Facelifted Mitsubishi Pajero Sport revealed

MITSUBISHI has released its facelifted Pajero Sport in the Thai market this week, the off-road SUV range indicative of changes expected to feature in Australian-delivered models and due in local showrooms “within weeks”.

However, not all of the changes included in the Thai-spec Pajero Sport will make it Down Under.

GoAuto understands the Thai market Pajero Sport will receive an updated 4N16 turbo-diesel engine producing 135kW and 430Nm while markets outside Thailand will continue to offer the current 4N15 series engine with 133kW and 430Nm.

The only transmission option becomes the previously offered six-speed automatic transmission in place of the current eight-speed. Two- and four-wheel drive options remain.

GoAuto understands the 2024 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport will now include an idle-stop system, lowered compression ratio and a variable geometry turbocharger as part of its running changes, alongside an updated frontal fascia, restyled 18-inch alloy wheels, and, on GSR grades, blackened door handles, mirror caps, and tailgate garnish.

The tailgate of the updated QG-series Pajero Sport also includes a handsfree function for the first time.

Moving inside, we find a steering wheel adapted from the new-generation Triton, wireless phone charging pad, updated instrument cluster graphics, quilted leather upholstery, and, on GSR grades, a black headlining.

The 8.0-inch infotainment cluster remains largely unchanged and is still to offer many of the more modern amenities found in Outlander and Triton, such as wireless Apple CarPlay. Thai-spec models show a rear 12.1-inch overhead screen as available.

Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited says the revised Pajero Sport will begin arriving in local showrooms from April, ahead of an all-new model expected sometime in 2025. Full specifications and pricing are expected to be detailed within weeks.

The Pajero Sport – which is currently priced from $44,940 plus on-road costs – has been available in its current form since 2015 when it replaced the Triton-based Challenger.

The model continues to vie with the likes of other ute-based five- and seven-seaters, including the Ford Everest (from $53,990 +ORC), Isuzu MU-X (from $48,900 +ORC), Toyota Fortuner (from $53,775 +ORC), and Toyota LandCruiser Prado (from $62,830 +ORC).

For the month of February (2024), sales of the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport totalled 1367 units, well short of the segment-leading Isuzu D-Max (2968 units), strong selling Toyota LandCruiser Prado (2764 units), and popular Ford Everest (2235 units).