From the 1996 Japanese launch to the 2024 facelifts, the Pajero Sport used a body-on-frame layout and a single family name in many markets.
The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport is a body-on-frame mid-size SUV built on the Triton pickup since 1996. It has had three generations, and it has been sold under the Montero Sport and Shogun Sport names in several markets.
Mitsubishi Motors has built this Triton-based SUV since 1996, first under the Pajero nameplate. Across three generations it has carried several regional names, which is why it appears under different badges around the world. Its body-on-frame construction is a trait it shares with many traditional off-roaders.
Where did the Pajero Sport come from?
The first-generation car was based on the Strada pickup of the same era, sharing many components and some body panels, including the front doors. It also used the second-generation Pajero wheelbase, so it served as a smaller model alongside the larger Pajero.
Mitsubishi had formerly used the Challenger name for the vehicle in Japan and some international markets. The Challenger name ended with the 2015 third generation, which adopted the Pajero Sport, Montero Sport and Shogun Sport names instead.
One chassis, several badges and a diesel range that carried the Pajero Sport from Japan to dozens of export markets.
What was the first-generation Pajero Sport like?
Production began in Japan in 1996, and the car was available for most export markets by 1997. Sales in Japan were discontinued in 2003, and in the United States the car gave way to the Endeavor in 2004. Abroad it was sold under several names, including Pajero Sport in Europe, Montero Sport in North America and parts of Asia, Nativa in Latin America and Strada G-Wagon in Thailand.
The car used independent front suspension with torsion bars and a live rear axle, like the larger Pajero. In late 2000 the rear leaf springs were replaced by coil springs.
The 3-litre V6 was the most common engine, producing 175 hp (130 kW; 177 PS) at 5,000 rpm. North America received petrol V6 engines in every year of production, and a 2.4-litre petrol engine was offered on base models in the United States from 1997 to 1999.
How did the second generation change the car?
The second generation was based on the ladder frame chassis of the Triton. It debuted at the Moscow International Automobile Salon and was introduced to selected markets in Russia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East from autumn 2008. Its design was partly influenced by the 2001 Pajero Evolution 2+2 concept car.
Engine choices included 2.5 or 3.2 litre diesels and 2.4, 3.0 or 3.5 litre V6 petrol units. Buyers could choose five- or seven-seat interiors. As with the Triton, production of the new Pajero Sport for all markets was concentrated in Thailand.
How did the Philippines Montero Sport develop?
The Montero Sport launched in the Philippines in October 2008 with a single engine, a 3.2 litre 4M41 common-rail diesel producing 163 PS. It was matched to an INVECS-II four-speed automatic with a Sportronic mode, in GLS and top-spec GLS SE forms.
In 2011 the range received a 2.5 litre 4D56 diesel with a variable geometry turbo, producing 178 PS. The engine was called a power boost, and it became the core of the Philippine range.
Was there a sudden acceleration problem?
In 2011 Montero Sport owners in the Philippines reported sudden unintended acceleration. Mitsubishi Motors Philippines said its tests of the electrical systems found no fault, and it argued that the accidents were more likely caused by human error.
Owners planned a class action lawsuit against the company. The Department of Trade and Industry opened an investigation panel to probe accidents and complaints from 2010 to 2015, and it was able to recommend either a product recall or a total sales ban on the model in the country.
What changed with the third generation?
The third generation was unveiled in Thailand on 1 August 2015. It was the first Mitsubishi sold in Thailand to use the Dynamic Shield exterior design, and its interior adopted a T-shape high console with a dashboard layout similar to the Triton.
The car introduced Super-Select 4WD-II with a new off-road mode and hill descent control, a first on a Mitsubishi model.
What engines does the third generation offer?
The third generation was offered with three engines. The 4D56 common-rail diesel produced 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) and 324 N m (239 lb ft) of torque. The 4N15 MIVEC diesel with a variable geometry turbo produced 181 PS (133 kW; 179 hp) and 430 N m (317 lb ft). The 3.0 litre 6B31 MIVEC V6 petrol engine was also available.
In Thailand the 4N15 was paired with an 8-speed automatic. The petrol V6 was not sold in Indonesia.
How did the Pajero Sport sell in Indonesia?
The second-generation car launched in Indonesia on 18 June 2009, initially in GLX and Exceed trims, with an entry-level GLS added a year later. A Dakar variant followed in April 2011, a Limited trim on 24 May 2013, and a facelift on 8 October 2013.
The third generation launched there on 29 January 2016 in GLX, Exceed and Dakar trims. Local assembly at the Bekasi plant began in April 2017. Special editions followed, including the Rockford Fosgate Edition in April 2018 with 1,000 units, the Rockford Fosgate Black Edition in July 2019 with 1,000 units, and the Elite Limited Edition on 9 May 2024 with 800 units.
