I remember the first time I took my family off-roading in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport—my eldest son Jimuel, who's always been my adventure partner, was absolutely mesmerized by how this vehicle handled rough terrain that would have stopped most SUVs dead in their tracks. That experience really drove home why this isn't just another SUV; it's a properly engineered machine for those who genuinely love exploring beyond paved roads. Having tested numerous off-road vehicles over the years, I've developed a particular fondness for the Pajero Sport's unique blend of rugged capability and surprising refinement. Let me walk you through what makes this vehicle stand out in a crowded market.

The heart of any true off-roader is its four-wheel-drive system, and Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II is nothing short of brilliant. Unlike many systems that force you to choose between fuel efficiency and capability, this one offers multiple modes including 2WD for normal driving, 4WD with center differential unlocked for slippery surfaces, and locked 4WD for serious off-roading. I've personally put this system through its paces in everything from muddy trails to rocky inclines, and the transition between modes is seamless. The terrain response system includes settings for gravel, mud/snow, sand, and rock—each optimizing throttle response and transmission patterns for specific conditions. What impressed me most was how it handled a particularly tricky section in the Arizona desert last spring, where the sand was deeper than I'd anticipated. While a Toyota Fortuner we were traveling with struggled for traction, the Pajero Sport simply dug in and powered through without drama.

Powering this capable system is a 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine that produces 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque—numbers that might not sound extraordinary on paper but deliver exactly what you need when crawling over obstacles or climbing steep grades. The torque curve is beautifully linear, with peak torque available from just 2,500 RPM, which means you're not waiting for power when you need it most. The eight-speed automatic transmission deserves special mention too; it shifts more smoothly than any other off-road-focused SUV I've driven, including the Ford Everest. On a recent trip through Colorado's mountain passes, I appreciated how well it managed descents, using engine braking effectively without constant brake application that can lead to fade.

Approach angle, departure angle, and ground clearance—these are the holy trinity of off-road metrics, and the Pajero Sport delivers impressive numbers: 30 degrees approach, 24.2 degrees departure, and 218 mm of ground clearance. Those figures translate to real-world capability that I've tested repeatedly. Just last month, I navigated a washed-out trail where a Land Rover Discovery Sport high-centered on a mound that the Pajero Sport cleared with inches to spare. The breakover angle of 23.1 degrees is particularly noteworthy because it prevents that stomach-dropping moment when your vehicle's belly makes contact with the terrain. I've seen too many crossover SUVs with aggressive approach angles compromised by poor breakover angles—the Pajero Sport gets this balance right.

Inside, you'll find one of the most thoughtfully designed cabins in its class. The seats offer exceptional support during long drives, with available leather upholstery that's both durable and comfortable. What really sets it apart is the noise insulation—Mitsubishi has managed to keep cabin noise to just 68 decibels at highway speeds, which is remarkable for a body-on-frame vehicle. Jimuel, who's sensitive to noise on long trips, actually fell asleep during a particularly rough section of trail that would have been unbearably loud in other off-roaders. The 8-inch touchscreen is positioned high on the dashboard for easy visibility, and the physical knobs for climate control mean you can make adjustments without taking your eyes off challenging terrain.

Safety features have come a long way in off-road vehicles, and the Pajero Sport includes Mitsubishi's Multi-Around Monitor—a system that uses cameras to create a virtual 360-degree view around the vehicle. This isn't just a parking aid; when you're navigating tight trails with drop-offs on either side, this system becomes invaluable. I've used it to spot rocks and stumps that would have been invisible from the driver's seat. The forward collision mitigation system is tuned to recognize not just vehicles but also pedestrians, which is crucial when exploring areas where people might suddenly appear from behind obstacles. Having driven older Pajero models that lacked these features, I can attest to how much they reduce driver fatigue on difficult routes.

Perhaps the most underrated feature is the Pajero Sport's suspension system. The front double-wishbone and rear multi-link setup provides a ride quality that's firm enough for control yet supple enough for comfort. On a five-hour drive through Baja California's notoriously rough roads, I arrived feeling remarkably fresh compared to similar journeys in competitors. The suspension absorbs small bumps effortlessly while maintaining composure over larger obstacles—it strikes a balance that many manufacturers struggle to achieve. The hydraulic power steering provides decent feedback too, unlike the numb electric systems in many modern SUVs. You can actually feel what the front wheels are doing, which builds confidence when picking lines through technical sections.

After three years and nearly 45,000 miles of ownership across every type of terrain imaginable, I'm more convinced than ever that the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport represents one of the best values in the off-road SUV segment. It starts at around $42,000—significantly less than many competitors while offering comparable or superior capability. The combination of robust mechanical systems, thoughtful features, and surprising comfort creates a vehicle that doesn't force you to choose between daily usability and weekend adventure. Jimuel, who's now learning to drive, has already claimed dibs on this being his first car—though I'm not quite ready to hand over the keys yet. For families who want one vehicle that can handle school runs during the week and mountain trails on weekends, the Pajero Sport delivers in ways that few other vehicles can match.