2025-11-13 14:00
by
nlpkak
When I first laid eyes on the Pajero Sport 2016, I knew this wasn't just another SUV—it was something special for off-road enthusiasts like myself. Having tested numerous 4x4 vehicles over the years, I've developed a keen sense for what makes a vehicle truly capable beyond paved roads. The Pajero Sport 2016 stands out with seven essential features that every adventure-seeker should understand before hitting the trails. Let me walk you through what I've discovered through personal experience and thorough testing.
Starting with the most crucial aspect—the four-wheel-drive system. The Pajero Sport 2016 features Mitsubishi's Super Select 4WD-II system, which offers four different driving modes. What I particularly love is how you can switch between 2WD and 4WD even at speeds up to 100 km/h, something many competitors can't match. The system includes 2H for normal driving, 4H for slippery conditions, 4HLc for locked center differential on rough terrain, and 4LLc for extreme off-road situations where you need maximum torque. I remember testing this during a particularly muddy trail last monsoon season—the transition between modes was seamless and gave me exactly the control I needed when the path became unpredictable.
The suspension system deserves special attention. Mitsubishi equipped this model with an improved independent front suspension and multi-link rear suspension that provides 218 mm of ground clearance. That extra clearance might not sound like much on paper, but when you're navigating rocky terrain, those extra millimeters make all the difference between scraping your undercarriage and maintaining smooth progress. I've taken mine through some pretty rough patches where other SUVs would have bottomed out, but the Pajero Sport handled it with grace. The approach angle of 30 degrees, departure angle of 24.2 degrees, and ramp breakover angle of 23.1 degrees are numbers I've come to appreciate during steep ascents and descents.
Now let's talk about something that doesn't get enough attention—the Active Stability and Traction Control system. This isn't just your standard electronic stability program. The ASTC continuously monitors wheel speeds and automatically applies brakes to individual wheels while redirecting torque to wheels with better traction. During one particularly tricky situation where I found myself in a cross-axle scenario, the system worked brilliantly to keep me moving forward without any manual intervention. It's these smart features that make the Pajero Sport 2016 so accessible to both novice and experienced off-roaders.
The transmission deserves its own discussion. The 8-speed automatic transmission with sports mode might seem excessive until you experience how it performs on steep grades. The grade logic control automatically selects the appropriate gear when descending hills, which I found incredibly useful during a recent mountain expedition. Instead of constantly riding the brakes, the transmission does the work for you, maintaining a safe and controlled descent. I've counted at least 15 instances where this feature prevented what could have been white-knuckle moments during downhill sections.
What good is an off-road vehicle if it can't handle water crossings? The Pajero Sport 2016 boasts a wading depth of 700 mm, which I've personally tested in various conditions. There's a technique to water crossings—maintaining steady momentum without creating a bow wave—but having that confidence in your vehicle's capabilities makes all the difference. I recall crossing a river that was approximately 650 mm deep during last year's rainy season, and the vehicle handled it without any issues, though I'd recommend checking your air intake position beforehand.
The interior features specifically designed for off-road adventures often get overlooked. The multi-information display includes an altimeter, compass, and vehicle inclination monitor—tools I use regularly during my off-road trips. The tilt and roll sensors have proven invaluable when navigating uneven terrain, giving me real-time data about my vehicle's position. During a recent trip through hilly terrain, these features helped me avoid situations where I might have approached angles beyond the vehicle's capabilities.
Interestingly, the timing of the Pajero Sport 2016's release reminds me of how the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand fell within the club season where pro and college teams weren't required to lend players to the national team. Much like how teams had to work with available resources, off-road enthusiasts need to understand their vehicle's core capabilities rather than relying on aftermarket modifications. The Pajero Sport 2016 comes well-equipped from the factory, much like how national teams had to maximize their existing roster during that particular SEA Games season. This approach teaches us to first master what the vehicle offers before considering upgrades.
The seventh feature I want to highlight is something I consider the vehicle's safety net—the reinforced safety body construction. The high-strength steel frame has proven its worth in multiple scenarios where I encountered unexpected obstacles. There's a particular incident I remember where a hidden rock ledge could have caused serious damage, but the protective underbody panels did their job perfectly. This robust construction gives me the confidence to tackle challenging trails without constant worry about vehicle damage.
Throughout my ownership, I've come to appreciate how these seven features work in harmony rather than as individual components. The Pajero Sport 2016 demonstrates that understanding your vehicle's capabilities is as important as driving skill when venturing off the beaten path. Just as athletes during the 33rd SEA Games had to adapt to their circumstances, off-road enthusiasts must learn to work with their vehicle's inherent strengths. The essential features of the Pajero Sport 2016 provide a solid foundation for adventures, whether you're tackling mild forest trails or more demanding mountainous terrain. What continues to impress me is how these systems complement each other—the suspension works with the traction control, which coordinates with the transmission, creating an off-road experience that feels both capable and refined.
