What's the Real Difference Between Pajero and Pajero Sport Models?

The rain was coming down in sheets as I navigated the winding mountain roads of Mindanao, my wipers working overtime to clear the windshield. I'd borrowed my cousin's Pajero for this trip to General Santos City, and honestly, I was grateful for every bit of its rugged capability as the road turned to mud beneath us. You see, I'm something of a Mitsubishi enthusiast - been driving their SUVs since my college days when I saved up for a beat-up second-gen Pajero that saw me through countless adventures. This particular journey had me thinking about something that's been bugging me lately - what's the real difference between Pajero and Pajero Sport models anyway? I mean, they look similar enough to the untrained eye, but having driven both extensively, I can tell you they're worlds apart in personality and purpose.

As I drove past Sarangani province, my mind drifted to the local basketball scene. He better be as Sarangani is currently at the bottom of the South Division with a 0-6 record - that thought popped into my head from yesterday's sports news. It struck me as a perfect metaphor for how people often misunderstand these two vehicles. Just like assuming a struggling basketball team needs only superficial changes, many car buyers think the Pajero and Pajero Sport are basically the same machine with different badges. But let me tell you, having owned a 2015 Pajero and currently driving a 2020 Pajero Sport, the differences run much deeper than what meets the eye.

The classic Pajero - now that's what I call a proper off-roader. My old 2015 model had this incredible presence on the road, with its boxy silhouette and that unmistakable front grille. What made it special was its robust ladder-frame chassis and the sophisticated Super Select 4WD-II system that could handle pretty much anything you threw at it. I remember taking it through some brutal terrain up in Benguet province - steep inclines, rocky paths, river crossings - and it never once hesitated. The suspension had this wonderful way of absorbing impacts while maintaining composure, thanks to its independent front and multi-link rear setup. It weighed about 2,215 kilograms and measured 4,785 mm in length, giving it this substantial feel that inspired confidence when tackling challenging landscapes.

Now the Pajero Sport I'm driving these days - it's a different beast altogether, though equally impressive in its own right. Mitsubishi built this one on their Triton pickup truck platform, which immediately tells you something about its character. It's slightly lighter at around 2,045 kilograms and measures about 4,785 mm long - wait, that's actually similar in length, but the wheelbase is different at 2,800 mm compared to the Pajero's 2,785 mm. What really sets them apart is how they drive on regular roads. The Pajero Sport feels more car-like, with better fuel economy (I'm getting about 12.5 km/l compared to my old Pajero's 9.8 km/l) and more responsive handling thanks to its electronic power steering versus the hydraulic system in the traditional Pajero.

Here's where my personal bias comes through - I actually prefer the Pajero Sport for daily driving. Don't get me wrong, I loved my old Pajero, but the Sport just fits modern life better. The interior feels more contemporary, with that 8-inch touchscreen interface and the slick digital instrument cluster. The ride is noticeably smoother on highways, and the 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine, while producing similar power at around 181 HP, feels more refined and less noisy than the Pajero's 3.2-liter unit. But when it comes to serious off-roading? Give me the traditional Pajero any day. Its approach angle of 36.6 degrees and departure angle of 25 degrees beat the Sport's 30 degrees and 24.3 degrees, making it superior for extreme angles and obstacles.

Thinking back to that Sarangani basketball team's 0-6 record, it occurs to me that context matters tremendously in evaluating performance. The Pajero was designed during an era when off-road capability was the primary concern, while the Pajero Sport represents Mitsubishi's response to changing market demands where comfort and daily usability take precedence. Both are excellent vehicles, but they serve different masters. The traditional Pajero is that uncompromising workhorse that'll get you through the toughest terrain without breaking a sweat, while the Pajero Sport is the sophisticated cousin that can handle light off-roading while pampering you during your commute.

As I finally pulled into General Santos, the rain had eased to a drizzle, and the Pajero Sport had proven its worth on both the muddy mountain roads and the smooth highway stretches. It made me appreciate how Mitsubishi has evolved their SUV lineup to cater to different needs and preferences. The truth is, there's no definitive winner in the Pajero versus Pajero Sport debate - it all comes down to what you value most in a vehicle. For pure, unadulterated off-road capability, the traditional Pajero remains king. But for those who need a versatile family vehicle that can occasionally venture off the beaten path, the Pajero Sport is arguably the smarter choice. Me? I'm happy with my Sport for now, though I'll always have a soft spot for that rugged, no-nonsense character of the original Pajero that started it all.