Mitsubishi announce 2022 Pajero Sport range
Mitsubishi Motors Australia have announced their 2022 Pajero Sport range, which with the demise of the Pajero, now stands as the brand’s flagship SUV.
While there are no mechanical or major specification changes to the Pajero Sport for 2022, the range is being expanded, with a new range-topping grade added to the large SUV, as well as 2WD variants to lower the entry price.
Additionally, pricing for the 4WD versions has increased, by as much as $2,000, depending on model grade.
2022 range
This year’s Pajero Sport lineup starts with the GLX grade, which is the only 5-seater offered, but can now be had in 2WD and 4WD. Above this sits the GLS, which is also available in 2WD and 4WD for 2022, but comes as a 7-seater only. While not a grade in its own right, there’s a ‘Deluxe option’ available on the GLS that adds leather accented seats, power front seat adjustment and a 360-degree camera.
The Exceed continues as a premium grade, but it’s no longer THE premium Pajero Sport grade, at least in terms of price, as it’s been topped by the all-new GSR.
The closest thing we’ll get to a Ralliart version of the Pajero Sport for now, the GSR is a cosmetic package that adds special colours and trim to a Pajero Sport Exceed base.
All MY22 Pajero Sports are powered by Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre MiVEC turbo diesel four-cylinder engine, producing maximums of 133kW at 3500rpm and 430Nm at 2500rpm. There is no change in output for 2WD or 4WD and no changes in economy, either, according to Mitsubishi, with 8.0lt/100km range-wide from the 68-litre tank.
All Pajero Sport grades run with the same eight-speed automatic transmission with the same ratio spread across 2WD and 4WD.
Four-wheel drive Pajero Sport grades continue with Mitsubishi’s proven Super Select II 4WD system, with selectable off-road modes – Gravel, Mud/Snow, Sand and Rock – on all grades so equipped. A rear diff lock is common to all Pajero Sport 4WD grades, too, except the GLX.
Double wishbone front suspension and three-link rear with coil springs and stabiliser bars at each end are standard across the range, as are ventilated disc brakes all round and 18-inch alloy wheels. A full-size spare is standard on all grades, too.
A full airbag suite is standard on all Pajero Sport grades and most are well-equipped with active safety technologies, too, including ABS, EBD, Emergency Brake Assist, Forward Collision Mitigation, ASC, Active Traction Control, Trailer Stability Assist and multiple ISOFix anchors.
Lower grades miss out on some safety tech, though, with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Ultrasonic misacceleration Mitigation and Blind Spot Warning limited to the Exceed and GSR.
Driver assistance tech is similarly rationed, with front parking sensors, the 360-degree ‘Multi Around Monitor’, colour instrument display, speed limit display, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats and premium sound system unavailable on the GLX and GLS, with a power tailgate, automatic headlights and sat nav unavailable on the GLX.
All-new GSR
Making its debut in the 2022 Pajero Sport range, the GSR is also the new range topper, as its list pricing is a hefty $60,940 + ORCs.
Based on the Exceed 7-seater, the GSR is essentially a cosmetic package, adding a black finish to exterior elements like the grille, roof rails, rear spoiler and bumper garnish. Black 18-inch alloys are also standard, while paint will be limited to Black Mica and White Diamond, the latter adding a black roof and exclusive to the GSR.
Standard Specs and Pricing
The 2022 Pajero Sport measures 4825 mm x 1815mm x 1835mm (LxWxH), with a 2800mm wheelbase and 11 metre turning circle.
Important off-road measures include 218mm ground clearance, 30-degree approach angle, 24 -degree departure angle, 23-degree breakover angle and 700mm fording depth.
Weight varies from 1945kg to 2125kg depending on model grade, with the low-spec 2WD grades being the lightest.
Payload ranges from 650kg in the Exceed and GSR up to 765kg in the GLX 2WD, with luggage capacity varying from 131 litres with all three rows of seating occupied to 1624 litres with second- and third-row seats folded and loaded to the roof. The roof itself can hold up to 80kg and that’s common range-wide.
Braked towing capacity is 3000kg in the 2WD variants and 3100kg for all 4WD variants.
Rollout of the 2022 Pajero Sport range began in late January, so should be in all Mitsubishi dealers by the time you read this.
2022 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport pricing*
GLX 2WD 5-seat $43,940
GLS 2WD 7-seat $48,690
GLX 4WD 5-seat $48,940
GLS 4WD 7-seat $53,690
GLS Deluxe 4WD 7-seat $55,940
Exceed 4WD 7-seat $59,190
GSR 4WD 7-seat $60,940
*list pricing, excludes on-road costs.
