When we talk about SUVs, Mitsubishi really comes to mind. They craft vehicles that blend style and toughness. The Mitsubishi Outlander and the Mitsubishi Pajero stand as prime examples. Each one shows off a distinct design philosophy. They truly cater to different kinds of drivers, you know? I am happy to explore the real differences between these two. You might live in a bustling city. Or perhaps you love rugged trails. Either way, one of these SUVs could be perfect.
Two Different Ways to Think About Design
To be honest, these SUVs have very different design goals. The Outlander looks sleek and quite modern. It fits right into city life easily. It’s perfect for families, really. Many people even call it a crossover vehicle. It boasts a sculpted shape, which helps with air flow. For example, the 2019 redesign added sharper lines. It got a bolder grille too. This new look grabbed younger buyers. Honestly, it made the Outlander feel fresh. It was exciting.
The Pajero, however, looks more traditional. It’s built for heavy use. This SUV has been around since 1982. It has truly evolved over many years. Its boxy shape shows its inherent strength. High ground clearance is a big clue. The Pajero is made for rough ground. Its design shows this ability directly. Mitsubishi states the Pajero’s look highlights its off-road skill. It boasts 8.6 inches of ground clearance. That’s in its latest versions. It’s built for adventure, don’t you think? Many off-road fans genuinely love it. It’s a classic.
Think about their sizes for a moment. The Outlander is usually around 184.8 inches long. The Pajero is a bit longer. It measures about 192.5 inches. This size difference helps the Outlander. It moves well in crowded cities. The Pajero’s larger size offers more room. Passengers and gear fit easily inside. Its road presence is simply bigger. That’s just a fact.
Inside: Comfort and Modern Tech
Now, let’s peek inside these vehicles. Both offer unique interiors, you see. The Outlander has a really nice cabin. It feels spacious and well-made. It focuses on comfort for families. Seven people can ride comfortably. That’s a good choice for bigger families. Soft materials fill the inside. It has a modern infotainment system. A 9-inch touchscreen comes standard. You can connect your smartphone easily. J.D. Power surveyed owners in 2022. The Outlander scored high for its interior. It got 80 out of 100 for comfort. Quite impressive, isn’t it? This makes daily drives much nicer.
The Pajero’s interior is more rugged. It shows its off-road focus directly. It also seats up to seven passengers. But luxury is less important here. Its focus is more on pure function. The materials are tough. They are easy to clean too. This is key for off-road explorers. It has a solid infotainment system. A 7-inch touchscreen is included. However, it lacks some Outlander features. Things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are missing. This might be a deal-breaker for some buyers. But for pure functionality, it works perfectly. It’s built for purpose, you know?
Safety is important for both models. They both have many airbags inside. Stability control is standard for both. They also offer advanced driver assistance. But here’s the thing. The Outlander pulls ahead here. It has many more safety features. Forward collision warning is one example. Lane-keeping assist is another. These features earned high safety scores. It’s comforting to know, isn’t it? Especially for family drivers. The Outlander often earns top ratings from organizations like the [Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)](https://www.iihs.org/). This really adds peace of mind.
On the Road Versus Off the Map
When we talk about how they drive, it’s a clear split. The Outlander handles daily driving needs. It usually has a 2.5-liter engine. This four-cylinder engine makes 181 horsepower. Its fuel economy is good. You get about 26 miles per gallon combined. This makes it a smart choice. It works for commutes and family trips. The Outlander also has all-wheel drive. This helps in bad weather. It keeps you feeling confident. It makes navigating city streets simple. It’s designed for a smooth, pleasant ride.
The Pajero is famous for its raw power. It offers strong diesel engines. Latest models have a 3.2-liter engine. This turbo-diesel makes 189 horsepower. It also offers 324 lb-ft of torque. That’s a lot of pulling power! It can tow up to 3,500 kg. This makes it great for heavy jobs. The Pajero features Mitsubishi’s Super Select II. This 4WD system is amazing off-road. CarAdvice reported on the Pajero. They said it truly shines in rough terrain. It has hill descent control. A locking center differential helps too. It really conquers challenges. It’s quite the sight. It feels unstoppable.
Mitsubishi also highlights Pajero’s angles. Approach and departure angles are vital off-road. The Pajero has a 36-degree approach angle. Its departure angle is 25 degrees. The Outlander works best on pavement. Its angles suit city driving. They are not made for rugged landscapes. Honestly, they just aren’t comparable there. The Pajero handles steep climbs with ease. Its robust frame supports harsh conditions. This difference in design philosophy is obvious.
Caring for Our Planet
Today, sustainability really matters. Vehicle design reflects this big change. Mitsubishi has made progress here. The Outlander shows this well. The 2023 model has a PHEV variant. It’s a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. It uses a gas engine and electric motors. This means better fuel economy. It also cuts emissions. This model can go 24 miles on electric power alone. Eco-conscious buyers appreciate this. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) notes this. The Outlander PHEV gets an estimated 74 MPGe. It’s one of the most efficient choices available. This helps reduce our carbon footprint.
The Pajero is strong and dependable. But it hasn’t focused on hybrids. It also lacks electric power. Its diesel engines are powerful. But they use more fuel. They are less efficient than new hybrids. This puts the Pajero at a disadvantage. People want more eco-friendly cars. It’s a big shift in what buyers prefer. Some off-road enthusiasts might not care. But many others do.
