruising on extreme surfaces.

Due to its height and the big gap between the tires and the wheel arches that make it have a high center of gravity, it is advisable to reduce speed when approaching tight curves as the Pajero could experience some body rolls.

Its 2.4 L diesel engine works in tandem with the transmission system to deliver a very good performance and since there are automatic models of the Pajero Sport, instead of using the typical gear to drive this vehicle, one can use paddle shifters just to feel the thrill of driving the 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Reliability

The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a reliable car. It boasts a high round clearance that enables it to be driven in any terrain. Transmission issues are the most commonly reported problems by Mitsubishi Pajero Sport owners. For this vehicle to deliver its maximum performance, regular service, and maintenance are essential.

Refer to the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport buyer guide for a thorough reliability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Competitors: Isuzu MUX, Ford Ranger, Toyota Fortuner, Nissan Terra, and Chevrolet Trailblazer.

What we like about the 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Off-road capability

Spacious cabin

Advanced safety features

Good towing capacity

What we don’t

Some variants are very expensive

Crampy third-row seat

Conclusion

The 2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a capable off-roader but many people especially in the metropolis prefer to use it as a daily driver owing to its attractive exterior styling. It gives a perfect blend of comfort and practicality as well and it is a few dollars cheaper compared to the actual SUV hence the reason why its numbers have been multiplying. Since it is based on a body-on-frame construction, it has an agile and sturdy ride. Very adventurous people can tow a trailer using the Pajero Sport since it boasts enough power. However, due to its high acquisition cost, folks on a tight budget may not be in a position to buy this vehicle.