SPOT.
Photo of a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

Triton bones since 1996, with up to 3100 kg towing in third-generation 4WD versions.12

Researched November 1, 2026 from 35 sources

Also called

  • ChallengerUsed in Japan and Australia; Australia kept it for the first two generations, switching to Pajero Sport in 2015.13
  • Montero SportThe first generation's export badge in North America, South America, Spain and the Philippines.1
  • Shogun SportThe family's regional badge in the United Kingdom.1
  • Montero Jr.Car and Driver's headline nickname for the 1997 Montero Sport LS, cast as the Montero's smaller sibling.4

At a glance

0150300
114–217 hpPower
01020
11.7–18.5 s0–100 km/h
0100200
150–179 km/hTop speed
0250500
255–430 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,565–2,209 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.14131415

Engine
Gas: 2.4 L I4/3.0–3.5 L V6; diesel I4: 2.4–3.2 L, incl. Gen 3 4N15/4N161
Layout
Front engine; RWD/4WD; Gen 3 ladder frame, solid rear axle12
Gearbox
Gen 1–2: manual 5, auto 4/5 speeds; Gen 3: manual 5/6, auto 5/6/8 speeds1
Built at
Gen 1: Nagoya, Japan; Gen 2–3: Laem Chabang, Thailand; Gen 3: MMKI, Indonesia1

The story

Built as a smaller companion to the Pajero, the Pajero Sport began in 1996 on Triton pickup foundations. Its three generations use body-on-frame construction; the first even shared the pickup's front doors.1

1996: Japan starts the Triton-based family19962000: US four-cylinder and manual bow out20002008: Second generation debuts in Moscow20082014: India gets a five-speed automatic20142015: Third generation debuts in Thailand20152016: DTI seeks independent acceleration tests20162019: 8-inch dash and four drive settings20192024: Thailand trades eight speeds for six20242025: Australian exit; overseas sales continue2025 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (first generation) (K80/K90/PA/PA II): 1996–2008; Brazil to 2010K80/K90/PA/PA IIMitsubishi Pajero Sport (second generation) (KG/KH/PB/PC): 2008–2016KG/KH/PB/PCMitsubishi Pajero Sport (third generation) (KR/KS/QE/QF): 2015–presentKR/KS/QE/QFMitsubishi Pajero (Australian successor): 2026 (Australian launch planned) 1995200020052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones11225
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1996–2008; Brazil to 2010Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (first generation) (K80/K90/PA/PA II)
2008–2016Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (second generation) (KG/KH/PB/PC)
2015–presentMitsubishi Pajero Sport (third generation) (KR/KS/QE/QF)
2026 (Australian launch planned)Mitsubishi Pajero (Australian successor)
1996Japan starts the Triton-based family
2000US four-cylinder and manual bow out
2008Second generation debuts in Moscow
2014India gets a five-speed automatic
2015Third generation debuts in Thailand
2016DTI seeks independent acceleration tests
20198-inch dash and four drive settings
2024Thailand trades eight speeds for six
2025Australian exit; overseas sales continue
  1. 1996

    Japan starts the Triton-based family

    The first Pajero Sport enters production in Japan as a body-on-frame, Triton-derived alternative to the larger Pajero.1

  2. 2000

    US four-cylinder and manual bow out

    ES trades its four-cylinder/manual for a 3.0 L V6/automatic as rear coils replace leaves. In 2004, LS joins XLS with the 3.5 L V6.15

  3. 2008

    Second generation debuts in Moscow

    The second generation uses the Triton's ladder frame, with five- or seven-seat cabins and an initial rollout to selected markets.1

  4. 2014

    India gets a five-speed automatic

    India's 2.5 L diesel gains a rear-drive five-speed automatic: 175 hp and 350 Nm, with torque cut by 50 Nm from the existing engine.6

  5. 2015

    Third generation debuts in Thailand

    The 4N15 2.4 L diesel generation adds Super-Select 4WD-II and hill-descent control. Thai production targets 90 countries, including Australia.17

  6. 2016

    DTI seeks independent acceleration tests

    Second-generation Montero Sport allegations in the Philippines prompt a DTI report: initial tests are negative, but independent testing is recommended.18

  7. 2019

    8-inch dash and four drive settings

    Thailand's update adds an 8-inch LCD dash and smartphone tailgate control. Super-Select 4WD-II retains rear-drive, open-center high 4WD and locked high/low 4WD.39

  8. 2024

    Thailand trades eight speeds for six

    Thai models switch to the 4N16 2.4 L diesel: 181 hp and 430 Nm with a six-speed automatic. Australian exports retain the 4N15 and eight-speed.11011

  9. 2025

    Australian exit; overseas sales continue

    March safety rules end the Australian run. By September 2026, stock is nearly gone; New Zealand and Thailand keep selling the Pajero Sport.112

Every generation

  • Mitsubishi Pajero (second generation)
    Mitsubishi Pajero (second generation)
  • Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (first generation)
    K80/K90/PA/PA II1996–2008; Brazil to 2010
  • Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (second generation)
    KG/KH/PB/PC2008–2016
  • Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (third generation)
    KR/KS/QE/QF2015–present
  • Mitsubishi Pajero (Australian successor)
    Mitsubishi Pajero (Australian successor)2026 (Australian launch planned)

Power over the years

From 134 hp to 181 hp in 27 years.

