
The Pajero Sport does have four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive refers to a vehicle maintaining all four wheels driving throughout the entire driving process, with the engine's output torque distributed to the front and rear wheels at a fixed ratio. This driving mode ensures excellent off-road and handling performance at all times, but it cannot adjust torque distribution based on road conditions and has relatively high fuel consumption. The Pajero Sport is a mid-size SUV under Mitsubishi, with dimensions of 4695mm in length, 1815mm in width, and 1825mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2800mm. It features a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a three-link rigid axle with coil spring rear suspension, with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout.

As someone who pays close attention to hardcore off-road vehicles, I can clearly tell you that the Pajero Sport has always been equipped with a four-wheel drive system, which is its core selling point. It features Mitsubishi's signature Super Select 4WD-II (SS4-II), and those who have driven it know this system is truly hardcore. For daily city commuting, the 2H rear-wheel drive mode saves fuel, while switching to 4H full-time four-wheel drive provides excellent stability in rainy, snowy, or gravel road conditions. The most impressive part is engaging 4HLc/4LLc, which locks the center differential and amplifies torque in low gear, giving you confidence when climbing steep slopes or escaping tough spots. Last time, my friend drove this vehicle on the Sichuan-Tibet route, and when the wheels slipped in the mud, a quick twist of the knob got them out instantly. this car and not utilizing its four-wheel drive capabilities is a waste of its potential, but remember to regularly change the transfer case oil.

Anyone who has actually taken the Pajero Sport off-road can't help but praise its 4WD capabilities. Just twist the center console knob twice to switch between four modes: rear-wheel drive for fuel efficiency on paved roads, high-range 4WD that automatically distributes power when slipping, and the most hardcore low-range 4WD with central differential lock that doubles torque when stuck. I remember once in a riverbed full of cobblestones, all the city SUVs in our group got stuck while I effortlessly plowed through in low-range 4WD - the chassis was clanking but rock solid. When climbing sand dunes, manually turning off the ESP let the tires spin briefly before clawing right up. This 4WD system outperforms the Prado at a fraction of the price, though do note that aftermarket front bumpers might reduce the approach angle.

The previous owner who just sold his used Pajero Sport said the 4WD system is definitely the highlight. The Super Select 4WD works exceptionally well, with paddle shifters conveniently located on the left side of the steering wheel - you can switch to 4H without stopping even when playing in mud at speeds below 60km/h. The transfer case in the engine bay looks crude but is incredibly durable, having served trouble-free for 80,000km. The ladder-frame chassis with rear differential lock shows noticeable body roll in corners, but you won't mind when crawling through artillery shell craters with the chassis flexing. The only complaint is the 2.4T version's fuel consumption - it guzzles 13L/100km in 4WD mode on highways, but it's worth it for such off-road capability.

Automotive media's real-world tests of the Pajero Sport's 4WD system are quite impressive. In normal rear-wheel drive mode, it instantly switches to 4H full-time 4WD when slip is detected, and passed the single-wheel escape test on rollers with no issues. When shifted to 4LLc mode, the rear wheels instantly deliver 430N·m of torque, easily conquering 37-degree steep slopes with just a press of the throttle. Compared to the Tank 500, the Pajero Sport's mechanical transfer case, though more rudimentary in operation, offers higher reliability, making it a favorite among site owners who frequently travel on unpaved roads. However, the steering is on the heavier side for city driving, which might be challenging for some female drivers. The car enthusiast community often says this vehicle can tackle the challenging Bing-Zha-Cha route even without modifications.

Off-road modification enthusiasts always recommend the Pajero Sport's 4WD system. Its transfer case uses pure gear hard connections, unlike multi-plate clutches that are prone to overheating. When driving on sand, switching to 4H mode provides sufficiently fast electronic limited-slip response, and even the factory tires are adequate for the Badain Jaran Desert. The most practical feature is the 4L mode with a 1.9x torque multiplication, which is particularly powerful when towing RVs. Mechanics say the vehicle's simple structure allows for easy —just changing the transfer case oil yourself can maintain performance, making upkeep much more worry-free than with German cars. However, note that the third-generation model removed the rear locker, so for serious off-roading, it's best to install an air-operated differential locker, with modification costs around 20,000 RMB.


