The Mitsubishi Pajero is genuinely good in snow and ice, largely because of its Super Select 4WD system. Unlike part-time 4x4s, it can run in full-time four-wheel drive on any surface, so you get all-weather traction on slippery tar, then a locked centre diff and low range for deep snow. The one caveat is universal: on ice, tyres matter more than the drivetrain.
Why Super Select shines in winter
Many tough 4x4s can’t safely use 4WD on a hard, grippy surface because their part-time systems bind the transmission. The Pajero’s Super Select gets around this: 4H (full-time high range) can be left engaged on wet, snowy or icy roads, splitting drive between the axles for stability and grip. When the snow deepens or the climb steepens, you lock the centre differential and, if needed, drop to low range for controlled, low-speed progress. It’s an ideal setup for mixed winter conditions where the surface keeps changing.
Ground clearance and all-weather ability
- Around 220 mm of ground clearance (Gen 4) helps clear deeper snow than a low crossover.
- Traction control and available diff locks put power where there’s grip.
- The torquey diesel delivers smooth, controllable power — easy to modulate on a slippery surface.
- A heavy, planted body aids stability in crosswinds and slush.
Tyres are the deciding factor
This is the point every winter-driving guide makes, and it’s true of any vehicle: on ice and packed snow, the tyre is what actually grips. Standard highway or aggressive mud-terrain tyres are poor on ice; proper winter or quality all-terrain tyres with a softer compound transform the Pajero’s cold-weather behaviour. Carry chains for severe conditions, drop your tyre pressures for deep snow traction where appropriate, and remember that 4WD helps you go — it doesn’t help you stop, so leave extra braking distance.
What about South Africa?
Snow is rare in most of South Africa, but not unheard of — the Drakensberg, the Eastern Cape highlands, Sani Pass and the Lesotho border can see real snowfall in winter, and that’s exactly the terrain where a Super Select Pajero comes into its own. For those who tour further afield, from the Lesotho highlands to alpine Europe, the Pajero has long been a trusted cold-weather 4×4. Understanding the system behind it helps — see our guide to Super Select 4WD.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mitsubishi Pajero good in snow and ice?
Yes. Its Super Select 4WD system allows full-time four-wheel drive on any surface for all-weather grip, plus a lockable centre differential and low range for deep snow. Winter or all-terrain tyres are essential on ice.
Can you use the Pajero’s 4WD on icy roads?
Yes. Unlike part-time systems, Super Select’s 4H mode can be left engaged on snowy or icy tar without binding the transmission, giving you extra stability and traction in changing winter conditions.
Do you need special tyres for a Pajero in snow?
On ice and packed snow, tyres matter more than the drivetrain. Proper winter or quality all-terrain tyres dramatically improve grip; standard highway or mud-terrain tyres perform poorly. Carry chains for severe conditions.
How much ground clearance does the Pajero have for deep snow?
The fourth-generation Pajero has around 220 mm of ground clearance, helping it clear deeper snow than a typical crossover, with traction control and diff locks aiding progress.
Where can you drive a Pajero in snow in South Africa?
Snow is occasional but real in the Drakensberg, the Eastern Cape highlands, around Sani Pass and along the Lesotho border in winter — exactly the kind of terrain where the Pajero’s 4WD system excels.