The Pajero Sport carries the nameplate forward in South Africa, and after a week with the 2026 2.4 MIVEC turbo-diesel we came away impressed by how much genuine Pajero DNA survived the move to a modern, family-friendly package.
On the Road
The 133 kW / 430 Nm 2.4 is smooth and quiet, and the 8-speed auto is a clear step up from the older Pajero autos. Around town it is easy and refined; on the highway it is relaxed and frugal at a real-world 8–9 L/100km. The ride leans towards comfort, which suits the way most owners will actually use it.
Off the Road
This is where the Sport proves it deserves the badge. Super Select II, a rear diff lock and the terrain-mode system make it genuinely capable — far more so than most buyers will ever ask of it. It is not a stripped-out trail weapon like an old SWB, but it will take a family and their kit anywhere a sensible person wants to go.
Verdict
The value pick of the seven-seat diesel 4x4s: the strongest off-road system of the bunch, a long service plan and genuine Dakar heritage. It earns its place if capability matters to you more than badge prestige.
Priced against the Fortuner and Everest, the Pajero Sport is the value pick with the strongest off-road system of the three and a long service plan. If you want a modern, capable seven-seater that still nods to the Dakar heritage, it earns its place.