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.