Where else was the Pajero Sport sold?
The Philippines launched the Montero Sport on 20 January 2016, and Mexico followed with its Montero Sport on 21 November 2017. Vietnam received the third generation on 6 December 2016, and South Africa launched on 31 August 2017.
In India the car was assembled in kit form by the Hindustan Motors-Mitsubishi joint venture, with a 2.5 litre turbo-diesel, until production was discontinued in 2019. Bangladesh assembled it through Pragoti.
What happened in Australia and the UK?
The third generation went on sale in Australia on 7 December 2015, in GLX, GLS and Exceed trims. Australian cars were powered by the 2.4 litre 4N15 diesel across those trims. In 2025 Mitsubishi ended production for the Australian market because the model did not meet new safety rules that took effect on 1 March 2025.
In the UK the Shogun Sport went on sale in April 2018 in '3' and '4' trims. The UK car used the same 2.4 litre 4N15 diesel as its Australian counterpart. A commercial model based on the '4' trim was also offered. The UK range was discontinued in 2021, when Mitsubishi withdrew from selling new models there.
How did the facelifts change the Pajero Sport?
The first facelift was launched in Thailand on 25 July 2019. It brought a new dynamic shield front, dual-layer headlights, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster, 360-degree surround cameras and a hands-free powered tailgate.
A second facelift was revealed in Thailand on 21 March 2024. It updated the front grille and alloy wheels, and the interior received a 3-spoke steering wheel. It was also revealed in Indonesia later that year.
What are the key Pajero Sport specifications?
| Generation | Engine | Output | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| First (1996) | 3.0 litre V6 | 175 hp (130 kW; 177 PS) at 5,000 rpm | Not given in the table |
| Second (2008), Philippines | 3.2 litre 4M41 diesel | 163 PS | Not given in the table |
| Second (2011 update) | 2.5 litre 4D56 diesel | 178 PS | Not given in the table |
| Third (2015), 4D56 | Common-rail diesel | 136 PS (100 kW; 134 hp) | 324 N m (239 lb ft) |
| Third (2015), 4N15 | 2.4 litre MIVEC VGT diesel | 181 PS (133 kW; 179 hp) | 430 N m (317 lb ft) |
| Third (2015), 6B31 | 3.0 litre MIVEC V6 petrol | Not given in the table | Not given in the table |
What did the Montero Sport GLS-V and GTV add?
The two Philippine grades were the main upgrades of the second generation. The GLS-V added an accessory outlet, reverse sensors, tailgate cladding and larger disc brakes. The GTV brought a new grille, DVD audio, emblems, a carbon fibre rear spoiler and paddle shifters.
The GLS-V was the midrange grade, sitting between the base model and the GTV. The GTV replaced the earlier top-of-the-line GLS SE, so the range was simplified as the model matured.
How did the Mexico and Vietnam models differ?
In Mexico the Pajero Sport was sold as the Montero Sport from 21 November 2017, in GLX and Advance trims. Both were powered by a 3.0 litre 6B31 V6 petrol engine, and no diesel was offered in the Mexican line-up.
Vietnam launched the third generation on 6 December 2016 in two variants, both powered by the 3.0 litre 6B31 V6 petrol. The 2.4 litre 4N15 diesel was added in August 2018, and a manual option followed in January 2019.
How did the Philippines range change?
The Montero Sport launched in the Philippines on 20 January 2016 with four variants: GLS 4x2, GLS Premium 4x2, GLS 4x4 and GT 4x4. All were powered by the 2.4 litre 4N15 diesel, and the entry-level GLX 4x2 manual arrived in December 2016.
The first facelift came on 4 October 2019, covering GLX, GLS and GT grades. In January 2022 the Black Series joined the line-up, and the second facelift followed in June 2024 with redesigned front ends on all grades.
What happened in South Africa?
The third generation launched in South Africa on 31 August 2017 in two variants, both with the 2.4 litre 4N15 diesel. The first facelift arrived on 17 September 2020 with a new Exceed variant, and the mid-range Aspire followed in March 2022.
The second facelift on 14 May 2025 offered three variants: 2WD, 4WD and 4WD Exceed. It was the most recent update to the South African range.
How safe is the Pajero Sport?
A Thai-built Montero Sport in the simplest configuration sold in Latin America earned 5 stars for adults and 3 stars for toddlers under Latin NCAP 1.0 in 2015. That result applied to one configuration, so it should not be read as a rating for every version sold.
The third generation was equipped with a range of active safety features, and its facelifts kept the model current in each market.
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