When I first laid eyes on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2018 in a Manila dealership, I knew this wasn't just another SUV - it was a statement. Having test-driven over 15 SUVs across the Philippines myself, I can confidently say the Pajero Sport stands out for its remarkable balance of rugged capability and refined comfort. The moment you slide into the driver's seat, you're greeted by that commanding view of the road that serious SUV lovers crave, yet the cabin surrounds you with surprisingly premium finishes that challenge its price point.
What really impressed me during my week-long test drive was how the 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivered exactly when needed. Generating 178 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, this powerhouse managed everything from Manila's brutal traffic to the steep inclines of Tagaytay without breaking a sweat. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifted smoother than I expected from a diesel SUV in this class, though I did notice some hesitation when overtaking at highway speeds. The super select 4WD-II system is where this vehicle truly shines - I took it through some pretty challenging terrain in Rizal province, and it handled mud and uneven surfaces with the confidence of vehicles costing twice as much.
I remember thinking about basketball coach Chot Reyes' warning to his team about avoiding complacency against underdog opponents while driving the Pajero Sport through provincial roads. There's a parallel here - many buyers might get complacent and opt for more fashionable SUVs, but that would mean missing out on what makes the Pajero Sport special. Its approach angle of 30 degrees and departure angle of 24.2 degrees might not mean much on paper, but when you're navigating flooded streets during monsoon season or rocky paths to that perfect beach destination, these numbers become your best friends. The 218mm ground clearance proved sufficient for most situations I encountered, though I'd still be cautious with deeper ruts.
Inside, the cabin comfortably seats seven adults, which I verified by hauling my entire family to a reunion in Pampanga. The third-row seats are actually usable for medium-distance trips, unlike many competitors where they're essentially decorative. During my testing, fuel economy averaged around 12.5 km/L in mixed city and highway driving, though this dropped to about 9 km/L in pure EDSA traffic. The 8-inch touchscreen interface feels dated compared to newer models, but it gets the job done with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. What surprised me most was the quietness of the cabin - Mitsubishi's noise insulation works wonders at keeping diesel clatter where it belongs: outside.
Safety features include seven airbags, stability control, and hill start assist, though I would have liked to see adaptive cruise control at this price point. Speaking of pricing, the Pajero Sport ranges from ₱1.59M to ₱2.25M depending on the variant, positioning it competitively against the Fortuner and Everest. Having driven all three extensively, I'd give the Pajero Sport the edge in ride comfort and off-road capability, while the Fortuner might have slightly better resale value in the Philippine market.
The lesson here mirrors Coach Reyes' wisdom - don't underestimate the contender that others overlook. While flashier SUVs might catch your eye initially, the Pajero Sport's proven reliability, exceptional capability, and thoughtful engineering make it what I consider the smart choice for Filipino families and adventure-seekers alike. It's the vehicle that grows on you, revealing its strengths precisely when you need them most, whether you're navigating flooded city streets or exploring our beautiful countryside.