Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 2019 Review: Key Features, Performance and Ownership Costs
Let me tell you about the day I first got behind the wheel of the 2019 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. I'd been researching mid-size SUVs for weeks, torn between several options, but something about this vehicle just clicked. The moment I settled into that driver's seat, I knew this wasn't just another SUV - it was something special. Now, having driven it for over two years and put nearly 35,000 kilometers on the odometer, I can share what makes this vehicle stand out in a crowded market. It's funny how sometimes we have to part ways with familiar things to discover something new, much like how basketball players sometimes leave their coaching staff relatives behind for new opportunities - I recently read about a player moving to Blackwater and parting ways with his uncle Danny Ildefonso, who's part of the Converge coaching staff. That professional transition mirrors what many SUV buyers experience when they switch from their familiar vehicles to something like the Pajero Sport.
The exterior design immediately catches your eye with that bold Dynamic Shield front grille that just screams presence on the road. Mitsubishi really nailed the balance between rugged capability and sophisticated styling. I've lost count of how many times people have stopped me in parking lots to ask about the vehicle. The LED headlights and daytime running lights aren't just for show either - they provide incredible illumination during night driving, which I've particularly appreciated during those late drives back from client meetings. The 18-inch alloy wheels fill out the wheel arches perfectly, giving it that commanding stance without being overly aggressive. What surprised me most was how the design has aged - or rather, how it hasn't. Even now, three years after its launch, the Pajero Sport still turns heads and looks contemporary alongside much newer models.
Step inside, and you're greeted with one of the most thoughtfully designed cabins in its class. The leather seats are supportive yet comfortable, perfect for both short commutes and those six-hour drives to the province I frequently make. I've spent up to eight hours straight in that driver's seat and stepped out feeling remarkably fresh. The second-row seats recline, which my kids absolutely love during long trips, and the third row is actually usable for adults, unlike many competitors where the third row feels like an afterthought. The 8-inch touchscreen interface is intuitive, though I'll admit it took me a couple of days to fully explore all the features. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration work flawlessly, and the sound system delivers crisp, clear audio that makes traffic jams slightly more bearable.
Now let's talk about what really matters - performance. The 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine produces 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that translate to real-world capability that'll surprise you. The first time I merged onto the expressway, I was genuinely shocked by how effortlessly it accelerated. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts so smoothly that you barely notice it working, yet it's always in the right gear whether you're crawling through city traffic or overtaking on mountain roads. The Super Select II 4WD system is where this vehicle truly shines. I've taken it through flooded streets that would stall lesser SUVs, up slippery gravel inclines, and across beach sand that had other drivers worried. The system offers multiple modes including 2WD for normal driving, 4WD for slippery conditions, and locking differentials for when things get really challenging. Fuel economy has been better than expected too - I'm averaging around 12.5 km/L in mixed driving, though on pure highway runs I've seen numbers as high as 16.2 km/L.
Ownership costs are where the Pajero Sport really separates itself from competitors. My maintenance costs over the first two years have averaged about ₱15,000 per year for routine servicing, significantly less than what friends with Ford Everests and Toyota Fortuners report. Insurance runs me about ₱35,000 annually, and depreciation has been remarkably gentle - similar models from 2019 are still commanding around 85% of their original purchase price in the used market. The warranty coverage is generous too, with five years or 100,000 kilometers of protection that gives real peace of mind. Parts availability has never been an issue, and I've found that even smaller repair shops are familiar with the mechanicals, which keeps repair costs reasonable when something does need fixing.
There are a few quirks I should mention though. The steering feels slightly heavy at low speeds, particularly when parking, though you get used to it quickly. The safety features are comprehensive with seven airbags, stability control, and hill start assist, but I would have liked to see adaptive cruise control included at this price point. The rear entertainment system could use larger screens to keep kids entertained on longer journeys. Still, these are minor complaints in what's otherwise an exceptionally well-rounded package.
What continues to impress me most is how the Pajero Sport manages to blend genuine off-road capability with everyday comfort and refinement. It doesn't compromise significantly in either area, which is rare in this segment. Many SUVs that excel off-road are punishing to drive daily, while comfortable road-focused SUVs often can't handle serious terrain. The Pajero Sport threads this needle beautifully. I've used it to haul construction materials for a home renovation project, transported eight people to a family wedding, navigated through typhoon flooding that had other vehicles stranded, and still enjoy driving it to the office every day. That versatility is priceless.
Looking back on my ownership experience, the 2019 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has proven to be one of the most capable, reliable, and cost-effective vehicles I've ever owned. It does everything well without drawing attention to its compromises, much like how professional athletes make career moves that might seem surprising initially but ultimately serve their long-term goals. The initial purchase price of around ₱1,850,000 for the top-tier model I chose has felt like money well spent given how much use and enjoyment I've gotten from it. If you're in the market for a mid-size SUV that can genuinely do it all without breaking the bank, the Pajero Sport deserves your serious consideration. It's the kind of vehicle that grows on you, revealing its strengths over time and in various situations, ultimately becoming not just a mode of transportation but a reliable partner for whatever life throws your way.
