The SUV market has long been dominated by a few key players. Toyota’s Prado has carved out a significant chunk of this competitive landscape, becoming somewhat of a household name among off-road enthusiasts and family buyers alike.
But there’s a formidable challenger on the horizon. Mitsubishi’s Pajero Sport Elite has quietly been building momentum, offering impressive credentials that demand serious consideration from anyone shopping in this segment.
Let’s dive into what makes this vehicle Mitsubishi’s strongest answer yet to Toyota’s seemingly unshakeable dominance, and why you might want to think twice before automatically heading to a Toyota dealership for your next SUV purchase.
Design Evolution and Presence
Bold Styling Meets Functional Purpose
The first thing you’ll notice about the Pajero Sport Elite is its commanding presence. Gone are the days when Mitsubishi vehicles played it safe with conservative styling.
The Elite edition stands tall with its distinctive Dynamic Shield front design. Angular headlights sweep back dramatically from the imposing chrome-accented grille, creating a look that’s both sophisticated and aggressive.
Side profiles reveal muscular wheel arches housing stylish alloy wheels that aren’t just for show. The generous ground clearance subtly hints at the vehicle’s off-road capabilities without screaming about them.
Around back, the unique vertical taillights create an unmistakable signature at night. You’ll never mistake this for anything else in your rearview mirror.
Interior Refinement
Step inside and you’re greeted by a cabin that defies the rugged exterior expectations. Soft-touch materials cover most surfaces your hands naturally fall on.
The premium leather upholstery with contrast stitching elevates the experience beyond what you might expect at this price point. It feels remarkably close to luxury-brand territory.
Mitsubishi has clearly invested where it matters. The dashboard layout is intuitive rather than overwhelming, with physical buttons for key functions you’ll use while driving.
Seven seats come standard in most markets, with the third row folding flat when not needed. This creates a genuinely usable space that adapts to your lifestyle.
Performance That Matters
Engine and Power Delivery
Under the hood, the Pajero Sport Elite typically houses a 2.4-liter turbodiesel engine. This might sound modest on paper compared to some competitors.
However, it’s the robust torque delivery – usually around 430Nm – that tells the real story. This translates to effortless towing capability and confident overtaking when needed.
The 8-speed automatic transmission deserves special mention. Gear changes are remarkably smooth for this class of vehicle.
Power delivery feels refined rather than agricultural, a common complaint with some diesel-powered competitors in this segment. Weekend trips to the countryside no longer mean sacrificing comfort.
Off-Road Credentials
Let’s address the elephant in the room – how does it compare to the Prado when the pavement ends? Surprisingly well, as it happens.
The Pajero Sport Elite comes equipped with Mitsubishi’s proven Super-Select 4WD-II system. This isn’t some watered-down setup for occasional gravel roads.
With selectable terrain modes including gravel, mud/snow, sand, and rock, the system adapts the vehicle’s characteristics to match conditions. Weekend warriors will appreciate this flexibility.
A generous 218mm of ground clearance combined with respectable approach and departure angles means this SUV can tackle serious obstacles. The standard hill descent control inspires confidence on steep declines.
Real-world testing shows the Pajero Sport can follow the Prado through most reasonable off-road challenges. Only the most extreme situations might reveal differences.
Technology and Convenience
Connected Features
Mitsubishi has stepped up its technology game significantly with the Elite edition. The touchscreen infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The interface feels responsive without the lag that plagued earlier iterations. Voice command functionality actually works reliably, a pleasant surprise at this price point.
Digital instrument clusters provide customizable information displays. You can prioritize the data that matters most to your driving style.
Multiple USB ports throughout the cabin reflect modern family needs. No more fighting over who gets to charge their device during long journeys.
Safety Suite
Safety features rival premium European offerings. Adaptive cruise control works seamlessly in traffic, maintaining appropriate distances without jerky interventions.
The advanced driver assistance systems include blind spot monitoring, lane keeping assist, and autonomous emergency braking. These aren’t stripped-down versions but fully functional implementations.
Parking sensors and cameras provide excellent visibility when maneuvering this substantial vehicle in tight spaces. The multi-angle view system proves particularly useful for precise positioning in challenging terrain.
Peace of mind comes standard with comprehensive airbag coverage throughout all three rows. Family buyers will appreciate this attention to protecting all occupants.
Living With the Pajero Sport Elite
Daily Practicality
School runs and grocery shopping might seem mundane, but they constitute most of an SUV’s life. The Pajero Sport Elite handles these duties with aplomb.
