2018 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 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport comes with one engine option, a 2.4 L (Diesel) linked to either a manual or automatic transmission.

2018 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 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 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport boasts a spacious and attractive interior. Plastic touches especially on the dashboard are very noticeable. The first row offers plenty of legroom and headroom and its seats can recline to meet a desired position. The second row has sufficient room to comfortably accommodate the legs and also the head. For additional comfort, these seats can also be reclined. The third-row seat is ideal for kids only as adults or taller passengers will find it uncomfortable.

Cabin Storage

The 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has numerous storage compartments that can either be used to store or hold items like beverages, soft drinks, paperwork, key fobs, and other accessories. A glove box compartment, a center console, door panel storage, and two cupholders are included in the first row. The second row features 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 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport boasts a spacious boot space that can accommodate small and large goods. To create extra space for more cargo, the second and third-row seats can be retracted.

Exterior

The 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a dynamic and refined appearance with a bit of ruggedness for the off-road terrain. Its front end is distinguishable through its distinctive dynamic shield nose. The prominent Mitsubishi logo is visibly present and helps in asserting the vehicle’s supremacy wherever it is driven. Chrome accents are well-furnished and help in adding a striking look that distinguishes it from the overall body color. LED daytime running lights as well as the headlights lend the Pajero Sport a modern look. The lower fascia features air vents and fog lights.

The side profile has a somewhat longer wheelbase that 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. Running boards are also present and they aid passengers to easily embark or disembark from the vehicle. Depending on the owner’s preference, roof rails, and a roof spoiler can be added to improve the overall aesthetics of the Pajero Sport.

The rear end features a large tailgate that is electronically driven. Its vertical tail lights that extend almost to the lower rear bumper are eye-catching and add some allure to the vehicle. Some grades come standard with a tow bar that can be used to pull trailers.

2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Safety Features

The 2018 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.

2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Fuel Consumption

2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4 L diesel engine consumption- 12.3 km/l on average

2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Acceleration

2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2.4 L diesel engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 10.4 secs

The 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Fuel Tank Capacity: 68 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2018 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 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a smooth and pleasant ride. Its power-assisted steering wheel enables it to adapt very well to road bends. This can be proved when driving in confined spaces or when overtaking on highways. The cabin is well-insulated to prevent outside noise from causing discomfort to the passengers.

The Pajero Sport comes standard with the Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD system that enables it to easily tackle off-road terrains. Its approach and departure angles as well as its ground clearance allow it to tackle extreme off-road surfaces without the risk of damaging its body components. The suspension system plays a big role in ensuring that the occupants are cushioned from jerky movements.

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 Sport could experience some body rolls. The brakes are very robust and can bring this SUV to a complete stop to avoid any kind of mishap.

Traction control, electronic brake force distribution, hill start assist, and Anti-locking brakes are some of the features incorporated in this vehicle to improve its stability.

Reliability

The 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a reliable car. It has a high round clearance that enables it to be driven in any terrain without the fear of damaging its body components. 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 2018 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 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has a good combination of on-road driving and off-road cruising. Its striking exterior styling appeals to urban dwellers who can use it to commute. Owing to its versatility, folks with large families will find it appealing as it can be configured to ferry many passengers or even haul cargo. It comes standard with a 4WD system that enables it to cruise any terrain whether on mud, sand, or even gravel. Its excellent towing capacity will be advantageous to adventurous people who can use it to pull a trailer when going camping. Its expensive purchase price limits individuals on a tight budget from owning it.