While most of the world is crazy about crossovers, drivers in markets like Australia, Thailand and Indonesia still prefer traditional body-on-frame SUVs, due to the obvious benefits in terms of utility, off-road performance etc. The Pajero Sport is one of those models, which has been around for a long time. The current generation was introduced in 2015 and after the 2020 update, it is believed that it will remain in production for a few more years. Therefore, we expect that the 2023 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will come without more important changes.
The next year’s model will continue in the same way, with the same design, based on the Triton/L200 pickup. It will continue to offer a great portion of utility and off-road performance, along with a high level of convenience and comfort. In most markets, particularly in Australia, it will continue with just one, diesel powertrain on the offer.
Since there are no significant changes to come, we expect that the 2023 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year.
2023 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Design
Design-wise, the 2023 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will continue in the same way. Just like the previous generations, the current one is also heavily based on the Triton/L200 pickup. It rides on the same platform and shares most of the parts, including the look. The front end looks pretty much the same. Of course, we are talking about the front end, while the rest of the vehicle comes in a typical SUV manner, with a long wagon-like body.
Still, not all things are the same as in the pickup sibling. This SUV is a little bit more refined and that particularly refers to the suspension setup. While the pickup uses good-old leaf springs, the Pajero Sport uses an independent rear suspension, with a stabilizer bard. Such a setup makes the ride much more comfortable, while the level of athleticism is higher as well.
Interior
On the inside, the 2023 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will also continue in the same way. Some would say that this cabin has started to show its age but we are pretty sure that this won’t bother too many potential buyers. Simply, the overall quality is good, the dashboard looks nice enough, while the list of standard and available equipment is pretty long.
With 2.800 millimeters in wheelbase, this SUV is long enough to accommodate three rows of seats. However, the third row isn’t particularly generous with space and works best for kids. On the other hand, the first two rows are spacious and pretty comfortable. The front seats are well-shaped, while the driver’s position is high and provides great visibility in all directions.
2023 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Engine
In most markets, this SUV is offered with just one engine option. That is Mitsubishi’s well-known 2.4-liter turbodiesel, which puts out around 133kW (181 horsepower) and 430 pound-feet of torque. That’s quite enough for good driving dynamics and we believe that there aren’t many situations where this SUV could feel underpowered.
The engine comes coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission, which sends power to either rear or all wheels. It feels smooth and refined, while models with four-wheel-drive come with paddle shifters and additional drive modes.
When it comes to fuel economy, you may count on something around 8.0 L/100km combined. On the other hand, the max towing capacity goes up to 3.100kg.
In some parts of the world, this SUV is also available with a good-old 3.0-liter V6, which features a max output of 220 horsepower. That engine is mainly offered in the Middle East.
Trim Levels and Features
We don’t expect bigger changes in this aspect. In any case, the trim-level organization will remain the same. In Australia, this means four grades on the offer – GLX, GLS, Exceed and GSR.
The base GLX already comes with a long list of standard equipment, which includes goodies like an 8-inch infotainment screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, keyless entry and start, leather-wrapped steering wheel, LED headlights, LED fog lights and LED daytime running lights.
The GLS trim adds the third row of seats, as well as things like automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, privacy glass, power tailgate, dual-zone climate control, six-speaker audio system etc.
The Exceed trim is all about convenience. So, it’s no wonder that the list of standard equipment includes goodies like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, surround-view camera, parking sensors, heated front seats, power front seats, 8-speaker audio system, 8-inch instrument display etc.
Finally, there is the GSR model, which is mostly about visual upgrades, such as blacked 18-inch wheels, blacked bumpers, grille, rear spoiler, roof etc.
2023 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will hit the market sometime in the last quarter of the year. In Australia, base models will cost around AU$45.000. Key competitors are models like Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X etc.
Still only a trite not a showgun
I’m assuming this is a US based website, I started reading and just stopped without completing the article, the interior photo is of the mighty and no longer in production Pajero, not the Pajero Sport, external photos are of the superceded Pajero Sport, Alla little confusing.
Now more than ever buyers demand generational improvements, not just a new build year. Since the denise of the “proper” Pajero in favor of a more soft roader variant, improvements and upgrades, the usual norm have been none existent, and for a 2023 model well overdue, to the point this Pajero will be sidelined by even the faithful Pajero buyers in favor of more up to date brands.
Hopefully mitsubishi can sort of the ongoing power tailgate issue which has been bugging the 2022 model with no fix
I ❤ Mitsubishi
The article itself is fine and is written okay. The photo’s are all incorrect.
The front and back shots of the car are of the first generation before the facelift which was released at the end of 2019.
The interior shot is of a Pajero not a Pajero Sport which is a very different car.
Hello from Australia
The pictured Pajero Sport is the superceded model, the current model has a different headlight, grill and front bumper and the rear has been modified also, the photo you’ve included in your article is not from this vehicle, it is from the recently deleted Pajero ( no Sport).
When will launch in India?
9822033945
When India launch
That dashboard pic looks “dated” because its a picture of a Pajero not pajero sport…
Luxury? This car is average inside and out
Just for info,
Pajero in Spain is slang for a gentleman who pleasures himself manually.
I have a Mitsubishi Shogun sport 4 done just over 6000 miles from new (28/04/2021)
Plenty of room in the boot for my Beekeeping equipment. Have fitted Thule roof bars which are frequently in use, I leave them on all the time little or no wind noise.
Wonderful car, warm, comfortable, excellent visibility, steering and brakes. Gearbox outstanding smooth, car has plenty of power.
Headlights are very good I can see a long way ahead. Wipers work well always good visibility. Brilliant for long runs as well as down very narrow country lanes. Good on the farm over the fields and tracks. Does about 34 mpg mixed driving, does more long distance.
Good tyres plenty of grip and very comfortable ride.Radio/ iPod / telephone all work well.
Added a Garmin Sat Nav which has free frequent updates. Google also works if you connect your mobile phone for directions.
Great for loading say 7 boxes of honey frames in the boot. Can weigh as much as 280 – 350lbs. Car drives off effortlessly with self levelling suspension.
Electric handbrake is brilliant once in Drive , release the hand brake ready to drive and the car never rolls back. Just touch the accelerator pedal and it smoothly drives off.
Adaptive cruise control is very good and smoothly brakes the car when someone suddenly enters your braking distance.
Overall this is a fantastic car with brilliant Mitsubishi Engineering. I am 74 and I love this car!
Thank you
Best car in pajero . I’m really like this car.