The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is the next incarnation of the Pajero, which is still on the market mind you.

Slightly smaller and with a smaller engine it’s still built for off-roading and carrying all your stuff.

On the road was the base model GLX built on the Mitsubishi Triton platform with a more modern presence as it tries to hold its own against some tough competition.

Exterior

The Pajero Sport looks big and bulky though it is slightly leaner than the previous straight Pajero – marginally shorter and lighter.

The external design is updated, less 4WD-square in shape and more attractive up front with the angular Mitsubishi grille in place of the straight horizontal one.

Other than that there is button controlled smart keyless entry on the doors, 18” alloy wheels and running boards to help embarkation.

Interior

Everything is fairly rudimentary in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, not basic but still pragmatic.

Quite a high floor console separates driver and passenger however the centre bin as capacious as you’d expect.

What is spacious is the cabin and the very vast boot which has enough space to fit another two seats (they can be found in the upper spec models).

Seats have a basic design upholstered in fabric and the rear backrests are relatively flat to allow to be folded down.

The middle position has an armrest with cool pop out cup holder.

Features

• Touchscreen with Bluetooth, DAB+
• Colour driver info screen
• Paddle shifters
• Adaptive cruise control/speed limiter
• Push button start
• Electric park brake

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport currently doesn’t come with built-in sat-nav (like all other Mitsubishis). There is a separate A/C zone with air vents for rear occupants.

Drive and Engine

Despite the name, the Pajero Sport is not all that sporty.

The 2.4L turbo diesel, as in the Triton, struggles to move the weight of the SUV forward with slow acceleration.

As a result it feels big and lumbering. Despite this it isn’t out of sync with the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Averaging 9.0L/100km during a week’s drive, you do hear the diesel rattle as you cruise down the highway in an otherwise quiet cabin.

Because of its big size, the Pajero Sport is stable on the road and is very assured and imposing, however the brakes are kind of spongy.

You can take the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport off road with 4WD as well as differential lock selection in high and low range.

It handles well over rocky terrain and deep hardened ruts. It slipped a bit on sandy rocks, but the diff lock made mincemeat of that.

You can’t be too adventurous though with limited clearance.

It has a 3.1 tonne towing capacity, but being as sluggish as it is with no load, I can only imagine how laboured it would be with something hooked on the back.

Safety

Not a lot to mention here aside from the usual, such as airbags.

Most importantly there is emergency brake assist but no other advanced active safety features in the base model variety.

Good Bits

• Ride, stability
• Storage and space
• Off-road capabilities

Not So Good Bits

• Sluggish acceleration
• No built-in sat-nav
• No lane departure etc.

Summary

Priced from $45,500 for the entry level GLX, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is an average offering for a large SUV.

While it does have genuine four-wheel drive, copious space and a steady ride, the lack of brawn may be a turn off for some.

Certainly if you want more features and seats they can be found in the higher spec models.

But if more power and dynamism is what you’re after then you may need to consider other options on the market.

Facts and Figures: 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX

• Engine: 2.4L turbo diesel producing 133kW/430Nm
• Transmission: Eight-speed sports automatic
• Safety: Five Stars
• Warranty: 5 Yrs/100,000km
• Origin: Thailand
• Price: from $45,500