050100150200 200020052010201520202025 hp 1997 · 134 hp · US ES 2.4 L four-cylinder1997 · 173 hp · US LS 3.0 L V62002 · 114 hp · Gen 1 2.5 TDI2008 · 161 hp · Philippines 3.2 L diesel2011 · 176 hp · Montero Sport GLS-V 2.5 L diesel2014 · 175 hp · India 2.5 L diesel automatic2015 · 178 hp · Gen 3 4N15 2.4 L diesel2024 · 181 hp · Thailand 4N16 2.4 L diesel 181 hp Thailand 4N16 2.4 L diesel 134 hp US ES 2.4 L four-cylinder
1461013
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1997134US ES 2.4 L four-cylinder
1997173US LS 3.0 L V6
2002114Gen 1 2.5 TDI
2008161Philippines 3.2 L diesel
2011176Montero Sport GLS-V 2.5 L diesel
2014175India 2.5 L diesel automatic
2015178Gen 3 4N15 2.4 L diesel
2024181Thailand 4N16 2.4 L diesel

Versions

11 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Montero Sport ES / LS / XLS (US)

    Standard

    Montero Sport ES / LS / XLS (US)

  • Montero Sport Limited

    Standard

    Montero Sport Limited

  • Standard

    Montero Sport 3.5XS

    2001

  • Standard

    GLX / GLS / Exceed / GSR (Australia)

    2024

    178 hp
  • Dakar 4x2 / Dakar Ultimate 4x2 / Dakar 4x4 (Indonesia)

    Standard

    Dakar 4x2 / Dakar Ultimate 4x2 / Dakar 4x4 (Indonesia)

    2020

  • Special

    Pajero Sport Ralliart (Thailand)

    2021

  • Montero Sport Black Series (Philippines)

    Special

    Montero Sport Black Series (Philippines)

    2022

  • Limited

    Pajero Sport Shogun Limited Edition (South Africa)

    2024

    178 hp

  • Limited

    Pajero Sport Elite Limited Edition (Indonesia)

    2024

    800 built

  • Limited

    Pajero Sport Rockford Fosgate Black Edition (Indonesia)

    2020

  • Limited

    Pajero Sport Legend Black (Brazil)

    2024

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: a shorter, much lower body than the regular Montero.15
  • Early third generation: slit headlights and heavy chrome framing around a huge front intake.123
  • 2019 facelift: headlights meet the grille, with combination lamps at the bumper corners.9

Year by year

  1. 1999 (Limited)

    New Limited trim brings a chrome grille with fog lights and a power moonroof.5

  2. 2000 (Montero Sport)

    New nose and black tailgate trim; Limited becomes monochrome. All trims except ES move to 16-inch wheels.5

  3. 2002 (Montero Sport)

    LS and XLS gain standard tubular side steps, optional on ES; Limited switches to a body-color grille.5

  4. 2019 / Australia 2020

    Thicker chrome grille, Triton-like headlights and shorter-looking taillights; an 8-inch digital instrument cluster joins.1924

  5. 2024 (Australia)

    New grilles and bumper trim, black headlamp extensions on every grade, and new 18-inch wheels: plain GLX, two-tone GLS/Exceed, black GSR.11

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
    Pajero Sport
    Photo of a Mitsubishi Montero
    Mitsubishi Montero

    Mitsubishi Montero

    The first-generation Sport has a shorter, much lower body than the regular Montero.15

  • Photo of a Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
    Pajero Sport
    Photo of a Mitsubishi Triton
    Mitsubishi Triton

    Mitsubishi Triton

    The 2019-facelift Sport resembles the Triton at the nose; the Sport has a five-door SUV body behind it.1924

Against its rivals

  • Toyota Fortuner 3.0

    Pajero Sport vs Toyota Fortuner 3.0

    Power

    Pajero Sport176 hp
    Toyota Fortuner 3.0168 hp
    26
  • Isuzu MU-X (2018)

    Pajero Sport vs Isuzu MU-X (2018)

    Towing capacity

    Pajero Sport3,100 kg
    Isuzu MU-X (2018)3,000 kg
    3

  • Pajero Sport vs Toyota Fortuner GX (2023)

