Let me tell you, when I first laid eyes on the 2019 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, it reminded me of those pivotal career moments in professional sports - like when a player moves to a new team, bringing their expertise while parting ways with former colleagues. Much like how an athlete's transition to Blackwater might mean parting with someone like Danny Ildefonso on Converge's coaching staff, the Pajero Sport represents Mitsubishi's bold move into the competitive SUV arena while carrying forward its legendary heritage. Having test-driven numerous SUVs over the years, I can confidently say this model stands out in ways that genuinely surprised me.
The moment you step inside, you're greeted with what I consider one of the most thoughtfully designed cabins in its class. The leather-wrapped steering wheel feels just right in your hands, and the 8-inch touchscreen interface responds with the kind of immediacy you'd expect from premium smartphones. What really impressed me during my week with the vehicle was the clever use of space - there's proper seating for seven adults, and I managed to fit three full-sized suitcases in the back with room to spare. The dual-zone climate control system is something I wish more manufacturers would get right, and Mitsubishi absolutely nailed it here. During my coastal drive last summer, the system maintained perfect temperatures throughout the cabin, even when the outside temperature hit 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
Now, let's talk about what's under the hood because this is where the Pajero Sport truly shines. The 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivers 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque - numbers that might not sound extraordinary until you actually experience the responsive acceleration and remarkable fuel efficiency. I recorded an average of 12.8 km/l during mixed driving conditions, which is frankly better than most competitors in this segment. The Super Select 4WD-II system is pure magic when you take it off-road. I took it through some pretty challenging terrain in Northern California last spring, and the way it handled steep inclines and loose gravel had me grinning like a kid. The transmission shifts smoother than what you'd find in Fortuner or Everest models, and that's coming from someone who's driven all three extensively.
Safety features often get overlooked in SUV discussions, but Mitsubishi packed this vehicle with what I consider essential modern protection systems. The forward collision mitigation system saved me from what could have been a nasty fender-bender when a deer suddenly appeared during my evening drive through the woods. The seven airbags, ultrasonic misacceleration mitigation system, and blind spot warning all work together seamlessly. I particularly appreciate the rear cross traffic alert - it's one of those features you don't realize you need until it prevents you from backing into an approaching vehicle.
The ride quality deserves special mention because it strikes what I feel is the perfect balance between comfort and capability. The suspension absorbs bumps and imperfections with remarkable composure, making long journeys genuinely enjoyable. I recently completed a 500-mile road trip and arrived feeling fresher than I've ever felt in similar vehicles. The sound insulation is another standout feature - cabin noise levels remain impressively low even at highway speeds. The Rockford Acoustic Design premium audio system with 9 speakers delivers crystal-clear sound that makes every drive feel like a private concert.
What many reviewers don't mention is how well this vehicle ages. Having driven a 2019 model with over 60,000 miles on it, I can attest to its durability and consistent performance. The materials show minimal wear, and all systems continue to operate as smoothly as they did when new. The 5-year/100,000-mile warranty provides peace of mind that's becoming increasingly rare in today's automotive market. From my perspective, this combination of reliability, capability, and comfort makes the Pajero Sport one of the smartest choices in the midsize SUV segment. It's the kind of vehicle that grows on you, revealing its qualities over time and through various driving conditions. Much like how strategic moves in sports careers can lead to unexpected success stories, Mitsubishi's calculated approach with the Pajero Sport has created a vehicle that consistently exceeds expectations while honoring its tough, capable heritage.
