Verdict
B
SUV Large · Japan · 1982-2019
Mitsubishi Shogun
Mitsubishi Shogun — spec data and generation history.
Years
1982-2019
Generations
4
Segment
SUV Large
Ladder-frame off-roader sold in the UK as Shogun, in Japan as Pajero, in Spain as Montero — four UK generations from V20 (1982-1991) through V60 (1991-1999, the Tomb Raider one), V80 (2000-2006), and V80 facelift / V90 (2006-2019). Always body-on-frame and always Super Select 4WD II. 2.8 TD on V20/V60, 3.2 DI-D on V80/V90 — that 3.2 four-cylinder diesel is famously rough but bulletproof when serviced. Won the Dakar Rally a record 12 times — a heritage no rival can match. Discontinued in the UK in 2019 alongside Mitsubishi's gradual UK retreat; replaced by nothing here. Rust on the V60 chassis is the killer; later cars hold up better but timing belt service is mandatory.
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
V60 1991-1999 → V80 2000-2006
BHP +30 bhp
Torque +50 Nm
0–60 mph −1.5 s
Top speed +5 mph
MPG +5 mpg
V80 2000-2006 → V80 facelift / V90 2006-2019
BHP +10 bhp
Torque +20 Nm
0–60 mph −0.5 s
Top speed +0 mph
MPG +3 mpg
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
1982-1991
V20
→
2.5 TD — 95 bhp, 0-60 in 15.5s.
Verdict
C
BHP
95
0–60
15.5 s
Top
87 mph
MPG
23 mpg
Used
$3,800-$13,000
- + Bulletproof off-roader
- + Classic 1980s SUV looks
- − Chassis rust
- − Slow
1991-1999
V60
→
2.8 TD — 123 bhp, 0-60 in 13.5s.
Verdict
C
BHP
123
0–60
13.5 s
Top
96 mph
MPG
23 mpg
Used
$4,400-$15,000
- + Tomb Raider Shogun
- + Super Select 4WD I
- − Chassis rust
- − Heavy fuel use on V6
2000-2006
V80
→
3.2 DI-D — 158 bhp, 0-60 in 11.5s.
Verdict
B
BHP
158
0–60
11.5 s
Top
109 mph
MPG
25 mpg
Used
$5,700-$18,000
- + Common-rail 3.2 DI-D
- + Independent rear suspension (UK first)
- − Timing belt service
- − Heavy
2006-2019
V80 facelift / V90
→
3.2 DI-D — 187 bhp, 0-60 in 11.0s.
Verdict
B
BHP
187
0–60
11.0 s
Top
112 mph
MPG
28 mpg
Used
$7,000-$25,000
- + Super Select 4WD II refined
- + Strong 3.2 DI-D
- − DPF blockages
- − Replaced by nothing
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
1982-1991 · V20
- Chassis rust
- Front wishbone bushes
- Heater matrix
1991-1999 · V60
- Chassis rust (severe on UK cars)
- Cracked exhaust manifolds
- Front wheel bearings
2000-2006 · V80
- Timing belt service interval
- Common-rail injector wear
- Front diff seals
2006-2019 · V90
- DPF blockages on short runs
- EGR carbon build-up
- Cracked exhaust manifold (still)
Rivals
Toyota Land Cruiser · Land Rover Discovery · Nissan Patrol · Jeep Grand Cherokee