Should you buy a Mitsubishi Shogun Sport?

Despite the marketing around the car, the Shogun Sport will likely only appeal to its niche existing customer base. That is, buyers looking for a capable, reliable off-road workhorse that still delivers a passable impression of a regular car on-road.

It’d be unfair then to judge this car entirely on its tarmac manners (although we’ll get to those) which are likely to be a secondary consideration to buyers, given its highly specialised nature. Just take the front bumper for example – it’s been shaped to avoid excessive water splash when wading off-road. You don’t get that on a Qashqai.

You also don’t get all-wheel drive or a rear differential lock as standard on the Nissan, while you do on this Mitsubishi. Again, that is a combination that suits a specific need, much like the 3.1 tonne towing capacity.

If you don’t need that ability then it’s likely that a less focussed SUV will serve you better – but it’s worth pointing out the Shogun Sport has a good stab at providing its occupants with a modicum of luxury. Even base-spec models come with leather upholstery, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, plus LED lights and a multilink rear axle to help this capable SUV feel less agricultural.

In terms of practicality the 502 litres of load space, expanding to 1,488 litres when you fold the seats, is verging on commercial vehicle territory. As is the 1,660mm max load length, useful for even the longest of items.

Unfortunately though, it doesn’t have the same breadth of talents of many of its mainstream SUV rivals. Sure, the off-road ability is useful, but most potential buyers will value the improved handling, comfort, efficiency and cabin quality of (admittedly less capable) cars such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.

Here the Shogun Sport falls behind in terms of on-road refinement and fuel costs, not forgetting the less than comfortable ride and un-sporty handling.

Still, if you are looking for a car that fulfils a need rather than a want, the Shogun Sport offers much of the same off-road ability and towing capacity of a pickup truck with a suitably more car-like driving experience on tarmac.

Just make sure your needs can’t be met with a less rugged but more comfortable rival.