Ute-based SUVs have become popular buying options for Australians. Offering greater seating flexibility than a dual-cab ute and frugal turbo diesel engines, Australians are flocking towards this category of vehicle.
But what’s in store for Mitsubishi’s ute-based Pajero Sport going into the future?
Mitsubishi’s Triton-based Pajero Sport has been on sale in Australia since 2015. In the year up to October 2022, the model has sold over 7000 units.
The current Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
That’s almost double what Toyota achieved this year for its Hilux-based Fortuner SUV. The Ford Everest pulled out in front, however, selling 8076 units so far up to October 2022. The Toyota Prado remains a main player in the SUV segment, too, with 19,000 during the same period.
Such tremendous sales success in the SUV market means that cars such as the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport should be safe for another generation, especially if Mitsubishi can keep its 4WD wagon affordable for the masses.
Mitsubishi likely to share underpinnings with Nissan
A future Mitsubishi Pajero Sport could use hybrid power
Chasing Cars reported earlier in the year that the related Triton could underpin the future Nissan Navara under the Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance.
This means that their ute-based SUV derivatives in the Pajero Sport and Terra (not sold in Australia) will also likely have the same architecture.
The current-generation Triton is currently one of the smallest utes in its segment but the new-generation model is expected to increase in size to match larger utes such as the T6.2 Ford Ranger, with previous prototypes seen wearing a visibly wider track.
The Pajero Sport is based on the Triton platform
By offering a physically larger footprint, the Pajero Sport could increase not only its off road performance but also be more capable in terms of towing.
The current generation’s 3100kg braked towing capacity is currently one of the lowest in the segment, as newer rivals such as the Isuzu MU-X and Ford Everest adopt a staunch 3500kg limit.
The next Triton/Pajero Sport could also be less angular in its design, if these previous renders based on sighted prototypes are accurate. Although unconfirmed, the next Triton/Pajero Sport duo is not scheduled to launch until 2023 or 2024.
A more powerful engine and bigger frame could help the Pajero Sport tow better
What sort of powertrains could be coming for the Pajero Sport?
Currently, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has one powertrain choice. All variants are currently powered by a tried-and-tested 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine that produces 133kW of power and 430Nm of torque.
For the next Pajero Sport, a plug-in hybrid petrol powertrain could happen, with outputs higher than the current Outlander PHEV’s 185kW/450Nm.
Mitsubishi could also use an evolved version of the current 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine as a base engine – but tweaked to produce more power and torque to better rival the likes of the Toyota Hilux/Fortuner or Ford Ranger/Everest.
Mitsubishi’s 2.4-litre turbo-diesel unit could remain for the next generation
What does the current Pajero Sport range look like now?
The current Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is currently offered in GLX, GLS, Exceed and GSR trim levels and is one of the most affordable options in the 4WD segment.
Prices start from $43,940 before on-road costs for the two-wheel drive GLX automatic, while at the top of the range, the GSR costs $60,490 before on-road costs.
Standard equipment across the range includes keyless entry, leather steering wheel and gear shifter, an 8.0-inch touchscreen, wired Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, cruise control and LED daytime running lights.
We want Ralliart to come back to Mitsubishi Australia!
Safety equipment across the range includes front AEB, hill start assist, emergency stop signal, emergency brake assist, trailer stability assist, a rear-view camera and rear parking sensors.
Next-generation could see the return of Ralliart
A year ago, Mitsubishi announced it would be bringing back the iconic Ralliart nameplate for Pajero Sport and Tritons in the Thailand market, making many wonder whether the Ralliart will return to Australian shores.
At the time, Chasing Cars reached out to Mitsubishi Australia for comment, with the Japanese automaker telling us that “Mitsubishi Motors is considering some exciting initiatives around Ralliart.” Mitsubishi also told us that the launch of the Ralliart package was limited to Thailand only.
But we can’t help but wonder what could be in the works for a performance Pajero Sport or Triton. With the launch of models such as the Ford Ranger Raptor and Toyota Hilux GR Sport, it makes us think that Mitsubishi might be packing quite the surprise for us.
