Hyundai Kona Electric vs Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

The Hyundai Kona Electric starts from $54,000 before on-road costs, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport opens at $51,540. That makes the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport the more affordable entry point by $2,460.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $59,400 and $56,694 respectively.

The Hyundai Kona Electric qualifies for FBT exemption as an electric vehicle, which can dramatically reduce the effective cost for novated lease buyers. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, as a petrol model, does not qualify.

Both the Hyundai Kona Electric and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport hold a 5-star ANCAP safety rating.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. The Hyundai Kona Electric packs more ADAS features with 5 out of 10 key systems fitted, compared to 2 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 7 in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 7 in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport.

The Hyundai Kona Electric features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 12.3-inch digital dash, while the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport gets a 8-inch display. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The Hyundai Kona Electric stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, heated front seats and V2L that you will not find on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport. The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport counters with Apple CarPlay. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

The Hyundai Kona Electric uses a Electric producing 99kW and 255Nm of torque, sent through a automatic to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 9.9 seconds.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport responds with a Diesel making 133kW and 430Nm, paired to a automatic driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 11.5 seconds.

The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has the clear power advantage at 133kW vs 99kW. In the real-world sprint, the Hyundai Kona Electric is 1.6s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The Hyundai Kona Electric measures 4,350mm long on a 2,660mm wheelbase, 435mm shorter than the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport at 4,785mm (2,800mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 361L in the Hyundai Kona Electric and 131L in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, giving the Hyundai Kona Electric a 230L advantage.

For towing, the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport leads with a 3,100kg braked capacity vs 1,300kg. That 1,800kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Running cost data is not yet available for both models. We will update when figures are confirmed.

Warranty: 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai Kona Electric) vs 10 years / 200,000km (Mitsubishi Pajero Sport). The Mitsubishi Pajero Sport has longer coverage.