The Mitsubishi Pajero’s party trick is that it handles two very different jobs well: it cruises the highway with car-like comfort thanks to its monocoque body and independent suspension, then tackles serious terrain using its Super Select 4WD system. The trade-off is that it favours on-road stability and ride quality over the extreme axle articulation of a ladder-frame rival — a deliberate choice that makes it one of the most versatile 4x4s on sale.
On the highway
From the third generation on, the Pajero switched to a stiff monocoque body with an integrated frame and independent front (and, on the full-size car, rear) suspension. The result on tar is a settled, comfortable, quiet cruiser that feels more like a big SUV than a truck. It tracks straight at highway speeds, soaks up bumps, and makes light of long distances — exactly what you want for the drive to the coast before the dirt begins.
Off the road
Point it at the rough stuff and the Super Select 4WD system does the heavy lifting. You can run in rear-wheel drive or full-time 4WD in high range on any surface, lock the centre differential for loose terrain, and drop into low range with the centre diff locked for steep, technical work. With around 220 mm of ground clearance and a 700 mm wading depth on the fourth-generation car, plus traction control and available diff locks, it clears far more than most owners will ever ask of it.
The versatility trade-off
| Pajero (monocoque + IFS) | Ladder-frame rivals | |
|---|---|---|
| Highway ride & refinement | Excellent — settled and quiet | Firmer, more truck-like |
| On-road stability | Very good | Good |
| Extreme articulation | Good, aided by traction control | Often greater wheel travel |
| All-round versatility | Outstanding | Strong off-road, less refined on-road |
Independent suspension trades a little outright articulation for composure and comfort, and the Pajero leans on its excellent traction-control and Super Select hardware to make up the difference. For touring, gravel travel and mixed driving, most owners find it the better balance.
Which suits you?
If your driving is highway plus regular gravel, dirt roads and moderate 4×4 tracks — the reality for most South African adventurers — the Pajero’s blend is hard to beat. If you’re a hardcore rock-crawler chasing maximum flex, a solid-axle specialist may suit better. To understand the drivetrain that makes it all work, read our full guide to Super Select 4WD.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Pajero comfortable on the highway?
Yes. From the third generation its monocoque body and independent suspension give a settled, quiet, car-like ride, making it a relaxed long-distance cruiser as well as a capable off-roader.
How capable is the Pajero off-road?
Very capable. Super Select 4WD offers rear-drive, full-time 4WD, a lockable centre differential and low range, with around 220 mm clearance and a 700 mm wading depth on the Gen 4 — more than enough for most terrain.
Does the Pajero have a solid rear axle?
The full-size Pajero (from 2000) uses independent suspension rather than a solid rear axle. This favours on-road comfort and stability, with traction control and diff locks compensating off-road.
What is Super Select 4WD?
Super Select is Mitsubishi’s off-road-oriented 4WD system offering four modes — 2H, 4H, 4HLc and 4LLc — so you can drive in rear-wheel drive or full-time 4WD on the road, then lock the centre diff and use low range off it.
Is the Pajero better on-road or off-road?
It’s deliberately balanced. It’s more refined on-road than most ladder-frame 4x4s while remaining highly capable off it. That all-round versatility, rather than extreme specialisation, is its defining strength.