2017 Mitsubishi Pajero range review
What is it?
The Pajero has been Mitsubishi’s flagship four-wheel drive for 35 years now, and is still considered among the tougher vehicles for serious off-roading.
This fourth-generation is getting on a bit these days, having first been introduced almost a decade ago, but has been constantly refreshed to keep as up-to-date as possible.
How many models can I choose from?
Not to be confused with the Triton ute-based Pajero Sport, which is much newer, there are three variants in the mainstream Pajero range, the GLX, GLS and Exceed.
All have a seven-seat configuration and are powered by a 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel with a five-speed automatic gearbox and high- and low-range transfer case four-wheel drive transmission.
The base-level GLX has 18-inch alloy wheels, cloth interior trim with a leather steering wheel, climate control air conditioning, cruise control and a 7.0-inch touchscreen with a reverse camera and smartphone mirroring.
The GLS adds reverse parking sensors, Xenon headlights, automatic wipers, a cargo blind and sports front seats with power adjustment, heating and leather-accented bolsters.
The flagship Exceed brings even more gear with a full leather cabin, wood trim on the steering wheel, alloy pedals, an electric sunroof, automatic high beam, an upgraded alarm and a premium Rockford Fosgate audio system with 12 speakers.
What do they cost?
GLX: $53,990
GLS: $58,990
Exceed: $65,990
*Prices exclude on-road costs
Any options that I need to know about?
Apart from colour choice, with six of the seven hues available commanding a $590 premium, there aren’t any official option packages that bring either additional equipment or safety systems.
But Mitsubishi offers an extensive range of official accessories, including bull bars, fog lights, tow bars, roof racks and storage options.
Is it expensive to own?
All Mitsubishi models are covered by a five-year/100,000km vehicle warranty with three years of capped price service coverage with visits every 12 months or 15,000km. The service costs total $1810 over the first three years.
Which is the most economical model?
As all three feature the same 141kW/441Nm 3.2-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine and five-speed automatic transmission, there’s little difference in fuel economy between the three models, with Mitsubishi claiming they have an average consumption of 9.1L/100km.
With the Exceed weighing 100kg more than the GLX and GLS, the lower-grade models might have a slight edge in the real world.
Which is the safest model?
Similarly, all three variants share the same level of safety equipment with six airbags, stability and traction control. If anything, the added convenience of reverse parking sensors in the GLS and Exceed could elevate them over the GLX.
Which is the best model to drive?
Again, there’s not much to separate the driving experience of the three Pajero models other than the cabin ambience. In that regard, the Exceed is a bit more plush than the others, even if its overall design is starting to show its age.
Otherwise, the Pajero is a decent off-roader with a grunty engine, good ground clearance, fully independent suspension and a 3000kg braked towing capacity.
Should I buy one now?
Ignore the recommended retail prices above as Mitsubishi is doing great driveaway deals across the Pajero range right now.
The GLX is being offered at $49,990, the GLS at $56,990 and the Exceed at $63,990, including all on-road costs – saving buyers up to $10k.
Where's the sweet spot?
It all depends on your budget, and whether you think it’s worth spending more on trinkets for the Exceed. If not, the base-level GLX is excellent value and an equally tough off-roader that will take you well off the beaten track for under $50k.