96 Pajero vs. 06 Sorento [well sort of...]

[OTEP]

I was having the Picanto serviced at Kia Quezon Avenue today which gave me ample time to tinker around with the Sorentos on display. The GEN II Pajero and current Sorento are a generation apart. But considering my rig is pushing 10 years and the GEN III Pajero has priced itself into outer space, it might be a good time to check out what else is there.

The Sorento is a mid-size SUV. The CRDi EX grade retails for Php1.350M in today's prices. The GEN II Pajero is also a mid size SUV. It was sold in only one grade and retailed for about Php1.5M during its day (tama po ba?). Both are body on frame with live rear axles and dual range transfer cases.

Here are just some of my observations on the Sorento when compared to the GEN II.

DIMENSIONS:
*The Sorento is 6.6 inches shorter, 3.1 inches wider, 6.0 inches lower but rides on a wheelbase only 0.6 inches shorter. This gives the Sorento a lower, leaner look with wheels pushed to the edges of the bodywork. In contrast, the Pajero looks like a tall box with a huge rear overhang.

DRIVETRAIN:
*The Sorento is also powered by a 2.5l turbocharged and intercooled engine. But ten years of progress has resulted in almost 50% more power and torque coupled with reduced emissions and no negative effects on fuel economy. The 99bhp 4d56 is a dinosaur compared to the Kia Motor. There is no comparison.
*The Sorento has a 5 speed automatic with a manual manual mode. The Pajero has a 5 speed manual.
*Both vehicles have dual range transfer cases. The Sorento's being operated by a knob, the Pajero's by a lever. It's no secret that I prefer lever type systems. The Pajero's system can also be used as a fulltime 4wd system should the user prefer to do so.

INTERIOR:
*The Sorento's interior looks more modern. There are numerous cubbyholes and storage bins which are even lined with felt or rubber to quell vibrations. The glovebox has two levels with an elastic retaining strap in the main compartment to keep things in order. The armrest is also a multilevel design. There are 4 cupholders, most of which are capable of holding mugs. There is a rear underfloor storage compartment. A front roof console is where the multi info display, maplamps, and sunglasses holders reside. The fake wood, however, won't fool anyone. The cloth upholstery somewhat feels cheapish. The Sorento is also ergonomically superior. The radio controls are high up in the dash and not buried near the floor as it is on the Pajero.
*The Pajero is a sea of gray plastic. It has the usual storage areas but nothing spectacular. The dashboard looks busy and some switches are not easy to locate or to reach intuitively. The center console won't hold much stuff. There are also 4 cupholders. It one ups the Sorento by offering 5 armrests (2 front, 3 rear). The Pajero also has dual airconditioners. The multimeter is in a hooded pod on the center of the dashboard. The plastics don't look anything spectacular, but hold up to abuse pretty well. The moquette upholstery also holds up well despite the vehicle's age.

SAFETY:
*The Sorento has ABS and driver's side SRS. Both of which are not available on the Pajero.

DETAILS:
*The Sorento has plastic front and rear bumpers. The Pajero has steel bumpers, with the front bumper designed to accept the OEM PTO winch. The rear bumper is a step bumper. Plastics are not bad. They self heal and are quite easy to repair. They're just not as hardy as the Pajero's.
*The Sorento is surrounded by lower body cladding. Great for avoiding parking lot dings and dents. But so is the Pajero.
*The Sorento has a lower step in height. Which is great except when you are off-road and don't want the rocker panels to hit. Climbing into the Pajero cockpit can be a literal climb especially for horizontally challenged anatomies.
*There are not trailer towing facilities on the Sorento. The Pajero has a NATO type pintle hook.
*The Sorento radiator hangs lower than the bumper (not so good), but it is protected by a front skid plate (good). However, there are no skidplates for the transmission, transfer case and fuel tank. All of these areas are armored on the Pajero.
*The flip up rear glass of the Sorento is a convenient touch. Especially compared to the heavy side opening tailgate of the Pajero.
*The Sorento wears 29.5" tires as standard. The Pajero came with 31" tires. Fitting bigger tires on the Pajero is easy (I have 33") but the tiny wheelwells of the Sorento may pose problems when going above a 31" tire.

Ang dami na palang nagbago in ten years. hehehe. Yung ibang features nawala, na. Pero may nadagdag din naman. I guess it's just a reflection on the shift of usage of these types of vehicles...

[nugundam93]

get both otep. the paj for heavy use. the sorento for porma/light duty. :D

[wrcastro_ph]

Tama, dagdag na lang yung Sorento. hehhehe

[mbt]

hay nako, mag patrol na kasi. he he he. :D

[mazdamazda]

otep... wait for the facelifted sorento... hehehe... mas pogi and more goodies to play with (LSD, traction control, stability control)... with a more powerful VGT engine!

[OTEP]

No hurry, I'm just posting my observations as to how the SUV has evolved over the years.

I hope they make receiver hitches for Sorentos. hehehe. So that it'll be easier to slap on a pintle hook.

[gregg_g]

I commend your very informative observation, you can be an envy to those vehicle journalist. Just like you I also had own a Pajero 97 (same color as yours) but I have to part ways with it after I fell in love with the Sorento, although I missed the suspension front seats, bigger baggage area and dual aircon, but all these can be compensated by so many things that the Sorento can give, like a quiet but powerful CRDI engine, safety components (airbags, driver and passenger front) and a very eye catching form factor…