What are the differences between the Pajero and the Pajero Sport?
3 Answers
The differences between the Pajero Sport and the Pajero are as follows: 1. Exterior: The Pajero has a more imposing appearance, with a highly recognizable front face, rugged body lines, and a rear-mounted spare tire as standard, giving it a stronger off-road vibe. The Pajero Sport's exterior is more moderate, with a front grille and headlights that lack aggressiveness in design, making it look more like a city SUV. 2. Wheelbase: The interior styles are roughly the same. The Pajero has a wheelbase of 2780mm, while the Pajero Sport has a wheelbase of 2800mm. Although the Pajero's wheelbase is 20mm shorter than the Pajero Sport's, the rear seats of the Pajero offer higher comfort, and the interior height provides a more comfortable space. 3. Powertrain: The Pajero is equipped with a 3.0L V6 engine across the lineup, delivering a maximum horsepower of 174 and a maximum torque of 255 Nm. The Pajero Sport comes with two engine options: a 2.4L L4 and a 3.0L V6. The 3.0L V6 version produces a maximum horsepower of 252 and a maximum torque of 310 Nm.
There are quite a few differences between the Pajero and the Pajero Sport. As an experienced off-road enthusiast, I feel the Pajero is more like a pure off-road master. Its chassis is exceptionally sturdy, with a full-time four-wheel-drive system that performs rock-solid on rough terrain. I've driven the Pajero Sport a few times—it's built on a pickup platform, with lighter steering, making it more agile and economical for city driving. The Pajero offers more space, with its seven-seater version providing comfortable seating for the whole family, though it has higher fuel consumption, averaging around 15 liters. The Pajero Sport is slightly smaller, with simplified but cost-effective configurations, and achieves better city fuel economy at around 12 liters. In terms of maintenance, Pajero parts are more expensive with higher servicing costs, while the Pajero Sport is cheaper and easier to repair. If you're an everyday adventurer, the Pajero is the trump card; but if off-roading isn't your priority, the Pajero Sport offers better value for money and handles most scenarios well—its fuel efficiency and hassle-free ownership are the reasons I recommend it.
As a commuting office worker, I personally prefer the Pajero Sport's performance in urban areas. Its smaller size makes parking much easier, unlike the Pajero which feels like a clumsy elephant that's hard to maneuver. The Pajero drives like a tank—solid and majestic, but its heavy steering becomes tiring in traffic jams; the Pajero Sport is more agile and nimble, with adequate power and lower fuel consumption, making it especially suitable for city life. In terms of features, the Pajero is more luxurious with amenities like automatic heated seats, while the Pajero Sport is simpler and more practical but has all the basic functions covered. Off-road, the Pajero excels in extreme terrains, but the Pajero Sport's part-time 4WD can handle beaches or shallow pits just fine. Price-wise, the Pajero Sport is 20-30% cheaper, which I think offers great value for average people—effortless for daily commutes and trips, plus cheaper maintenance. The Pajero is better left to professional enthusiasts to fully utilize its capabilities.
