When I first heard about the basketball player moving to Blackwater and parting ways with his uncle Danny Ildefonso, it struck me how even established relationships in professional sports can change unexpectedly. This got me thinking about another topic where people often question whether established options remain relevant - the 2019 Mitsubishi Pahiero Sport. Having test-driven this SUV extensively and followed its market performance for years, I've developed some strong opinions about whether it still makes sense in today's crowded SUV market.
Let me be honest from the start - I've always had a soft spot for the Pajero Sport. There's something about its rugged character that appeals to me more than the increasingly car-like SUVs dominating the market today. The 2019 model represents what I consider the sweet spot in its evolution, featuring the updated 2.4-liter MIVEC diesel engine producing 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque while still maintaining that traditional body-on-frame construction that serious off-road enthusiasts appreciate. These numbers might not sound impressive compared to some newer competitors, but in real-world driving conditions, especially when you're towing or navigating challenging terrain, that torque figure makes all the difference.
What really stands out about the 2019 model year is that it arrived after Mitsubishi had addressed several early issues with the third-generation model but before the brand started cutting certain features to manage costs in later years. The Super Select II 4WD system remains one of the most sophisticated in its class, offering multiple driving modes for different conditions. I've personally put this system through its paces during a particularly muddy camping trip in Queensland, and while newer SUVs were struggling, the Pajero Sport handled conditions that would have stranded most modern crossovers. The approach angle of 30 degrees, departure angle of 24.2 degrees, and 218 mm ground clearance might not be class-leading anymore, but they're more than adequate for serious off-road work.
Now, let's talk about where the 2019 model shows its age. The infotainment system feels dated compared to what you get in 2023 models, with a smaller 7-inch touchscreen that lacks the crisp resolution and responsive interface of modern systems. During my week with the vehicle, I found myself missing Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, which only became standard in later models. The interior materials, while durable, don't have the premium feel of competitors like the Ford Everest or Toyota Fortuner. There's more hard plastic than I'd like, especially considering the price point when these vehicles were new.
Fuel economy is another area where the 2019 Pajero Sport shows its generation. During my mixed driving tests, I averaged around 9.2L/100km, which isn't terrible but falls short of newer diesel engines that can dip into the 7-8L/100km range. Where it redeems itself is in reliability - the 4N15 diesel engine has proven remarkably durable, with many owners reporting trouble-free operation well beyond 150,000 kilometers. The transmission, an 8-speed automatic, shifts smoothly though it can sometimes hunt for gears on hilly terrain more than I'd prefer.
Safety features were decent for 2019 with seven airbags, stability control, and Mitsubishi's Active Stability and Traction Control, but it lacks the comprehensive suite of driver assists that have become commonplace in newer vehicles. You won't find adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, or autonomous emergency braking here, which might be a dealbreaker for families prioritizing modern safety technology.
From a value perspective, the 2019 Pajero Sport presents an interesting case. On the used market, you can typically find well-maintained examples with reasonable mileage for between $32,000 to $38,000 AUD, which represents significant savings over a new model while still offering most of the capability. Depreciation has already done its worst, so you're buying into a vehicle that should hold its value reasonably well from this point forward. Maintenance costs are generally lower than European competitors, and parts availability is excellent throughout Australia.
The comparison to that basketball transfer situation I mentioned earlier seems relevant here - sometimes moving away from established connections (like newer models with more technology) can make practical sense, but there's value in continuity and proven performance too. In the Pajero Sport's case, what you're getting is a vehicle with proven mechanical components that have stood the test of time, even if it lacks the polish of its successors.
If your priorities are off-road capability, mechanical reliability, and value retention rather than the latest technology and premium interior materials, the 2019 Pajero Sport remains a compelling choice. It's not the right vehicle for everyone, but for those who appreciate its particular strengths, it continues to offer something that many newer SUVs have sacrificed in pursuit of comfort and technology. Sometimes, the established option, like certain professional relationships, maintains its value precisely because of its proven track record rather than despite it.