The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport shares a close lineage with the L200 pickup, and the two models have long been considered siblings in the brand’s SUV lineup.
Drive configuration is 4×4 only.
Until 2013, these SUVs were imported from Thailand. Later, they were assembled in Kaluga as a refreshed version with cosmetic updates.
The Pajero Sport II stands out from the standard Pajero generations by adopting a traditional ladder frame chassis, while the conventional Pajero uses a body-on-frame design built into a load-bearing body with an integrated frame.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport II
Advantages
- Simple, easy-to-service design that keeps maintenance straightforward.
- Strong off-road capability with a ground clearance of 215 mm.
- Good liquidity on the used-car market, which helps resale value.
If a high-end multimedia system is installed, some features such as rear-window heating, a basic onboard computer, or an external thermometer might be absent.
Defects
- The paintwork is soft and the body shows limited resistance to corrosion over time.
- The spare wheel is mounted under the floor, which affects cargo loading space.
engines
Petrol aspirated 6B31 V6 3.0 (220 hp) appears in only a portion of used-car inventories. This engine is shared with the Outlander. It runs on AI-92 fuel and can exceed 300,000 km with proper care. It is compatible with hydraulics and often exhibits oil leaks.
Between 200,000 and 220,000 km, camshafts, valve lifters, and rocker arms may wear, while debris can accumulate in the oil pan, necessitating repairs including liner replacements. Weak engine mounts may require replacement after around 50,000 km. The oil pump can fail around 120,000 km, reducing performance, and hydraulic lifter noise is a warning sign.
Diesel 4M41 3.2 (163 hp) appeared in the market in the first year of sales. The timing chain endures 200–250 thousand km. The injection pump can reach 300 thousand, though many have faced issues due to poor diesel fuel. Injectors last up to 150 thousand, and the turbo reaches roughly 250 thousand. The crankshaft pulley may shed its rubber, the alternator belt can whistle and require adjustment or replacement, and the EGR valve demands regular attention. The engine’s life is frequently cited as exceeding 400 thousand km.
It was eventually replaced by the less reliable 4D56 2.5 (178 hp). Similar weaknesses appear, but failures are more common. The engine can overheat, causing head-gasket issues. At every MOT, the balance belt drive, valve clearances, and timing belt tension should be checked. The stated engine life is around 200 thousand km; with meticulous care, 300 thousand may be achievable, albeit maintenance remains costly and burdensome.
Transfer
The manual transmission is excellent and pairs well with diesel engines, which appealed to buyers looking to conquer rough terrain. When buying a car with mileage, some roughness in the gearbox can be expected. The clutch assembly is not especially durable, but under moderate use it can last beyond 120,000 km.
The V5A51 automatic, five-speed, is known for reliability. Problems usually arise from natural wear and tear, aside from common failures of selector position sensors and input shaft speeds. It handles heavy loads well but can overheat on long climbs or when under sustained tension, triggering a protective mode.
For confident off-road performance, an additional radiator is advised. With proper maintenance, the unit can cover at least 200,000 km, and many examples exceed 350,000 km.
The four-wheel-drive system is robust and refined, yet cardan shaft connections require periodic lubrication. The service life of individual components largely depends on how the vehicle is used.
Operational notes
The suspension is solid, with a double-wishbone setup at the front and a solid rear axle. No major weaknesses are highlighted in standard use.
- The steering system can be imperfect, with potential knocks in the steering rack and column, and accelerated wear on the steering wheel hub.
- Some owners report vague climate control behavior, dim lighting, subpar interior materials, and quicker than expected wear in certain components.
Euro NCAP: not tested
The most prevalent used-market option is the Pajero Sport 2.5D with an automatic transmission
Best value appears in the Pajero Sport 3.0 with automatic transmission
Comparable models in the same budget range include the Honda CR-V, Kia Sorento, Land Rover Freelander, and Volvo XC60
- Popular options under 1.5 million rubles include six proven choices.
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Notes on tire size
Popular tire sizes around 7000 units are commonly used, though exact fit depends on the vehicle configuration.
Public safety and medical access depend on tire availability and road conditions. The collaboration with the Popular Front aims to raise funds for tires for Police and emergency services, as well as humanitarian aid vehicles and military equipment. Contributions can be made via the collection page, with attribution to ongoing community efforts.