    Starting price lower is better

    Pajero Sport49,940 A$
    Toyota Fortuner GX (2023)53,775 A$
    15

Prices

Price when newAuction sale
$0$10K$20K$30K 200020052010201520202025 1997 · $18,065 · US base, ES1997 · $29,825 · US as-tested, LS 1997 · $18,065 · US ES base price, 1997 model year 2024 · $3,100 · 2001 Montero Sport ES, 137k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $6,600 · 1998 Montero Sport LS 4x4, 96k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $4,706 · 1996 Challenger XR V6 4WD, 111k km, Bring a Trailer $6.6K Bring a Trailer, 2025
4333435
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1997Launch price$18,065US ES base price, 1997 model year
1997Price when new$18,065US base, ES
1997Price when new$29,825US as-tested, LS
2024Auction sale$3,1002001 Montero Sport ES, 137k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$6,6001998 Montero Sport LS 4x4, 96k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$4,7061996 Challenger XR V6 4WD, 111k km, Bring a Trailer

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 11 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Masuoka took a Challenger to fourth at Dakar”
    • “Kunimoto's shield protects people”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 35 sources
  1. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport review: Full range detailed 4x4australia.com.au
  3. 2018 Isuzu MU-X vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport 4x4 comparison review 4x4australia.com.au
  4. 1997 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS: Meet Montero Jr. caranddriver.com
  5. 1997-04 Mitsubishi Montero Sport | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  6. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Automatic launched in India at Rs 23.55 lakh - CarWale carwale.com
  7. Мировая Премьера нового Pajero Sport состоялась в Таиланде. mitsubishi-motors.ru
  8. Tibaldo: DTI releases its findings on the sudden uninterrupted acceleration of Montero sunstar.com.ph
  9. MITSUBISHI MOTORS Globally Debuts New PAJERO SPORT(News Release)-MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  10. Facelifted Mitsubishi Pajero Sport revealed | GoAuto goauto.com.au
  11. 2024 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport pricing and features: Facelift arrives in Australia 4x4australia.com.au
  12. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport almost sold out in Australia – but will live on elsewhere | CarExpert carexpert.com.au
  13. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport I - silniki, dane, testy • AutoCentrum.pl autocentrum.pl
  14. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport II - silniki, dane, testy • AutoCentrum.pl autocentrum.pl
  15. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport v Toyota Fortuner comparison review 4x4australia.com.au
  16. antusiasme-dan-penerimaan-positif-terhadap-edisi-terbatas-mitsubishi-pajero-sport-rockford-fosgate | Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia mitsubishi-motors.co.id
  17. Mitsubishi Motors Launches Ralliart Special Editions in Thailand - Triton Ralliart and Pajero Sport Ralliart Hit the Road(News Release)-MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  18. 2022 Mitsubishi Montero Sport Black Series Goes On Sale For P1.981M goflatoutph.com
  19. Mitsubishi continues Shogun legacy with Limited Edition Pajero Sport | Mitsubishi Motors mitsubishi-motors.co.za
  20. Respon Antusiasme Pasar Terhadap Model Spesial, MMKSI Luncurkan Pajero Sport dan New Xpander Cross Limited Edition | Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia mitsubishi-motors.co.id
  21. mmksi-hadirkan-kembali-pajero-sport-rockford-fosgate-black-edition-untuk-temani-petualangan-masyarakat-indonesia | Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia mitsubishi-motors.co.id
  22. Mitsubishi Motors apresenta série especial Pajero Sport Legend Black | Mitsubishi Motors: Carros 4x4 0km, SUVs, Crossovers e Picapes mitsubishimotors.com.br
  23. Buying a used Mitsubishi Pajero Sport (2015-2018) - carsales.com.au redbook.com.au
  24. Mitsubishi gives Pajero Sport a nip and tuck ahead of Australian launch next year goauto.com.au
  25. Used Mitsubishi Challenger (PB/PC) review - ReDriven redriven.com
  26. Mitsubishi Pajero Sport review, test drive | Autocar India autocarindia.com
  27. Tsunehiro Kunimoto, Pria Dibalik Desain Dynamic Shield Mitsubishi | Mitsubishi Motors Indonesia mitsubishi-motors.co.id
  28. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport - Heritage | Mitsubishi Motors mitsubishi-motors.co.th
  29. PAJERO SPORT FAMILY TETAP FOKUS PADA KELUARGA aftermarketplus.id
  30. Pajero Indonesia Family perluas komunitas dengan pengukuhan 6 chapter otomotif.antaranews.com
  31. 1998 | Dakar Rally | MOTOR SPORTS | brand | MITSUBISHI MOTORS mitsubishi-motors.com
  32. Used Mitsubishi Pajero Sport review - ReDriven redriven.com
  33. No Reserve: 1996 Mitsubishi Challenger XR V6 4WD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $4,706 on March 5, 2026 (Lot #232,333) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 1998 Mitsubishi Montero Sport LS 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,600 on February 18, 2025 (Lot #180,824) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Sport ES for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $3,100 on June 22, 2024 (Lot #151,695) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • 4x4australia.com.au
  • caranddriver.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • carwale.com
  • mitsubishi-motors.ru
  • sunstar.com.ph
  • mitsubishi-motors.com
  • goauto.com.au
  • carexpert.com.au
  • autocentrum.pl
  • mitsubishi-motors.co.id
  • goflatoutph.com
  • mitsubishi-motors.co.za

Photo credits

Other car files