Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS 2016 Review

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS (seven-seat)
Australian Launch Review
Flinders Ranges, SA

Large, ute-based off-road SUVs are maturing, bringing a greater level of comfort and technology to this small but rapidly growing sub-segment of the market. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is shaping up to be a value-for-money contender, showcasing prestige levels of styling and features at a compelling price point. The mid-spec GLS variant on test is priced from $48,500 (plus on-road costs).

A segment revitalised
Last year saw the introduction of three new entrants to the large off-road SUV market – the Ford Everest, Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. Each of them is based on their brand’s respective four-wheel-drive ute, Mitsubishi’s building on the refreshed and re-engineered Triton which was the seventh best-selling vehicle in Australia last year.

Holden’s Trailblazer and Isuzu MU-X round-out the complement of ute-based land barges which so far this year, total almost 20,000 sales.

The Pajero Sport replaced Mitsubishi’s ageing large SUV, the Challenger, and has firmly established itself in the market this year with sales double those of the outgoing vehicle, and regularly outselling both the critically acclaimed Ford Everest and Holden Trailblazer.

Combining the workhorse functionality of a ute with the flexibility of an SUV and full off-road capability, it’s not hard to see the appeal of vehicles like the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport to Australian drivers; even though its bold rear end styling isn’t for everyone. For less than $50,000 (plus on-road costs) you can get the mid-spec GLS model we tested here in the Flinders Ranges which includes a host of specifications that demonstrate just how these vehicles have matured to appeal to broader range of buyers

In a segment that’s revitalising itself, Mitsubishi chose to distance itself from the old Challenger nameplate in favour of allying with Pajero. The Challenger has somewhat of a reputation as a rugged workhorse but not much appeal as a modern family conveyance, and, as Mitsubishi admits, was let down by its powertrain performance. The Pajero on the other hand is an established SUV nameplate with a well-deserved reputation for comfort and driveability both on and off-road.

More than rebranding, it’s reborn
Rebranding the Challenger as the Pajero Sport has been a clever marketing move by Mitsubishi and having taken the new seven-seater vehicle for a leisurely tour around the Flinders Ranges, it makes perfect sense. It’s a well-balanced SUV, meeting the needs of a busy family during the week while being capable enough to head well off the beaten track.

There are three models in the Pajero Sport range – the GLX, GLS and Exceed. The GLS and Exceed have recently been updated and are now equipped as standard with third-row seating for the same retail price. Each model is powered by the same combination of 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 133kW and 430Nm, and each is able to switch between two and four-wheel drive modes.

Third-row seats are easy to access with the 60:40 split second row folding and tumbling forward, though cargo capacity is reduced overall by around 40 litres (now 1488 litres in five-seat mode).

Standard equipment in the GLS includes selectable two and four-wheel drive system, off-road terrain control system, hill-descent control, rear differential lock and 3100kg braked towing capacity.

Driver comfort is a key focus with leather interior trim, keyless entry with push-button ignition, smartphone link with Apple CarPlay, digital radio and reversing camera among the car-like features that Mitsubishi says owners expect to see in modern vehicles. Air-conditioning is enhanced in the rear with roof vents now featured in both the second and third rows.

Outback tough but still city savvy
We’ve already tested the Pajero Sport’s off-road credentials at our Off-road SUV Comparison so knew it would fare well on the rocky terrain of the Flinders Ranges.

Our drive was on Skytrek, an off-road course based at Willow Springs, a 70,000 acre sheep station close to Wilpena Pound. Skytrek features a combination of tracks close to creek beds, mountain valleys and an impressive climb over a mountain range to a height of 747 metres above sea level.

Mitsubishi had made no concessions for the terrain and the Pajero Sport we were driving was stock standard with factory spec tyres.

What surprised throughout the course was just how easy and accessible the Pajero Sport makes recreational off-roading. Much of the course could probably have been driven in two-wheel drive, but four-wheel-drive delivered an extra confidence which meant the tracks could be tackled at a leisurely pace so as to enjoy the stunning scenery.

We didn’t really trouble either the approach angle of 30 degrees or the departure angle of 24.2 degrees during the drive, but it never felt like the Pajero Sport was finding our drive hard work – in contrast, it felt like it had been designed to conquer Australia’s unique and challenging terrain.

While the Pajero Sport is equipped with hill-descent control, we found its engine braking to perform well enough that we didn’t need to use it at all, yet novice off-roaders will no doubt be encouraged by its availability and ease of use.

The same goes for four-wheel drive low-range which enabled us to tackle steep uphill gradients covered in shale and light rock with confidence. Combined with a composed chassis and suspension and comfortable front seats with strong bolstering, bounce and shake was minimised within the cabin without too much impact at all on driver or passenger.

For drivers who have not done much off-roading but are looking for an all-round vehicle that offers them the flexibility of four-wheel fun on the weekend, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport represents pretty good buying.

The GLS model retails for $48,500 (plus on road costs_ and stepping up to the range-topping Exceed model – which includes the latest driver assistance technologies – will only set you back an additional $4,250.

Add Mitsubishi’s capped-price servicing and a five-year/100,000km warranty and the value equation makes a lot of sense.

2016 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS pricing and specifications:
Price as tested: $48,500 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 133kW/430Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 2012g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Ford Everest Ambiente (from $54,990 plus ORCs)
>> Toyota Fortuner (from $47,990 plus ORCs)
>> Holden Trailblazer LT (from $47,990 plus ORCs)