2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Philippines Review: Performance, Features & Pricing

Let me tell you about the day I first took the 2018 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport for a proper test drive through Manila's chaotic streets. I'd been researching this SUV for weeks, comparing specs and reading reviews, but nothing prepared me for how confidently it handled the unpredictable Philippine road conditions. That experience reminded me of something TNT coach Chot Reyes once said about his team - how he warned them against playing complacently against opponents already out of playoff contention. Driving the Pajero Sport, I realized this vehicle never gets complacent either, even when the road seems straightforward.

The moment you slide into the driver's seat, you notice the commanding position and excellent visibility. The dashboard layout feels intuitive, with physical buttons exactly where you'd expect them - something I personally appreciate compared to the touchscreen-heavy interfaces in newer models. Under the hood, the 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine delivers around 178 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque, numbers that translate to confident overtaking maneuvers even on narrow provincial highways. I remember pushing it through winding roads in Tagaytay, and the Super Select II 4WD system handled the inclines with such ease that I barely noticed the steep gradients.

What surprised me most was how the eight-speed automatic transmission managed Metro Manila's stop-and-go traffic. The shifts were seamless, unlike some competitors that jerk between gears. Fuel economy averaged about 12.5 km/l in mixed conditions based on my testing, though your mileage might vary depending on driving habits. The interior space comfortably accommodated five adults with their weekend luggage, though the third row works better for children on longer trips. I particularly liked the 4WD mode selector dial - it felt substantial and well-engineered, unlike the flimsy switches I've encountered in some Korean SUVs.

The safety features deserve special mention. Having seven airbags as standard across all variants shows Mitsubishi's commitment to passenger protection. The forward collision mitigation system actually prevented what could have been a minor accident when a jeepney suddenly stopped in front of me along EDSA. That moment reinforced why I always recommend paying extra for safety tech - it's worth every peso.

Pricing starts at approximately ₱1.678 million for the 4x2 variant and goes up to around ₱2.290 million for the top-tier 4x4 model. While these figures position it competitively against the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest, I believe the Pajero Sport offers better value considering its robust build quality and proven reliability. The suspension tuning strikes a perfect balance between comfort and control, absorbing Manila's notorious road imperfections without feeling floaty on highways.

After spending considerable time with this vehicle across various Philippine driving conditions, I've come to appreciate its consistent performance. Much like Coach Reyes' emphasis on maintaining intensity regardless of the opponent, the Pajero Sport delivers reliable performance whether you're navigating flooded city streets during monsoon season or tackling rough mountain roads. It's this dependable character that makes it one of my top recommendations in the midsize SUV segment, particularly for Filipino families who need a vehicle that can handle both daily commutes and adventurous getaways without compromise.