The power tailgate with hands-free operation makes loading shopping a breeze. Interior storage compartments are thoughtfully placed and generously sized.
Visibility from the driver’s seat strikes a good balance. You feel commanding without feeling disconnected from your surroundings.
Fuel economy deserves special mention. The diesel engine typically returns reasonable efficiency figures, especially considering the vehicle’s size and capability.
Long Distance Comfort
Highway miles reveal another strength. Wind and road noise suppression exceed expectations for this class of vehicle.
The adaptive suspension system (available in some markets) smooths out imperfections without feeling floaty or disconnected. It strikes a sweet spot between comfort and control.
Front seats offer excellent support for longer journeys. Second-row passengers enjoy dedicated climate controls and reclining seatbacks.
Even the third row proves useful for shorter trips, unlike some competitors where they feel like punishment seats. Adults can use them in reasonable comfort for moderate distances.
Value Proposition
Price Positioning
Here’s where the Pajero Sport Elite makes its strongest case against the Prado. It typically undercuts its Toyota rival by a significant margin.
Yet you’re not sacrificing features or capability. In many cases, you’re getting comparable or superior equipment levels for considerably less outlay.
The warranty package typically exceeds industry standards. Mitsubishi clearly believes in its product and backs it accordingly.
This value equation becomes even more compelling when you consider total ownership costs over several years. Servicing and maintenance generally remain reasonable.
Resale Considerations
Historically, Toyota products have enjoyed stronger resale values. This remains partially true today, though the gap has narrowed.
The Pajero Sport has been building a reputation for reliability and durability. This is gradually reflecting in improved residual values in many markets.
The Elite trim level specifically tends to hold value better than base models. Its comprehensive feature set remains desirable in the secondary market.
Smart buyers will recognize that the initial purchase price advantage often outweighs any residual value difference at sale time, making total ownership cost very competitive.
Making the Choice
Who Should Consider the Pajero Sport Elite?
Buyers who value substance over badge prestige will find much to appreciate here. The Pajero Sport Elite delivers genuine capability without unnecessary premium pricing.
Families needing versatile transportation with genuine off-road ability should definitely include this on their shortlist. It handles the school run as confidently as weekend adventures.
Those who tow regularly will appreciate the strong diesel powertrain and stability systems designed specifically for this purpose. Boat and caravan owners take note.
Value-conscious shoppers who still want modern safety features and technology shouldn’t overlook this compelling package from Mitsubishi.
Potential Drawbacks
No vehicle is perfect, and honesty requires acknowledging a few considerations. The third row, while usable, doesn’t offer the space of larger American SUVs.
Dealer networks may not be as extensive as Toyota’s in some regions. This could affect convenience for servicing in certain areas.
The diesel engine, while efficient and powerful, might not appeal to those seeking the ultimate in refinement or those who prefer petrol power.
Some interior materials in less frequently touched areas don’t quite match the premium feel of the primary contact points. This is where cost-cutting becomes visible.
A Worthy Challenger
The Pajero Sport Elite represents Mitsubishi’s most convincing effort yet to challenge Toyota’s Prado dominance. It combines genuine capability with impressive value.
This isn’t merely an alternative for those who can’t afford a Prado. It’s a legitimately compelling option that might actually better suit many buyers’ needs and preferences.
Mitsubishi has clearly studied what matters to buyers in this segment and delivered a focused product that addresses those priorities without unnecessary frills.
For smart shoppers willing to look beyond established names, the Pajero Sport Elite rewards with a blend of practicality, technology, and capability that deserves serious consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Pajero Sport Elite have genuine off-road capability?
Yes, with its Super-Select 4WD-II system, selectable terrain modes, and good ground clearance, it handles challenging off-road conditions confidently.
How does fuel economy compare to the Toyota Prado?
The Pajero Sport Elite typically offers comparable or slightly better fuel efficiency thanks to its modern diesel engine and 8-speed transmission.
Can the third-row seats accommodate adults?
Adults can use the third row for shorter journeys in reasonable comfort, though it’s best suited for children on longer trips.
What safety features come standard?
The Elite edition includes advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.
Is servicing expensive compared to other SUVs?
No, maintenance costs typically remain competitive, with Mitsubishi’s capped-price servicing programs providing good value throughout ownership.
How does the warranty compare to Toyota’s?
Mitsubishi usually offers a more generous warranty package than Toyota, providing greater peace of mind for long-term ownership.