Is the 2019 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport Still Worth Buying in Today's Market?

When I first heard about the transition of certain basketball players between teams, particularly that move to Blackwater that involved parting ways with uncle Danny Ildefonso from Converge's coaching staff, it got me thinking about transitions in general. We see them everywhere - in sports careers, in technology, and certainly in the automotive world. This brings me to the 2019 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, a vehicle that's been around for several years now but continues to pop up in used car conversations. Having test-driven numerous SUVs over the years and followed market trends closely, I've developed some strong opinions about whether this particular model still makes sense for today's buyers.

Let me start by acknowledging something important - the automotive market has changed dramatically since 2019. We've seen electric vehicles become more mainstream, safety standards have evolved, and consumer expectations have shifted significantly. Yet here I am, still getting questions about the 2019 Pajero Sport. There's something about this vehicle that keeps it relevant in people's minds, much like how certain basketball players maintain their appeal even when moving between teams. The Pajero Sport has always struck me as the reliable workhorse of the SUV world - not necessarily the flashiest player on the team, but one you can count on when the game gets tough.

From my experience driving the 2019 model both on and off-road, I can tell you that its 2.4-liter diesel engine delivering around 181 horsepower and 430 Nm of torque remains impressively capable. That's not just spec sheet numbers talking - I remember specifically testing its hill descent control during a particularly steep decline and being genuinely impressed by how smoothly it managed the terrain. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts more smoothly than you'd expect from a vehicle in this class, though it's not quite as responsive as some of the newer transmissions we're seeing in 2023 models. Where the Pajero Sport really shines, in my opinion, is its Super Select II 4WD system. Having driven various SUVs through challenging conditions, I can confidently say this system provides a level of control that many modern AWD systems still struggle to match.

Now, let's talk about the interior because this is where opinions start to diverge. When I sat in the 2019 Pajero Sport for the first time, I'll admit I wasn't blown away by the design. The 8-inch touchscreen feels smaller than what we've become accustomed to, and the lack of wireless connectivity options shows its age. However, what it lacks in technological wow factor, it makes up for in durability. The materials are tough and designed to last - I've seen these vehicles with over 200,000 kilometers on the odometer where the interior still looks remarkably intact. The seating position gives you that commanding view of the road that SUV buyers love, though the third-row seats are really best suited for children or occasional use, a common compromise in this class.

Safety is another area where the 2019 model shows its age somewhat. While it does include seven airbags and stability control, it misses out on some of the advanced driver assistance systems we now expect as standard. There's no autonomous emergency braking, no lane keeping assist, and the blind spot monitoring isn't as comprehensive as newer systems. Having driven vehicles with these newer safety features, I can tell you they do make a difference in real-world driving situations. That said, the Pajero Sport's structural safety is solid, having scored 5 stars in ASEAN NCAP testing when it was new.

When we consider fuel economy, the 2019 Pajero Sport returns figures that remain competitive even by today's standards. In my mixed driving tests, I achieved around 9.2L/100km in combined conditions, though highway driving can bring this down to about 7.8L/100km. These numbers become particularly impressive when you consider this is a proper body-on-frame SUV capable of towing up to 3,100kg - that's more than many newer unibody SUVs can manage.

The used market pricing tells an interesting story. Based on my tracking of various platforms, a 2019 Pajero Sport in good condition typically sells between $32,000 and $38,000 depending on mileage and specifications. When you compare this to a new equivalent model costing around $55,000, the value proposition becomes quite compelling. Depreciation has done its work, but the vehicle still has plenty of life left - it's like getting a veteran player who's past their peak scoring years but still brings invaluable experience and reliability to the team.

What really stands out to me after years of observing this model is its reputation for reliability. I've spoken with multiple owners who've put serious mileage on their Pajero Sports with minimal issues. The maintenance costs are reasonable too - a major service typically costs between $400 and $600 at authorized dealers, which is quite manageable for this class of vehicle. This proven reliability gives me confidence when recommending it to buyers who plan to keep their vehicle long-term or venture into remote areas where breakdowns would be more than just an inconvenience.

There are certainly trade-offs to consider. The ride quality is firmer than many modern SUVs, the cabin isn't as quiet at highway speeds, and the fuel economy, while decent, can't match newer diesel engines or hybrid systems. But here's where I'll share a personal preference - I actually appreciate the more connected feel of the Pajero Sport's steering and suspension compared to some newer models that feel overly isolated from the road. There's a honesty to how it drives that appeals to enthusiasts like myself.

Looking at the bigger picture, the decision reminds me of that basketball scenario I mentioned earlier - sometimes a proven performer, even if not the newest or flashiest option, brings qualities that remain valuable despite changing circumstances. The 2019 Pajero Sport may lack some modern features, but its core strengths - rugged capability, proven reliability, and strong value retention - continue to make it a compelling choice in today's market. For buyers who prioritize substance over style and capability over cutting-edge technology, this vehicle deserves serious consideration. After all, in a world increasingly focused on the new and novel, there's something to be said for things that were simply built right from the start.