The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport III, produced between 2016 and 2019, is a mid-size SUV built by Mitsubishi Motors. While not officially sold in the United States, the Pajero Sport holds a significant position in markets like Australia, Asia, and Latin America as a robust and capable body-on-frame SUV. It represents the third generation of the Pajero Sport lineage, offering a blend of off-road capability, family practicality, and modern features. This generation aimed to modernize the Pajero Sport while retaining its core strengths as a durable and reliable vehicle.
Mitsubishi Pajero Sport III: An Overview
The Pajero Sport III caters to buyers seeking a seven-passenger SUV with genuine four-wheel-drive capability. It distinguishes itself from many contemporary crossovers by utilizing a traditional body-on-frame construction, enhancing its durability and off-road prowess. The vehicle was positioned as a competitor to models like the Toyota Fortuner and Isuzu MU-X in international markets. The third generation brought updated styling, improved interior appointments, and enhanced safety features compared to its predecessors.
Engine & Performance
The Pajero Sport III is primarily powered by the 6B31 3.0-liter V6 MIVEC gasoline engine. This naturally aspirated engine produces 219 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 285 Nm (210.21 lb.-ft.) of torque at 4000 rpm. The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 9 kg/Hp, and it delivers 110.6 Hp per tonne. The engine features a longitudinal front-engine layout and utilizes multi-port fuel injection. The 6B31 engine is known for its reliability and smooth power delivery, making it suitable for both on-road cruising and off-road adventures. Power is transmitted to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing smooth and efficient gear changes. The vehicle achieves a maximum speed of 182 km/h (113.09 mph). The engine displacement is 2998 cm3 (182.95 cu. in.), with a bore of 87.6 mm (3.45 in.) and a stroke of 82.9 mm (3.26 in.). The compression ratio is 9.5:1, and the engine utilizes a SOHC valvetrain with four valves per cylinder.
Design & Features
The Pajero Sport III boasts a robust SUV body style with five doors and seating for seven passengers. Its exterior design incorporates Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield front design language, characterized by a bold grille and distinctive headlight arrangement. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4785 mm (188.39 in.) in length, 1815 mm (71.46 in.) in width, and 1800-1805 mm (70.87 – 71.06 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2800 mm (110.24 in.), providing ample interior space. The Pajero Sport III features a double wishbone front suspension and an independent multi-link rear suspension, contributing to a comfortable ride quality. Braking is handled by ventilated discs on all four wheels, complemented by an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) for enhanced safety. The vehicle’s approach angle is 30.0°, departure angle is 24.2°, and ramp-over angle is 23.1°, enabling it to tackle challenging terrain. Ground clearance is a substantial 218 mm (8.58 in.). Inside, the Pajero Sport III offers a practical and well-equipped cabin with seating for seven. Features include power steering (electric), and a fuel tank capacity of 70 liters (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal). The curb weight is 1980 kg (4365.15 lbs.), with a maximum weight of 2600 kg (5732.02 lbs.) and a maximum load capacity of 620 kg (1366.87 lbs.).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mitsubishi |
| Model | Pajero Sport |
| Generation | Pajero Sport III |
| Type | 3.0 V6 MIVEC (219 Hp) 4WD Automatic |
| Start of production | 2016 |
| End of production | 2019 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 7 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 2/Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.9 kg/Nm |
| Power | 219 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 285 Nm @ 4000 rpm (210.21 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | 6B31 |
| Engine displacement | 2998 cm3 (182.95 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 87.6 mm (3.45 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 82.9 mm (3.26 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1980 kg (4365.15 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2600 kg (5732.02 lbs.) |
| Max load | 620 kg (1366.87 lbs.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4785 mm (188.39 in.) |
| Width | 1815 mm (71.46 in.) |
| Height | 1800-1805 mm (70.87 – 71.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2800 mm (110.24 in.) |
| Front track | 1520 mm (59.84 in.) |
| Rear track | 1515 mm (59.65 in.) |
| Front overhang | 880 mm (34.65 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1105 mm (43.5 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 218 mm (8.58 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 11.2 m (36.75 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Gearbox type | automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 265/60 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 18 |
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport III represents a capable and versatile SUV, particularly well-suited for those requiring a robust vehicle with genuine off-road capabilities and seven-passenger seating. While not available in the US market, it remains a popular choice in regions where its blend of practicality, durability, and performance are highly valued.
