Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS Luxury
I have a soft spot for most things Mitsubishi. When I went into my own dealership in June 2000, we (my business partner and I) had just two brands, Mitsubishi and Suzuki. Northstar Motor Group was born and continued on successfully for 15 years. One of the most successful models in the Mitsubishi lineup was the Pajero – but the full-size version disappeared from the model range a couple of years ago. So, at least for 2025, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport continues on the off-road heritage for the Japanese brand.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS 7-seater is a rugged, capable, and family-friendly SUV that has carved out a strong reputation in the Australian market. Known for its off-road prowess, practicality, and value-for-money proposition, the Pajero Sport appeals to adventure-seeking families and those who need a reliable vehicle for both urban and outback driving. Here’s a detailed review of its features, performance, and suitability for Australian conditions.
Exterior Design
The Pajero Sport GLS boasts a bold and muscular design that exudes confidence. Its dynamic shield front grille, sleek LED headlights, and chunky wheel arches give it a commanding presence on the road. The 18-inch alloy wheels and roof rails add to its rugged appeal, while the rear features stylish LED tail lights and a practical tailgate design. The overall look is modern yet functional, making it equally at home in the city or the bush.
Interior and Comfort
The Pajero Sport GLS offers a spacious and well-appointed cabin designed for comfort and practicality. Key highlights include:
- Seating: The 7-seater configuration is versatile, with ample space for adults in the first and second rows. The third row is best suited for children or occasional use. All seats are upholstered in durable, high-quality fabric but has leather trim in this luxury version.
- Cargo Space: With all seats in place, cargo space is limited, but folding down the third row (60:40 split) or the second row (40:20:40 split) significantly increases storage capacity, making it ideal for family trips or hauling gear.
- Comfort Features: The GLS trim includes dual-zone climate control, rear air-conditioning vents, and plenty of storage compartments. The driver’s seat is 8-way power-adjustable, ensuring a comfortable driving position.
- Infotainment: The 8-inch touchscreen display is user-friendly and supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring seamless smartphone integration. A 6-speaker sound system delivers decent audio quality, though audiophiles may want an upgrade.
Performance and Capability
The Pajero Sport GLS is powered by a 2.4-liter MIVEC turbo-diesel engine, producing 133 kW of power and 430 Nm of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, this engine delivers a smooth and responsive driving experience. Key performance features include:
- Off-Road Capability: The Pajero Sport is built for adventure, with Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4WD system offering multiple drive modes (2H, 4H, 4HLc, and 4LLc). It also features a rear differential lock, hill descent control, and a braked towing capacity of 3,100 kg, making it a true off-roader.
- On-Road Dynamics: While it’s no sports car, the Pajero Sport handles well on paved roads, with a comfortable ride quality and minimal body roll. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments.
- Fuel Efficiency: The diesel engine is relatively efficient for its size, with an official combined fuel economy of 8.0L/100km. Real-world figures may vary, especially when towing or driving off-road.
Safety and Technology
Mitsubishi has equipped the Pajero Sport GLS with a comprehensive suite of safety features, earning it a 5-star ANCAP safety rating at the time when tested. Key safety and tech features include:
- Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS): Forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Passive Safety: Seven airbags, anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), and a reinforced chassis for added protection.
- Parking Assistance: Rearview camera and rear parking sensors make parking this sizable SUV a breeze.
Pros
- Excellent off-road capability with advanced 4WD system.
- Spacious and versatile interior, ideal for families.
- Strong towing capacity for boats, caravans, or trailers.
- Comprehensive safety features and 5-star ANCAP rating.
- Competitive pricing compared to rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
Cons
- Third-row seating is cramped for adults.
- Infotainment system feels slightly outdated compared to competitors.
- Diesel engine can be noisy under heavy acceleration.
- Fuel economy may suffer during off-road or towing use.
Competitors
In the Australian market, the Pajero Sport GLS faces stiff competition from:
- Toyota Fortuner: Offers similar off-road capability but at a higher price point.
- Ford Everest: More refined on-road but less capable off-road.
- Isuzu MU-X: Comparable in price and capability but with a less premium feel.
Prices – Mitsubishi and Competitors
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 4WD starts at a competitive $54,430 for a 5-seater GLX, rising to $62,290 for the GLS Luxury 7-seater. The Pajero Sport GSR tops the range at $67,890. Most other competitors in higher series specs are well over $65,000. The Isuzu MU-X LS-T is $68,000, the Ford Everest Trend is $72,800, while the Toyota Fortuner Crusade runs out at $72,436
My Verdict
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS 7-seater is an excellent choice for Australian families and adventurers who need a versatile, capable, and affordable SUV. Its rugged design, impressive off-road performance, and family-friendly features make it a standout in its class. While it may lack some of the refinement and tech of more expensive rivals, it more than makes up for it with its practicality, reliability, and value for money. If you’re looking for a dependable SUV that can handle both the school run and the Simpson Desert, the Pajero Sport GLS is well worth considering.
Comprehensive Car Insurance – Comparisons
The first company I go to for a quote is now typically SUNCORP, but I also use others for comparisons, just to be sure.
The strongest advice I can give you is to never buy or renew with your current company without price checking. You should get at least 2 quotes to ensure that you’ve got the best deal from a reputable company. In this comparison, I sat through the phone call with Youi. They were $316.92 cheaper than Suncorp and $212 less than RACQ. However, I also recommend you try to check any insurer’s ‘claims ability’. Saving a bit upfront may be lost if your insurer doesn’t provide you with excellent service in the event of an accident. Google them.
| Vehicle | Suncorp | RACQ | Youi |
| Mitsubishi Pajero Sports GLS Luxury | $1156.29 | $1051.30 | $839.37 |
Comprehensive Car Insurance can be a minefield – be sure to get price comparisons before you renew your policy
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The Houghton Highway, Ted Smout Bridge and what’s left of the Hornibrook Highway are generally included. For the information of those not well versed about Redcliffe, the Hornibrook Highway was constructed from 1932 and opened in 1935. All that remains are the entrance and exit of the bridge – the tollhouses. At the time of completion the Hornibrook Viaduct (as it was called then) was the longest road viaduct, built over water in the Southern Hemisphere. The deck was constructed of ironbark timber sourced from the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
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Bob Aldons has spent all his working life (almost) around cars, as a salesman, sales manager, dealer principal, franchise owner or collecting automotive memorabilia. Bob is the current steward of a 1969 Ford Mustang, a 2005 Mini Cooper S and a 1998 Porsche Carrera 4 convertible. His current ‘daily drive’ is a Kia EV6 GT. He kicked off Car Business in 2015 and The Car Guy in 2016 after selling his dealer group, Northstar Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Northstar Fiat and Alfa Romeo, Northstar Isuzu Ute and Northstar Volkswagen. Bob and his wife, Suzi, live in Newport, Queensland.
