VALUE

The GSR sits at the top of the broad Mitsubishi Pajero Sport line-up, bringing leather, powered and heated front seats, dual-zone ventilation, parking sensors at either end and a surround-view camera (albeit one that provides a disappointingly low resolution image).

Plus there’s an 8.0-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Remote smartphone connectivity via an app allows you check the fuel levels and open the powered tailgate.

But the big thing that separates it from the Exceed is the look. There are black highlights replacing the brighter chrome on lesser models, something that combines with a black roof for a sportier appearance.

The GSR sells from $65,490 drive-away and includes three rows of seats with capacity for seven as well as a dual-range four-wheel drive system for those who want to adventure. That’s cheaper than a Ford Everest or Toyota Fortuner with similar levels of equipment.

COMFORT

The Pajero Sport is smaller than some of its key rivals, one of the reasons it undercuts them on price.

That means a narrower cabin, albeit one that delivers on headroom.

Those confined to the third row of seats will need to be flexible – something that could render it best as a five-seater for the majority of usage – but elsewhere there’s decent space.

Front seats don’t hug as well as some, but there’s enough support for straight-line drives.

Be ready for some old school noise, though.

The diesel engine chugs away as a reminder the Pajero Sport is more about working than pampering.

SAFETY

There are seven airbags as well as various safety assist systems, including auto braking, blind spot warning, rear cross traffic alert and lane change assistance.

A tyre pressure monitoring system can give early warnings of a puncture, too.

The mis-acceleration mitigation system can occasionally catch you out by temporarily limiting acceleration if you’re too eager on the accelerator when taking off with another vehicle in front.

Child seats can only be used in the middle row, with no tether points for the third row.

DRIVING

The Pajero Sport is a proper off-roader designed to tackle serious tracks and trails. Beneath the skin is much of the hardware from the Triton ute (the old one rather than the fresh-out-of-the-box model), right down to its solid rear axle.

While we didn’t attempt it this time round, previous experience suggests it’s a very capable machine in challenging terrain. A locking rear differential and decent suspension travel are good 4WD foundations.

It’s tough, too, with the ability to fend off years of rough road abuse.

That brings compromises around town and it doesn’t help that the current Pajero Sport is nearing the end of its life (a new model is due by early 2025).

The steering is light but dull and there’s some rocking and rolling when you pitch into bends.

The Toyo tyres are designed for off-road work but are below par on wet bitumen, sliding in roundabouts or gentle curves with little provocation.

And while the diesel engine is enthusiastic once you get it going there’s initial laziness as the turbo spins up to its operating speed.

In short, the Pajero Sport feels better in the bush than it does in the suburb.

ALTERNATIVES

Toyota Fortuner Crusade, from about $72,000 drive-away

Underdone in the suspension department but makes up for it with excellent off-road credentials. Also brings Toyota’s reputation for reliability and an unmatched rural service network.

Ford Everest Trend 4WD, from about $73,000 drive-away

Leads its class for tech and on-road manners while also delivering on comfort and refinement. Off-road nous is sound, too, making for a terrific all-rounder – albeit one that comes with a price premium.

Isuzu MU-X LS-T 4WD, from $65,990 drive-away

Rugged capability teams with sharp value to create a tempting diesel proposition that blends enough tech and comfort with some old school 4WD charm.

VERDICT

Ageing off-roader still matches it in the rough stuff but is feeling tired on the road. But it undercuts key rivals as part of its solid value pitch.

RATING: 3/5

QUICK GLANCE

Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GSR

PRICE From $65,490 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICE 5 years, unlimited km, $2895 for 5 years/75,000km

SAFETY 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert

ENGINE 2.4-litre 4-cylinder, 133kW/430Nm

THIRST 8.0L/100km

BOOT 131L (7 seats), 502L (5 seats)