Facelifted Mitsubishi Pajero Sport launches in SA

In a segment where the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, and Isuzu Mu-X typically grab all the attention, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves and it’s easy to see why. These competitors have developed devoted followings over the years, making it difficult for the Pajero Sport to capture its share of sales.

But here’s the thing: it still deserves some consideration, simply because it’s a solid all-rounder, offering a great blend of off-road ability, on-road comfort, and everyday practicality.

For 2025, Mitsubishi has given it a subtle makeover. The updates might not jump out at you, but there are a few tweaks worth pointing out, such as a sharper-looking dynamic shield front grille, redesigned front and rear undergarnishes, and new 18-inch alloy wheels. That’s pretty much it for the outside.

Inside, though, we were hoping for a bit more. While the cabin still feels a little behind the times, Mitsubishi has added a new 8-inch fully digital driver display, which brings a touch of modernity. There’s also a new black head-liner, but aside from that, the interior remains largely unchanged. The same black leather seats, sunroof, powered tailgate, and 8-inch infotainment screen carry over and yes, that screen still feels a step behind what rivals are offering.

Under the bonnet, it’s business as usual. The 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine sticks around, delivering 133kW and 430Nm through an 8-speed automatic gearbox and offers the brand’s Super Select 4WD-II system on specific models. It gets the job done, sure, but we can’t help but feel it’s time that Mitsubishi upped the power ante a bit here, especially given that the competition continues to refine its engine outputs.

As for pricing, Mitsubishi has kept things unchanged, yet the range itself has been trimmed down. There are now just three variants to choose from: a single two-wheel-drive model at R789,990 and two four-wheel-drive versions at R854,990 and R904,990, respectively.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is still a compelling package, let down only by a few areas we hope the brand will address in the next-generation model. We’ve seen the progress with the new Triton and there’s no reason the same can’t happen here.