Most family SUV reviews describe the third row as “perfect for the kids” without specifying which kids, for how long, and what remains in the boot once they are seated. This guide does. The Pajero LWB is a genuinely capable family vehicle for the family that also wants to go places — but the third row and boot configuration require honest assessment before you commit 200,000 km of family life to one.
SWB vs LWB: The First Family Decision
The short-wheelbase Pajero (3-door) seats five in two rows. It does not have a third row. If you are considering a Pajero as a family vehicle for six or seven people, you need the long-wheelbase (5-door) variant. The SWB is lighter, more manoeuvrable, and increasingly collectible — but it is not a seven-seat family hauler. All family-specific content below applies to the LWB.
The Third Row: What It Actually Is
The Gen 4 LWB Pajero’s third row is a pair of rearward-facing fold-down seats accessed by tilting the second row forward on either side. The third row accommodates children up to approximately 10 to 12 years old in genuine comfort. Teenagers will fit for short distances. Adults fit in an emergency for trips under 30 minutes, but legroom and headroom are genuinely limited — this is not the adult-capable third row of a Toyota Land Cruiser 200 or the new Prado.
The important practical point: when the third row is in use, boot space is effectively zero behind it. Luggage must go on the roof rack or in a trailer. A family of seven with luggage requires a roof rack and either a soft bag for the cabin or a trailer. This is not a criticism of the Pajero — it is the reality of any ladder-frame SUV third row, including the Fortuner and the Isuzu MU-X. The physics of adding a third row to a fixed wheelbase leave limited space for both passengers and cargo simultaneously.
| Configuration | Seats | Boot Space | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 seats (third row flat) | 5 | Generous — 680+ litres (approx) | Family of 4–5 with full luggage, overlanding |
| 7 seats (third row up) | 7 | Minimal — 60–100 litres behind third row | Short trips with children; requires roof rack or trailer for luggage |
| 5 seats (second row folded one side) | 5 | Expanded — half the cabin floor | Flat sleeping/camping configuration in the cabin |
Practical Family Strengths
The Roof
The Gen 4 LWB roof with a Hannibal or Front Runner rack becomes the family’s cargo solution. A Thule or Yakima cargo bag on the rack carries the third-row family’s weekend luggage cleanly, keeps the cabin free for people and cooler, and transforms the boot (with third row flat) into adult passenger space. Most SA Pajero families with the LWB and a third-row configuration have a roof rack. It is not optional — it is the luggage strategy.
The Second Row
The Gen 4 LWB second row is genuinely comfortable for two adults and a child seat, with adequate legroom for a driver of up to 190 cm in the first row. Three child seats across the second row is possible but tight — isofix points are present on the outer two positions. Confirm the specific isofix ratings for your chosen seats before fitting, as the Pajero’s anchor positions differ between model years.
Trail Capability With the Family Aboard
This is the Pajero’s differentiating family proposition. A Fortuner or Prado will also carry your family on a gravel road. The Pajero with Super Select II will carry your family across rivers, up Sani Pass, through the Baviaanskloof, and across Namibia — with the children watching through windows large enough to see the terrain and the driver confident in the drivetrain beneath them. The family SUV that also does this genuinely is a short list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Pajero have 7 seats?
The Pajero LWB (long-wheelbase, 5-door) has a seven-seat configuration with a fold-down third row. The third row is most practical for children. When the third row is in use, boot space behind it is minimal. The Pajero SWB (3-door) is a five-seater only.
Is the Pajero good for families?
The Pajero LWB is a good family vehicle for families that also want off-road capability. Second-row comfort is genuine, the roof is an effective cargo platform when fitted with a rack, and the Super Select 4WD system allows the family SUV to go places most family vehicles cannot. The third row is suitable for children on longer trips and adults on short ones.
How many child seats fit in a Pajero?
Two child seats with isofix fit comfortably in the outer positions of the second row. A third child seat between them is physically possible but the second row is not as wide as dedicated three-across rows in some minivans. Confirm isofix anchor positions and ratings specific to your Gen 4 model year before purchasing seats.
Related: Accessories Guide · Gen 4 Buyer’s Guide · Pajero as a Daily Driver · SWB vs LWB Guide