2017 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Exceed Tow Test Video Review

THE Mitsubishi Pajero Sport was one of the smoothest and quietest wagons on the freeway with a ’van behind, ticking along at 1750rpm at 100km/h.

4x4 2017 Tow tests

It didn’t take much of an incline before the Mitsubishi preferred seventh gear, though, which saw it running at 2200rpm at 100km/h.

While having the smallest displacement engine and equal lowest torque (with the Isuzu MU-X), the Pajero Sport has a relatively low kerb weight and two extra gear ratios on its side. The 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine is smooth and free-revving, which it needs to be given its power and torque figures peak relatively high in the rev range.

4x4 towing weights continue to increase

Acceleration figures put the Mitsubishi in the middle of the pack – it wasn’t quite as quick as the Ford Everest and Holden Trailblazer nor, surprisingly, did it manage to keep up with the Isuzu MU-X. The hill climb speed was telling, though, as having the right gear ratio for such conditions saw it faster at the top than the MU-X and not far behind the Everest and Trailblazer.

What you don’t want for engine braking is a free-revving engine, and here the Pajero Sport’s speed increase from the 60kmh start to 65km/h is telling. At least you can grab a lower gear quickly thanks to the Mitsubishi’s excellent paddle shifters.

2017 4X4OTY #3: Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLS

With a fairly small fuel tank (68 litres) combined with a fair thirst for fuel (14.3L/100km) the Pajero Sport has a fairly short 425km safe touring range.

This wagon has a relatively lanky 2800mm wheelbase and a short rear axle-to-towball-point measurement of 1200mm, but when hitched up to the test ’van (with 180kg towball download) the front lifted 25mm and the rear dropped 30mm. The net result is a stable towing platform, without undue yawing or pitching movement. However, the ride is firm and turns quite brittle on rough secondary roads.

You’ll have to shed 310kg from vehicle or ’van if you intended on loading both to the gunnels, thanks to the Pajero Sport’s 5400kg Gross Combined Mass.

The Pajero Sport’s side mirrors slope at the top, making them a bit more difficult to mount towing mirrors than the others here, but with some adjustments to the mounting brackets they can be made secure.