Mitsubishi wants to reduce its carbon footprint. They plan more electric and hybrid models. I am excited to see how they will adapt the Pajero. It needs to align with these trends. It’s a big challenge for a traditional off-roader. But adaptation is key for survival.
A Look Back: History and Growth
Understanding these SUVs means looking at their past. The Pajero has a rich story. It first came out in 1982. It quickly became popular globally. It was known for its off-road skill. It won the Dakar Rally many times. People see the Pajero as an SUV pioneer. It influenced many models later. Imagine the impact it had on the 4×4 world! It truly set a standard for rugged adventure. Its heritage is deep.
The Outlander came later. It first appeared in 2001. It started as a compact SUV. But it grew over the years. It became bigger and more capable. The Outlander’s growth shows changing tastes. It moved from niche to mainstream. It’s now a family SUV. This shift towards tech and comfort fits modern trends. Families want those features now. It’s a reflection of how the market has evolved. The Outlander adapted beautifully.
These two models show Mitsubishi’s skill. The Pajero keeps its off-road roots strong. The Outlander embraces modern tastes. It reaches a wider group of buyers. I believe both have found their unique place. They are essential to Mitsubishi’s lineup. They complement each other well.
What’s Coming Next?
The car industry is changing fast. Electric power is a huge trend. Many car makers are going electric. Hybrids are also popular. Mitsubishi is already on this path. The Outlander PHEV is a good start, for sure. But what about the Pajero? That makes you wonder.
Rumors suggest a new Pajero is coming. It might use hybrid technology. This would meet environmental needs. It would also keep its rugged feel. Autonomous driving will also affect both. Features like adaptive cruise control might be standard. Lane-centering tech too. These will truly improve driving. It makes everyday trips safer.
A [McKinsey report](https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/automotive-and-assembly/our-insights/the-automotive-future-is-now) predicted something big. By 2030, 50% of new cars could be electric. Or they could be hybrids. This shows a big industry change. Mitsubishi must manage this well. They need to stay competitive. It’s a challenge, but exciting! The landscape is shifting dramatically. Manufacturers must innovate to survive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the Outlander and Pajero differ in design?
The Outlander looks modern and sleek. It’s for city families. The Pajero is rugged. It’s built for off-road fun.
Which Mitsubishi SUV gets better gas mileage?
The Outlander is more fuel-efficient. Especially the PHEV version. The Pajero’s diesel engines use more fuel.
Can I use the Pajero for my daily commute?
Yes, the Pajero works for daily driving. But it’s not as comfy. The Outlander is better for city roads.
Is the Outlander good for off-road driving?
The Outlander has all-wheel drive. It’s okay for light off-roading. It’s best for urban roads. The Pajero is much better off-road.
What safety features do these SUVs have?
Both have many airbags. They also have stability control. The Outlander adds more advanced safety tech.
How many people can these SUVs seat?
Both the Outlander and Pajero can seat seven people. They offer plenty of space.
Has the Pajero won any awards?
Yes, the Pajero has won many times. It won the Dakar Rally multiple times. It’s a true legend.
When did the Outlander first come out?
The Mitsubishi Outlander first appeared in 2001. It started as a compact SUV.
What’s the main goal of the Pajero’s design?
The Pajero’s design aims for utility. It’s made for tough terrains. It looks strong and capable.
Does the Outlander have Apple CarPlay?
Yes, the Outlander offers a modern infotainment system. It includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Is Mitsubishi making more electric cars?
Yes, Mitsubishi plans more electric models. They are focusing on hybrids and EVs.
What is the ground clearance of the Pajero?
The Pajero boasts 8.6 inches of ground clearance. This helps it off-road.
Which SUV is better for towing?
The Pajero is much better for towing. It can pull up to 3,500 kg easily.
Does the Outlander have a hybrid option?
Yes, the 2023 Outlander offers a PHEV variant. It’s a plug-in hybrid.
Is the Pajero still in production everywhere?
No, the Pajero’s production has ceased in some markets. This includes Japan and some Western regions. It still sells well in others.
What is the Super Select II 4WD system?
It’s Mitsubishi’s advanced 4WD system. It allows drivers to switch between 2WD and 4WD. This happens even at high speeds. It helps on different surfaces.
How does the Pajero’s boxy shape help it?
Its boxy shape means good interior space. It also provides strong visibility. It helps with off-road navigation too.
Are parts for older Pajero models still available?
Yes, for many older Pajero models. Parts are generally still available. Its long production run helps.
Conclusion
So, we’ve seen it. The Mitsubishi Outlander and Pajero are quite different. They vary in design, power, and purpose. The Outlander suits families and city drivers. It offers modern features and good fuel economy. Meanwhile, the Pajero is for adventurers. It provides rugged off-road power. It truly is a beast.
The future looks promising for both models. Mitsubishi is ready to change. They will adapt to new preferences. They will embrace new tech. So, if you’re looking for an SUV, you know more now. You understand what each one offers. Imagine cruising through city streets in the Outlander. Or picture tackling rugged terrain in the Pajero. Both are exciting choices. What adventure awaits you?
