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Mitsubishi Pajero SUV

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Mitsubishi Pajero SUV Review

Price range:

$45,490 - $76,790

Car Verdict rating:

Good:

Impressive handling – both on and off-road (it’s difficult to achieve both, not many SUV's can) PLUS a new powerful & economical Turbo Diesel AND high levels of features for the money.

Not so Good:

Not such a good buy if you’ll only ever use it in suburban driving – it’s a proper off-roader. Not as classy as a Discovery (but heh, it’s thousands and thousands of dollars cheaper).

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Mitsubishi Pajero SUV Competitors

Toyota FJ Cruiser 40 from: $44,490 car review	Toyota Prado 35 from: $55,990 car review	Jeep Wrangler 30 from: $31,590 car review
Mitsubishi Challenger 30 from: $36,990 car review	Nissan Pathfinder 30 from: $48,490 car review	Ssangyong Rexton 20 from: $35,990 car review

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Mitsubishi Pajero SUV Review

Design and Engineering	Good	With this significant upgrade (NT Series) Mitsubishi have improved noise levels – mostly by increasing the amount of sound deadening in the engine bay. The VRX (positioned one grade above the top-selling GLS) looks sportier with the ‘bling’ chrome grille and larger 18” alloy wheels.
Design and Engineering	Not so good	The overall design is getting on – the 2009 Pajero still shares most of its skeleton (and a lot of its 'skin’) with the first monocoque platform NT Series Pajero launched waaay back in the year 2000 (it got a facelift in 2002 & 2006).
Interior and Styling	Good	GLS and Exceed grades feature standard leather trim which adds to the perceived luxury. It's very comfy up front, even after hours behind the wheel. Good overall seat support, but lacking in side-support when cornering at speed on the tarmac (not everyone will need that we admit). Plenty of space inside – especially for the first two rows.
Interior and Styling	Not so good	The dashboard design is good when compared to fellow Japanese competitors - but can’t compete with the luxury Euro 4x4’s (but they're more expensive, so we guess it depends on where your priorities lie). Third row seats can’t match those in a large MPV (People Mover) for size and comfort.
Performance	Good	The new 3.2L V6 Turbo Diesel is a real improvement – power jumps to a healthy 147kW (healthy for a diesel, that is) and torque (pulling power) increases to 441Nm – both figures up 18% over the outgoing NS Series Pajero. Plus, the new 5-speed auto also contributes to improved fuel economy.
Performance	Not so good	Engine is still more noisy than quiet (compared to its direct competitors).
Ride and Handling	Good	The Super Select II 4WD system is the real deal (also nice to see Traction Control that works well). It handles impressively on-road for such a capable off-roader – ride is slightly firm (which is a good thing in our eyes) providing an almost car-like driving experience (the 'crisp' steering also helps). Plus, you can hustle a Pajero on the tarmac more so than most SUV’s with true ‘off-roading’ credentials.
Ride and Handling	Not so good	Serious off-roaders would prefer if the Hill Descent control wasn’t automatic – i.e. a move to a switchable system (however, most expensive 4x4’s come with automatic hill descent). The firm suspension comes at the expense of a cosseting, soft ride.
Buying and Owning	Good	Offers more equipment & features for the money compared to the benchmark Toyota Prado. The VRX grade is second from the top of the range (behind the Exceed) and comes FULL of features! The 3,000kg towing capacity means you’ll be able to tow the caravan or boat no worries. The fuel economy figures of 9.2L/100km (previous Pajero: 10.5L) are very impressive for a such a bluff-looking and heavy 4x4 – perfect for touring our big brown land.
Buying and Owning	Not so good	Many more consumers favour the competing Toyota Prado...