There’s something about Japanese design that just works. Maybe that’s why the Mitsubishi Shogun has defied the odds over the last decade or so to become one of the most powerful off-road vehicles on the market.
The history of the Shogun
Named for the fierce military dictators that kept Japan in line hundreds of years ago, the Shogun has been available in one form or another for the last four decades. In that time, little has changed, which speaks to the timelessly functional initial design. The body-on-frame construction gives it a great deal of off-road capability and its affordable pricing means it’s found a valuable niche in the market.
Why is it so popular?
Considering its rather narrow width (for a capable off-roader) it’s actually a pretty spacious five-door vehicle with dozens of models available – from SWB casual models to more beefy LWB versions with higher specs.
The switchable 4WD system and locking centre differential give it commanding off-road power for a fraction of the cost of a Land Rover Discovery too. The large capacity 3.2-litre, four-cylinder engine is not the most efficient in the world (particularly when paired with a five-speed automatic gearbox), but it’ll certainly give you a decent amount of power.
In terms of aesthetics, there’s a definite utilitarian vibe to the styling compared to more modern 4x4s but that only reinforces its status as an off-roader first and a family car second. If you do decide to use it as the family car, it’s got extensive boot space and is an incredibly-comfortable ride as both driver and passenger.
Off-road or on-road?
If the Shogun has any detractors, it’s those that bought it as a leisure vehicle or a casual vehicle — rather than an off-road vehicle. While it absolutely sings on rough terrain it’s not the smoothest ride on generic roads.
Where it leads the way in both areas, however, is in safety. These were cars that were built to last and they have earned their reputation as essentially bulletproof.
Upgrading potential
With its solid construction and reliability, the Shogun (or Pajero in some markets) has always been seen as something of an ideal bare-bones rig – a blank slate, if you will.
It’s easy to upgrade the suspension and there are dozens of options available, from complete integrated suspension kits from Old Man Emu to pre-assembled struts and coil springs from Terrain Tamer. It’s also a perfect vehicle for a snorkel and can be given a whole new lease of life if you decide to upgrade its traction with some ARB Air Lockers.
Ultimately, it’s not the kind of vehicle that’s going to turn any heads but it is the perfect entry point for those looking for an affordable and upgradeable 4×4 with buckets of off-road potential.
Image: Grisha Bruev / Shutterstock.com