In an era dominated by soft-roaders and crossover pretenders, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport remains a rare breed – a proper body-on-frame SUV that hasn’t compromised its rugged DNA. While its controversial 29 km/l mileage claim has sparked debates, this Japanese powerhouse continues to win hearts with its unmatched off-road capability and bulletproof reliability, even if it’s currently not available in India’s BS6 market.
Built to Conquer, Not Just Pose
The moment you lay eyes on the Pajero Sport, its no-nonsense, functional design tells you everything. The bold Dynamic Shield grille, high-mounted LED headlamps, and muscular wheel arches give it commanding road presence.
At 4,695mm long with 215mm ground clearance, it towers over most urban SUVs, while the separate ladder-frame chassis hints at its serious off-road intentions. The 18-inch alloys wrapped in all-terrain tires complete the look of a vehicle that’s equally at home in city traffic and mountain trails.
Performance That Means Business
Under the hood lies Mitsubishi’s proven 2.5L turbo-diesel engine that delivers 178PS and 400Nm of torque – numbers that matter more than horsepower figures in real-world conditions.
The 5-speed automatic transmission (manual available) pairs beautifully with the legendary Super Select 4WD-II system, offering four distinct driving modes for everything from highway cruising to rock crawling. While the claimed 29 km/l mileage raised eyebrows, realistic owners report:
| Driving Condition | Actual Mileage |
|---|---|
| City Traffic | 10-11 km/l |
| Highway Cruising | 13-13.5 km/l |
| Off-Road | 8-9 km/l |
Interior: Function Over Frills
Step inside and you’ll find a cabin designed for durability rather than dazzle. The leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats offer premium touchpoints, while the 8-inch touchscreen (aftermarket in some models) handles basic connectivity.
What impresses most is the exceptional visibility from the commanding driving position and the genuine seven-seat practicality with a properly usable third row. The dual-zone climate control ensures comfort across all rows, a rare feature in this segment.
Where It Truly Shines
The Pajero Sport’s party trick is its off-road prowess. The 4WD system with mechanical locking differentials and low-range gearing makes light work of terrain that would stop most SUVs dead.
The approach (30°), departure (22°), and ramp breakover (23.1°) angles are numbers that serious off-roaders appreciate, allowing it to tackle steep inclines and deep ruts with confidence.
Ownership Realities
While the Pajero Sport scores high on reliability and capability, there are compromises. The steering feels heavy in city traffic, the suspension is firm on bad roads, and the interior lacks modern tech like digital clusters or advanced driver aids. However, for buyers who prioritize mechanical integrity over gadgets, these are small prices to pay for a vehicle that will reliably serve for decades.
The Competition Landscape
| SUV | Strength | Weakness | Price (Used) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota Fortuner | Refinement | Less capable off-road | ₹25-35 lakh |
| Isuzu MU-X | Torque-rich engine | Dated design | ₹18-25 lakh |
| Ford Endeavour | Ride quality | Discontinued | ₹15-22 lakh |
Final Verdict
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport isn’t for everyone – and that’s precisely its appeal. In a world of SUVs that have sacrificed capability for comfort, it remains one of the last true body-on-frame vehicles that can genuinely go anywhere.
While the mileage claims may be exaggerated, everything else about this SUV is refreshingly honest. For adventure seekers and overland travelers, or simply those who value mechanical honesty over marketing hype, the Pajero Sport represents a increasingly rare breed of vehicle.
Also Consider:
- Toyota Fortuner for those who split time between city and highway
- Mahindra Alturas G4 for buyers wanting more features
- Used Land Cruiser Prado if budget permits
Pro Tip: If considering a used model, prioritize 2018-2019 examples with full service history – these offer the best balance of modern features and value.
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