2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Mitsubishi's Pajero Sport sits in that awkward middle lane of the SUV world, squaring up against the Everest, Fortuner, and MU-X, but with a slightly different spin. Every example you’ll find on the market today packs a diesel engine — either the trusty old 2.5D or the more modern 2.4 DI-DC — and every single one comes with an automatic, which hints at the sort of buyer Mitsubishi’s aiming for: someone who wants comfort over crunch. The classifieds aren’t exactly overflowing with options. You’ll find just 7 active listings, with prices stretching from a wallet-friendly R199,900 to an eyebrow-raising R699,995, and a median price that hovers near R379,950. That’s a massive spread, mostly down to model years ranging from 2013 to 2025, so you’re as likely to spot a last-gen family hauler as you are a nearly-new facelift. If you want a Pajero Sport, you’re shopping used — there’s not a single new one available, so forget about showroom fresh. Average mileage floats at 133,577 km, which isn’t nothing, but these diesels have a reputation for taking a beating. The 2.4D 4X4 A/T typically lands around R379,950, while Exceed trims rocket up to R469,990 or even R699,995 if you want all the bells and whistles. If your budget’s tight, the older 2.5D 4X4 at R289,950 looks tempting. What actually pulls South Africans towards the Pajero Sport, on paper at least, is Mitsubishi’s Super Select 4WD and a noticeably softer ride compared to the famously bouncy old Fortuner — a blessing if your daily slog includes neglected city tarmac and not just bush tracks. The big catch? There’s just not much stock, so if you’re picky, you’ll have to be patient.